Frequently asked Massage Questions
Can I lie face-down during my pregnancy massage or is it side lying? I use the specialty orthopedic body support cushions that are fully adjustable to accommodate your growing belly and breasts during all stages of pregnancy. These cushions enable you to lie face down (or on your side if you prefer) comfortably and safely. Most women find them so comfortable that they wish they had them at home! Depending on your body style, I may need to modify your position with extra bolsters or side lying if needed. I usually start the session face down and will modify the position as needed or for the clients comfort. When it is time to turn over after the 1st trimester, I use a wedge and pillows to elevate your back and support your knees.
Is pregnancy massage safe 1st trimester/3rd trimester/when due, high risk, multiple etc. ? Yes! Massage during a normal pregnancy is not harmful at all. This includes 1st trimester all the way until you are due. Massage supports a healthy pregnancy and does not cause miscarriage or induce preterm labor. If you have certain high-risk conditions that could be complicated by promotion of blood flow throughout your body via massage or if you have any concerns in general about pregnancy massage, feel free to ask your prenatal provider. I am totally confident working with you and will let you know after I receive your intake form if there are any further concerns.
I heard you can’t massage the feet, or use deep pressure, or face down is not safe for a pregnancy massage?
Myths about prenatal massage:
massage will stir up toxins and is dangerous,
foot massage will put you in labor,
you can only use light pressure massage,
no deep work on your lower back,
no massage in the first trimester,
no face-down massage EVER,
therapist can naturally induce labor or do things that will put you in labor….. these are all false.
If I could induce labor or cause a miscarriage just by rubbing your feet or pushing on certain spots I would be super rich! While there are points on the body that when specifically applied can possibly help augment labor or help it along there is nothing any massage or acupressure techniques can do to start labor if the baby and mom are not ready. Over the years it has been found that prenatal massage can be deep and therapeutic and no ill effects to the baby or mom. Face down massage when done with the correct support bolsters is generally the most comfortable for clients. With a trained therapist who knows how to use the bolsters correctly is also very safe.
The main difference with prenatal and regular massage is that I don’t do super deep sports-massage type techniques on your legs and I must position you differently on the table as your belly grows. I can still work with as deep of pressure as you want (I don’t treat you like you are fragile), I am a SPECIALISTS in prenatal massage and have worked on hundreds of pregnant women. If you have any concerns about the safety and practice of prenatal massage, please contact me for clarification.
How often should I get pregnancy massage? Same as your prenatal care visits! Once every 4 weeks up to week 27; every other week up to week 36; weekly from week 36 on until you give birth. MANY clients come every other week or every week for the whole pregnancy, and for six months postpartum.
Postpartum massage – how soon, and how often? You can come back in within the first 3 days of giving birth. Bring baby with you! (Giant maxi pads and leaky boobs welcome.) Unless you have had a c-section then I recommend after 2 weeks if the incision is healing. After that, every other week at least for the first 6 months postpartum. (Schedule motherhood around your massage appointments and you will be a better, happier mother.)
What do I need to wear? What ever you want! I usually suggest my client completely disrobe including underwear, but it is totally up to you if you want to leave underwear on or off. I only uncover the area I am working on then re-drape.
Do you only work with pregnant women? I work on everybody! Many of the specialty pregnancy massage techniques work great for all sorts of back and hip problems. I only take male client via referral though.
Frequently asked Doula questions
What is a doula? A birth professional that provides non-medical continuous care before, during and after birth. A doula provides physical comfort techniques for labor, such as massage, movement, counter pressure, and positioning. Emotional support to help the mother and partner deal with the many ups and down of labor, and education to help create an optimal birth experience. I am independent and self-employed. As your doula, I am working for you, not your caregiver or hospital.
Do they do medical evaluations or cervical checks? As a doula, I do not: Perform clinical tasks, such as blood pressure, fetal heart checks, vaginal exams, or other medical checks. I am there to provide only physical comfort, education and emotional support.
I have heard some providers don’t like doulas because they tell their clients what to do against their doctors wishes? As a doula, I do not: Make decisions for you. I will help you get the information necessary to make an informed decision. Remind you if there is a departure from your birth plan. I do not Speak to the staff on your behalf. I will discuss your concerns with you and will help you go over your options, but you or your partner will speak directly to the clinical staff.
What is the difference between a midwife and doula? Doulas do not catch babies! A doula provides non-medical support and works as a dedicated support person to the birthing family. Midwives and OB’s serve as your health care provider and deliver your baby, while your doula will be your trusty sidekick and dedicated support.
I want my partner to be my support person, do doulas replace my partner? No! As your doula I work along side your partner helping and supporting you and them throughout the birth process. I help your partner take as active a role as they want. I just help them to be able to focus on your emotional needs and not have to worry or understand all the processes taking place in the birth environment.
Frequently asked Belly Binding questions
I heard belly binding can cause prolapse (uterus falling out of the vagina or weaken vaginal muscles)? Properly done belly binding should not cause prolapse. When the binding is done from the pubic bone up to the sternum then the pressure is upward and should not cause harm. If you do have any type of known prolapse or pelvic floor weakness, then discussing binding with your practitioner is a good idea.
How long should I wear the binding? Traditionally, the Malaysian belly bind is done for the entire postpartum “confinement” period, which is 30-40 days in the cultures that observe this practice. This is unpractical for modern day living, and the results diminish after a week or two. We’ve found the best belly binding length to be 12-24 hours for 5 – 10 days.
What makes belly binding different from western postpartum girdles like Belly Bandit? Its length and the custom fit. A Malaysian Belly Bind is a long wrap that covers from under the chest all the way down to below the hips. This way, it doesn’t just work on the waist, but also helps the rib-cage and the hips go back to their former dimensions. It also stays put when you move, and so it doesn’t press on the abdomen. Girdles that only bind the abdomen also push down on the pelvic floor muscles and organs, potentially causing or worsening pelvic, uterine, or bladder prolapse. The custom fit cannot be found anywhere else, and this improves the results you will see.
How do I go to the bathroom while wearing the belly bind? I recommend having the belly bind wrapped beneath all of your clothes for the best fit and most comfort and convenience. The most effective belly bind stretches from just below your bust to about mid-hip, near your pelvic bone. For modesty’s sake (and because of heavy postpartum flow) you’ll want to wear whatever underwear (mesh, etc.) while binding. It is still easy enough to pull your underwear out from under the bind the first time you use the bathroom and when you’re finished, simply pull them up over the bind or tuck them back underneath.
Can I still belly bind if I have a c-section? You can still receive belly binding if you have a c-section. We will wait until 4 – 6 weeks postpartum, based on your healing and recovery. The belly bind still has many benefits within the first two months.
Can I still belly bind if I have a miscarriage or still-birth? You can still receive belly binding if either of these situations occurs, and in fact, the belly bind will speed your emotional as well as physical healing. Contact me for special bereavement pricing.
Other Frequently asked questions
What is your cancellation/rescheduling policy? Please note: No call, no show appointments will be subject to up to the full session fee. A credit card will need to be on file for subsequent sessions. Last minute cancelations are considered 24 hrs. before the session starts and may be subject to a 50% cancelation fee. (This fee can be adjusted in a case by case basis, no fee is charged if client goes into labor)
Late clients: if a client is running late they will get whatever remaining time is left for their scheduled session. Arriving 5 minutes early each time will allow for you to get your full session. If the therapist is running behind no loss of time will be applied to the clients’ session.
What if I go into labor and have to cancel my appt? There is no fee for last minute cancellation due to going into labor but I do ask you give as much notice as possible.
What is required in order to reserve my appointment? Your full name, email address, mobile number, I also appreciate if you tell me how many weeks pregnant or postpartum you are if booking online, and whether your pregnancy is low- or high-risk (and if high risk, for what reason).
Do you take walk-ins? No. Occasionally, I do have same-day/last-minute appointments. Call or text to see if there is a last-minute appointment available. Appointments are required.
Do you accept insurance? I am happy to give you a receipt for your payment so you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement. You can also use an HSA or FSA debit card. (It usually requires a prescription for massage therapy from your doctor or chiropractor).