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 Pre & Perinatal Massage a hands-on system specifically designed to treat the discomforts of pregnancy and maintain optimum health for the expectant woman, from her nine months of pregnancy, through labor and postpartum, to the nursing period. This massage system is a combination of various techniques, including Swedish Massage, Reflexology, and Shiatsu. While a woman is pregnant, the demands placed on her body are great and dramatically ever changing. Pregnancy Massage is a safe, nurturing and effective way to reduce many of the adverse results of stress and the accompanying discomforts. There is a lot of literature and scientific data that validates the prodigious, beneficial effects of massage. One of its most powerful accomplishments is stress reduction. Pregnancy Massage provides general relaxation as well as relief from some of the most common discomforts of pregnancy: abdominal pressure, allergies and sinus congestion, anemia, backaches, breast soreness, carpal tunnel syndrome, charley horse and leg cramps, constipation, heartburn and gas, edema, fatigue, headaches, hemorrhoids, insomnia, morning sickness, nausea, sciatica, and varicose veins. Emotionally, self-esteem and better body image can also be promoted with Pregnancy Massage. Pregnancy Massage can also provide specific points that may help to stimulate or speed up labor, while promoting calmness and relaxation. Ligaments, tendons, and joints enjoy greater flexibility. Back labor can be relieved with Pregnancy Massage. Pregnancy Massage promotes a greater kinesthetic sense to the pregnant or laboring woman. In addition to this heightened physical awareness, woman report feeling more confident and in control of their body. During this emotional time, studies have shown that touch reduces C-section rates and shortens labor. During the first trimester, a woman can safely lie in any position, as long as she is comfortable. However, in some cases, it is not only preferred but also recommended that she be in a semi reclined position while on her back. Lying on her stomach is safe during the first 3 months. In the second and third trimester, the prone position is not recommended, even with specialized equipment such as "cut-out" tables or cushions. Side lying positioning using several pillows is used to ensure the comfort and safety of the client. The client is unclothed but covered with a sheet and blanket, to ensure warmth and modesty for the client during this special time. Natural oils and lotions are used during the massage session. The massage session lasts about an hour and it is recommended that for the first trimester she receives massage at least once a month. During the second trimester the massage sessions can be increased, if needed, to twice a month, and eventually leading to once a week or more during the last stages of pregnancy. The postpartum recovery period, considered to be six weeks after birth, is a physically and emotionally demanding period of adjustment. Pregnancy Massage can help realign the pelvis and possibly avoid pregnancy-related back pain. A clockwise, circular Pettrisage, performed every four hours, can expedite the return of the uterus to its pre-pregnant condition. A full-body treatment offers relief for general soreness and fatigue and promotes rapid healing. In addition, post-partum blues, which may affect almost two-thirds of post-partum women, is minimized with a general, relaxing treatment. The amount and frequency of massage is dependant on the individual client. As always, regular massage, in any case, is more effective. Often, after receiving regular massage during pregnancy and post-partum, the woman realizes the unlimited benefits she has felt and therefore continues once a month or more indefinitely. Pre and Perinatal Massage, also referred to as Mother massage or Pregnancy Massage is a specialty and it is highly advised that a woman seeking massage during pregnancy use a Therapist specifically trained in this field. For more information about Pre & Perinatal Massage, please contact us. |
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