I’m Libby, one of the Massage Therapists at ProMassage Integrative Health Solutions and want to share why I personally loved massage through both pregnancies, why I recommend them to clients, the benefits and some cautions to be aware of when considering a massage before, during and after pregnancy, as well as how I, as your therapist, will assure your comfort and safety throughout the massage.
I had two babies in two years. I spent the better part of 2020-2021 pregnant, nursing or both. This while also working as a mobile Massage Therapist, hauling a 35-pound massage table sometimes up 3 flights of stairs into my clients homes. To say I was sore was an understatement on the best day.
As someone who had struggled a for about a year to conceive my first, massage during that process helped my stress level and helped to cope with the disappointment of a failed cycle. When I did conceive my daughter the end of 2019, I knew getting massage was going to be important.
As my body changed, my center of gravity shifted, my joints began to loosen in anticipation for the birth of my baby, I started noticing sore spots that were not there before, especially in my hips and lower back. Massage was incredible for pain management and helping my muscles adjust to a growing belly.
As my due date approached, I started realizing just how beneficial a massage therapist would be during labor. I made sure my Doula was also a massage therapist and it made all the differences in my 37 hour labor.
After I was cleared for normal activity at my six-week post-partum visit, I continued getting massage which was incredibly helpful as my muscles and joints returned to their positions after pregnancy.
Benefits of prenatal massage:
Relaxation and Stress Reduction - parenting is hard! Pregnancy is no different. It is a very exciting time, but life as you know it will change in ways you weren’t even prepared for.
Creating a self-care plan that includes some massage prior to your baby’s arrival is so helpful. It gives you something to look forward to. I also recommend scheduling a massage for your due date as it helps give you something to look forward to in those last few weeks, I mean other than a new baby!
Pain Management - Aches and pains are part of pregnancy (unless you’re a lucky one!) and massage is a great way to get some much-needed relief. As muscles and joints stretch and shift as baby and body grows, it is important to have a way to relive them. Stretching can be incredibly helpful, and massage can help get to the stubborn muscles that just will not relax.
Preparing for Labor and Delivery - if you are in any Pregnancy groups you know, as due date nears or passes, moms get desperate to start labor. Many suggest massage, acupuncture, or the dreaded Midwives Brew. I love these massages as they are such a different session as they are much more energetic and focused on specific points and holding points to prepare the body and hopefully get labor moving.
Cautions:
Most woman prefer to wait until the 2nd trimester to start massage. You can start at any time during your pregnancy but make sure to speak with your OBGYN or Midwife before receiving massage. There are certain types of massage and points that a therapist will not work because of the potential to start labor. Bolstering will be a bit different as well. We have specialty bolsters so moms can be face down or on their sides comfortably.
Please feel free to reach out to our office with any specific questions. I would be happy to speak with you and answer any specific questions you may have.
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