Prenatal Massage
Massage is a wonderful way to relax, increase your energy, and relieve discomfort during your pregnancy. The caring touch of massage can help you experience your changing body in a positive, accepting way. Massage can also be something special for you at a time when so much of your attention is on the baby to come.
Change, even welcome change, is stressful. The tension caused by stress, along with the physical changes of pregnancy, can drain your energy for coping day-to-day. A soothing massage can relieve physical and emotional tension, help you sleep better, and boost your energy.
Massage loosens tight muscles and calms the nervous system. It also increases circulation, bringing energy producing nutrients to your cells and carrying away metabolic waste products that can make you feel lethargic. In a massage, you also become more aware of your body, which helps you recognize tension as it builds during the day and consciously release it.
Massage can help with many of the aches and pains you experience as your body changes during pregnancy. Massage can:
· Relieve pain in your muscles and joints that must support added and redistributed weight;
· Increase flexibility, making it easier for your body to adjust to a changing shape;
· Ease constipation, gas and heartburn as general relaxation stimulates intestinal movement;
· Reduce excess fluid retention by gently pushing fluid into circulation where it can be eliminated;
· Slow the progress of varicose veins as enhanced circulation lowers pressure on bulging veins;
· Relieve headaches caused by tension, constipation, or buildup of metabolic waste products.
Besides the immediate relief you get from a massage, you may also learn ways to make yourself more comfortable at home. You may find ways to use pillows for support when you are lying down. You receive feedback on your posture and suggested gentle exercises and stretches to help relieve tension. You might also learn breathing techniques to help you relax.
You will be comfortably supported with pillows or cushions during your massage. In later pregnancy you can experience a complete massage comfortably supported in a side-lying position. If there are no contraindications you can experience massage while lying comfortably on your stomach as your belly is safely cradled in our prenatal table. If lying down is simply not comfortable, you can remain seated for a relaxing partial massage.
Massage can help you prepare for the birthing process in at least two ways. First, through massage you can increase your awareness of tension in your body and learn how to consciously release it. You can also prepare for labour by practicing focus, breathing and relaxation techniques while a tender area is being massage. The result will be increased confidence and control during labour.
Postpartum massage can help you handle the physical demands of caring for a newborn by reducing tension and increasing energy. If you are nursing, a relaxing massage can help since tension interferes with milk letdown. Psychologically, massage can nurture and comfort you whether or not you are experiencing postpartum “blues”.
Regular massage during your pregnancy and postpartum weeks can relieve your physical symptoms and help you cope with stress. Because it supports your physical health and vitality, massage can help you more easily adjust to the many changes in your body and the demands of your new life. Just taking time out for a massage can improve your outlook on life, making everything seem easier during this time of so many changes.
Call to book your prenatal or postpartum massage today. I offer daytime, evening, and weekend appointments and direct bill most insurance plans.
30minute treatment $40, 60minute treatment $75, 90minute treatment $105
