Prenatal & Postpartum Massage

 

Jennifer is a licensed massage therapist, and very experienced in prenatal and postpartum massage. She has helped many pregnant clients with sciatic pain, swelling (edema) of the hands and feet, low back pain, SI joint pain, insomnia, digestive trouble, leg cramps, restless leg syndrome, stress relief, and relief of general muscle tension and pain. Most pregnant clients purchase a massage package and receive treatments throughout their prenatal and postpartum period. Studies show the greatest benefit for those who receive regular massage during their pregnancy (although even one or two sessions can be highly beneficial).

 

During prenatal massage, you will be able to lie comfortably on your side with the support of pillows and bolsters (except during the first trimester when you may lie face down). Your therapist focus's on your specific needs depending on your stage of pregnancy and your individual experience. Many clients who have had prenatal massage elsewhere say that this is the first time they've had prenatal massage that has used deep enough pressure and been effective at pain relief. It IS safe to receive massage from a skilled, licensed massage therapist during your first trimester. It can be helpful with fatigue, nausea, etc. In your second and third trimesters they can help with all of the physical discomforts described above. Toward the end of your pregnancy we can prepare your body for labor and acupressure can be used to help stimulate labor if you are near or past your due date, and there is written consent from your care provider.

 

Postpartum massage focuses on physical recovery and rejuvenation after childbirth, giving you some space to focus on how your own body is feeling, and to relieve stiffness, tension, and pain associated with caring for a newborn. Jennifer has worked with women experiencing back pain and stiff neck from holding and feeding a newborn as well as the wrist and thumb pain that is common postpartum. Massage even helps increase milk production (in part through reduction in blood cortisol levels). You can come for massage as soon after giving birth as you like and you can even bring your newborn to postpartum appointments if you would like to!

 

Health Benefits

During pregnancy:

• Decreases rates of complications during labor

• Decreases rates of postnatal complications for the baby

• Decreases rates of premature birth

• Decreases stress hormone levels in mother

• Increases oxygen and nutrients to the cells of mother and baby (improves circulation)

• Promotes easier breathing

• Reduces swelling (edema) in the hands and feet

• Decreases pain in low back, shoulders, neck, and hips due to shift in posture

• Alleviates stress on weight-bearing joints due to additional weight of the baby

• Alleviates leg cramps

• Alleviates sciatic pain

• Reduces insomnia

• Helps prepare the muscles used during childbirth

 

Postpartum:

• Better milk production and easier breastfeeding

• Helps to realign the pelvis after birth

• Relieves soreness after birth

• Faster recovery from a cesarean

• Relieves stiffness, tension, and aches and pains associated with caring for a newborn

 

Call Policy

Please keep in mind that there are times when your therapist will be on call to attend births. In the event of this happening, your therapist may need to reschedule an appointment with little advance notice, or sometimes even leave a session earlier than planned, if someone goes into labor. If your session needs to be cut short, extra time will be added to your next visit. Because babies like to be born in their own time, we appreciate your flexibility.