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.
