ManaManaSpa

Pregnancy Massage?

May 14, 2007 by Tally | Posted in Other - Pregnancy & Parenting

Hubby gave me a gift certificate for a 1 hour pregnancy massage for my birthday. I know to make sure the person giving the massage is a pre-natal trained professional. But, what specifically is done during a pregnancy massage (never had one before, heck, I've never had a professional massage before)? Also, how much do I tip for an hour? Thanks.
Oh, I should've said that I'm in my third trimester. 8 months. :)

most massage therapists don't use the tables with the holes anymore. pregnancy cushions are used, which elevate your body and are formed to the shape of a pregnant woman. there are indentations for your belly (which is expandable depending how far along you are) and for your breasts, which can be very tender right now. they are extremely comfortable, and most women leave the massage saying "i should buy some of these cushions for my bed!"
the massage usually focuses on whatever areas you are experiencing the most discomfort; usually the lower back and the areas along the spine. also the legs and buttocks can be worked. it's imporatant that you, as the client, take part in the experience. focus on relaxing the areas being worked on, keep breathing slowly, and tell your therapist if you need to shift positions. lying on your side is also a good option.
remember not to get a massage during the first trimester, as the fetal attachments are at their most vunerable, and post-natal massage is even more important than it is during pregnancy.
an average tip is $10.
relax, enjoy, and explore the wonderful benefits of massage!

What is a good name for a pregnancy massage center?

Feb 02, 2009 by BabyLuVer | Posted in Pregnancy

I am opening a pregnancy massage center w/ my sister that will also be offering belly casting. Any ideas for a name? Thank you!

Celebration of Life - prenatal massage and more

First Touch prenatal massage

Labor of Love - prenatal massage

Gentle Hands - prenatal massage and maternity center

Tell me about pregnancy massage? Where can I go to recieve a pregnancy massage?

Apr 04, 2007 by ediva30 | Posted in Other - Pregnancy & Parenting

I'm in my third trimester and would like to get one before I go into labor. Will having this help me to relax? What other benefits are there for pregnancy massage? I am becoming very anxious, my feet and ankles are swollen, and I feel as if my whole body is stressed from being pregnant.

First of all, congratulations on the upcoming arrival. As a massage therapist, and massage instructor I find pregnancy massage of huge benefit.

It is one of my specialties, along with being a labor and delivery doula. Massage up until delivery is a wonderful experience (yes, I have often massaged women in labor).

I agree with the other therapist who wrote - make sure you are worked on ONLY by a pre-natal trained professional.

I disagree, however, with work on the ankles. The heel of the foot is off limits because this area could trigger contractions (and there are a couple of small areas on the leg, shoulder, head and hands that should be avoided as well - but a trained pro should know these points.)

Because you are having swelling, the only approved massage technique for those areas would be LIGHT lymphatic drainage - so you would benefit most from a therapist trained in that modality in addition to pregnancy.

Benefits of massage in pregnancy include relaxation (decompression, stress relief and lessened anxiety) for mom, which actually has been shown to relax the baby as well. It can ease muscular pain and discomfort and, in some cases, regular massage before labor can actually help the mother to relax more naturally during labor.

Obviously, that works best if mom has massage utilized during labor - but even getting massages late in pregnancy can help the body to stretch more naturally.

Personally, I had a lot of problems with sciatic pain during my pregnancy (many years ago I admit) - and nothing worked like massage to ease that pain.

Good luck

Does anyone know of a local pregnancy massage therapist? Are they safe?

Apr 07, 2008 by ashley_johnson1988 | Posted in Pregnancy

I live in Rossville, Ga. I would like to find a massage therapist that specilazies in Pregnancy. I found a few but I would have to travel about 50 miles just to get there. I was hoping to find something closer. If anyone knows please answer.

I live in WI so I know that's a bit further! lol but try chiropractic offices as well as salon/spas. I work in a salon and 3 of our 5 massage therapists are certified for maternity massages. Good luck.

do you have to have a certification to do pregnancy massage legally?

Oct 10, 2006 by Stevie | Posted in Other - Skin & Body

I am a licensed M.T., just wanted to know if I need additional training to massage pregnant women legally in Illinios

NO

what trimester is safe for pregnancy massage?

Sep 25, 2007 by tamilynn | Posted in Alternative Medicine

I was told it wasn't safe the 2nd trimester in Massage School, but, a friend of mine showed me an article that it was ok.
Unsafe because it causes the baby's heartbeat to increase and cause stress, is what we were taught.

I've heard of people going even during their first trimester. Just make sure you find someone qualified with experience in prenatal massage. And also, make sure the professional you are going to see has a specially equipped massage table to allow for this type of massage. If you are feeling a little unsure, wait until your second trimester or go speak to your doctor and find out if it is ok for you to have a prenatal massage. Every woman's pregnancy is different and in some cases, massage may not be a good idea. Only your doctor can tell you if it is safe for you or not.

I would like to learn pregnancy massage?

Jul 11, 2007 by mb722004 | Posted in Pregnancy

I am a qualified remedial massage therapist and would like to know if there is anywhere online to learn pregnancy massage online for free? My wife has recently become pregnant and I would like to keep her comfortable. Thanks

http://www.pregnancytoday.com/reference/articles/prenatms.htm
you might check out this website...looks like it has some advice on how to do it and such.

How does a pregnancy massage work?

Aug 14, 2006 by MissCongeniality | Posted in Pregnancy

Sounds like alot of fun!!!
Oooo, Ahhh - Pregnancy Massage
From Robin Elise Weiss, LCCE,
Your Guide to Pregnancy / Birth.

Curing what ails you in pregnancy.
Most people enjoy human touch. A touch can convey comfort, love, awareness and many other sensations. It can also help alleviate aches and pains.

All of these are of benefit, especially when you are pregnant.

Benefits of Pregnancy Massage include:

* Tranquil relaxation and reduce stress.
* Relief from muscle cramps, spasms, and myofascial pain, especially in the lower back, neck, hips, and legs.
* Increase in blood and lymph circulation, which can reduce swelling.
* Reduces stress on weight-bearing joints.
* Improves outcome of labor and eases labor pain.
* Enhances the pliability of skin and underlying tissues.
* Provides support for the new mother with physical and emotional strains of mothering.
She then became certified in pregnancy and postpartum massage. She recommends that when you are looking for a pregnancy or postpartum massage therapist that you make sure the therapist is certified in pregnancy massage. "This means the therapist has taken special training and knows what is safe practice for mother and her baby. Just being a massage therapist doesn't mean they are qualified to give massage to pregnant and postpartum women," warns Davis. "Just because a brochure offers pregnancy massage doesn't always mean everyone is qualified to perform this type of massage."

Massage during pregnancy differs from a regular massage in a couple of ways. The biggest way it differs is that the person receiving the massage is pregnant, and therefore knowledge of pregnancy and the anatomy of a pregnant woman are very important. This means that positioning during a massage is critical to the safety and well-being of both the mother and the baby she is carrying. There are also parts of the body that should not be massaged.

"The massage table will be set up so you will lie in a semi-reclining position. This is not only really comfortable, but safe for baby. Also you will turn from side to side to do your back and hips, there are body pillows, wedge pillows and extra padding to make you comfortable," Davis explains. "Never use the tables with the whole cut out for your belly, these cause undo stress to your lower back, it may seem like a great idea, but it isn't."

The room setting for a pregnancy massage is much like a typical massage, the room will have low lightening, you will lie on a warm extra padded table. Soft music will be in the background to help you relax and drift off. Some therapists will provide music with a baby's heartbeat in the background, some use candles to also set the mood and of course they smell good too. Be sure to tell your therapist if any of these disturb your senses. Sometimes there might be music or smells that don't quite agree with you and they are easily changed.

A questions I am often asked about massage is about the level of clothing one will wear. That is really between you and your therapist. Many moms choose to remove all of their clothing, though they are never uncovered, as they are always covered by the sheets. Some choose to wear their underwear or their bra and underwear. Whatever you choose to wear or remove is completely up to you and your comfort level.

Massage is beneficial for almost everyone. Even women carrying multiples babies can benefit greatly from massage. There may be certain conditions that may or may not be related to the pregnancy that would preclude massage or certain types of massage. This may include women at risk for preterm labor, women with blood clots or clotting disorders, and other ailments. Many therapists recommend that you have a written notice from your doctor or midwife before receiving massage therapy during pregnancy. Massage done during the first trimester is generally up to the therapist, the woman and her practitioner. Massage has never been associated with an increased risk of miscarriage.

Massage can also be useful for labor. Techniques can be done by your partner or a doula. Davis says, "The time to learn the techniques is while your pregnant before you go into labor. It is a great idea to take your partner or friend with you when you get your massage, any professional therapist will encourage this, they can show your partner many comfort measures he or she can use at home and will also explain why some techniques are unsafe. These hits will really help out when your in labor!"

Postpartum massage is designed to help restore the body to its pre-pregnant condition. It also addresses the stress of carrying and caring for a newborn. It can speed the recovery by bringing relief of sore muscles and help the mother to relax more easily. Abdominal massage helps shrink the uterus and relieve subcutaneous scar tissue. It may be given as early as 24 hours after delivery in a vaginal delivery but only with written permission from your doctor or midwife.

No matter where you are in the childbearing year, massage may have many benefits for you and your baby.

Are there any massage places that have therapists certified in pregnancy massage?

Jul 25, 2007 by Holly Berry | Posted in Women's Health

I've never been to a spa or had a professional massage. How much does a massage session usually cost? I'm 8 months pregnant, my back is killing me, my whole body is sore and my feet are swollen and bruised.

Best answer goes to anyone who can find a place in the Oklahoma City area with certified pregnancy massage therapists.

Other than getting a massage, elevating my feet, drinking water, is there anything I can do about my bruised feet? I bought some super soft socks and slippers last night which help but I can't rest as much as I should because I'm now "nesting" and have to prepare the house for the baby as well as regular chores everyday.

Okay, I checked it out. I am a massage therapist in St. Louis, and was bent on having massage weekly when I was pregnant. I know the benefit and importance of it. I found an awesome location that says it services the Oklahoma City area. They provide Doula Services and Prenatal massage. Massage During pregnancy, birth, and postpartum is what these people specialize in. You should be able to trust them and their experience fully. Their rates are very fair too. If you wind up going I would love to know what you think. Good luck with everything.

Is getting a pregnancy massage dangerous while pregnant??

Aug 02, 2007 by babyborn | Posted in Pregnancy

Not just a pregnancy massage but other massages as well.

The say not to do your legs b/c it can release blood clots

pregnancy massage News