Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy is a time of huge change, physically and emotionally. Your hormone levels vary widely to create the right environment for your baby’s development and every part of your body is having to adapt almost daily to accommodate their growth. Not to mention the emotional stressors – it may be your first pregnancy, you may have had a history of miscarriage or gone through lengthy IVF, or you may be about to introduce a new member of the family to your existing children. All of this is entirely normal, but that’s not to say you couldn’t benefit from some support.
Historically, the advice was that massage should be avoided or discouraged during pregnancy, but research has shown that it can:
- relax both you and your baby
- ease some of the discomforts pregnancy can bring, such as back ache, leg cramps and swollen ankles
- improve mood, lessen anxiety and reduce complications during pregnancy and birth
I completed a post graduate diploma specialising in ante-natal, labour and post-natal massage 12 years ago and have been supporting pregnant clients ever since.
Each treatment will be specifically tailored to your needs on the day and is carried out with you lying on your side, fully covered with towels and supported by as many pillows as you need. I use a variety of techniques to ease tight muscles, restricted joints and improve circulation (particularly to reduce fluid in swollen legs/ankles).
Working with pregnant clients is a real joy. Getting to know you, watching your pregnancy develop and supporting you along the way is so satisfying, then hearing of a new arrival just makes my day.
Are there any restrictions on massage during pregnancy?
Massage during a healthy, uncomplicated pregnancy is both safe and beneficial and both the NHS and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommend massage for managing back pain during pregnancy.
If you have any complications with your pregnancy or any previous ones it may still be safe to have a massage. I would be more than happy to discuss any concerns you have before you book a treatment. It is always advisable to check with your midwife before having any complementary therapy treatment during this time.
Although there is no evidence to suggest that massage during the first trimester of pregnancy can harm your baby in any way, I generally prefer to wait until the second trimester before commencing massage treatments. However, if there is a specific issue that you would like treatment for before that stage please do contact me to discuss it.
There is no stage of late pregnancy where massage is inadvisable - the latest I have treated a client was when she was 41 + 5!
I offer a free 15 minute discovery call to discuss any concerns or queries you have, just get in touch
When can I have massage after my baby is born?
Massage during the post natal period can be most helpful to new mothers. In the early weeks it can help to restore the uterus to its normal size and help the mum relax, de-stress and regain lost energy, reducing post natal depression. Pregnancy and childbirth put the muscles under great stress and massage helps restore their condition, as well as relieving shoulder and neck pain caused by carrying and nursing your baby, which is especially important as your baby gets heavier.
Treatments are carried out in whichever position is most comfortable for you and can be safely carried out within days of the birth.
I also work with women who have had a C-section birth to help improve the health and feel of the surgical scar and the underlying tissues. I have attended a course on the ScarWork techniques devised by Sharon Wheeler and use a combination of those techniques and myofascial release which clients find beneficial.