"To be a mother is to take on one of the most emotionally and intellectually
demanding, exasperating, strenuous, anxiety-arousing, and deeply satisfying
tasks that any human being can undertake." - Sheila Kitzinger, Ourselves as
Mothers.
Ongoing stress increases adrenal production of stress hormones, creating a
freeze, fight or flight response. Research reveals that stress has many
deleterious effects pre- and perinatally including increased maternal heart rate,
blood pressure, vomiting, nausea, spontaneous abortion, toxemia and immune
system dysfunction, higher instance of miscarriage, prematurity, prolonged
labors with more complications and more. - Grantly Dick-Read, M.D.,
Childbirth without Fear, Harper & Row, p.189
Most often pregnant women seek massage therapy for the muscular aches and
pains associated with their changing bodies. Pregnancy massage is great for
relieving stress, pain, sinus congestion, round ligament pain, intercostal (ribs)
restriction, lower back pain and edema for soon-to-be moms. I use pillows to
position my clients into the semi-recline position, where we can best work on
shoulders, neck, arms and legs. This is also one of the most common labor
positions and is good to get comfortable with. Then we were taught to safely
help our client onto their left side, which allows us to work the back, including
the lower back. You will be covered with a sheet at all times, the only areas
exposed will be the areas that I work on. Your modesty is very important
I require that a client has gotten a verbal ok from her physician, OB or midwife.
If she is a high-risk pregnancy, then I request a written ok from her physician,
OB or mid-wife. High-risk includes:
Mother's age under 20 or over 35
Complications in previous pregnancies
Three or more consecutive spontaneous abortions (miscarriages)
Multiple gestation
Maternal illnesses: diabetes mellitus, chronic hypertension, cardiac,
renal, connective tissue or liver disorders
Rh-negative mother or genetic problems including DES exposure
Fetal genetic disorders
Drug or other hazardous material exposure
Massage Gift Certificates make great baby shower gifts $60/60 min
photo provided courtesy of Tawny Buttrill
Photography, all rights reserved 2007
Schedule your appointment
today by calling 972-701-9696.
Got questions, call Stacey's cell
at 214-597-1950
Dangers of using a special table with cut-out or other device to let pregnant clients lie on their tummy during massage.While some pregnant clients are able to sleep prone or semi-prone (on tummy) throughout pregnancy safely. During a massage, pressure is applied which could cause intrauterine pressure which is not significant in uncomplicated low-risk pregnancies. It is of particular danger when there are abnormalities in placental attachment or function. More caution is needed if there is concern about fetal blood supply or uterine competence. Some of these problems could go undetected, so it's really not worth the risk. Also, there is additional risk in the third trimester of tearing already stressed ligaments - they cannot be repaired. Lying in semi-recline position on pillows is very comfortable and it's a common labor-position, so the client will learn to become comfortable and relaxed in this position is an added benefit.
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As for labor massage, I require that we do at least 3 prenatal massages, then two weeks before due date, we go over
birthing positions, as well as how to include the birthing partner in some of the things that will help the labor process.
Preparation for an easier birth starts in the thought process.....in the mind. The earlier that positive associations and
imagery is started the more ingrained it will be for the birth, hence getting regular prenatal massage helps tremendously.
Relaxation is also the key to a progressive birth process. I recommend using relaxing music and aromatherapy during the
labor progress, as well as birthing positions and special massage techniques. I will get with you around the 2 weeks before
your due date, and work with you to find what aromas are meaningful and soothing to you. Get an idea of just how you
envision massage, music and aromatherapy to help your birthing process. The more the choices are "patient" driven, the
better the outcome! I also bring fruit and healthy snacks because you will be quite hungry after you give birth.
Aromatherapy for Child Birth:
The list below came from a Doula in British Columbia:
Clary Sage & Sweet Fennel-relieves tension, brings on labor, helps with expelling afterbirth
Geranium Rose-enhances circulation and is good for labor management techniques which focus on breathing
Jasmine-dulls uterine pain, strengthens contractions, promotes birth and increases milk supply.
Lavender-dulls and eases uterine pain but also increases the strength of contractions while calming the mother. Great for
reducing stretch marks!
Myrrh- speeds labor, opens cervix
Neroli-reduces fear, tension, insomnia, apprehension, anxiety
Rose-cleansing effect on the uterus, antidepressant, softens ligaments (easier to open pelvis to push for larger babies and
smaller Mamas)
After giving birth it is very important that a woman get a good post-partum massage. Post partum techniques can be used
to help detoxify and assist in the healing process after giving birth, as well as assist in dimishing any scar tissue, and help
tone rectus abdominus (stomach muscle).
I would be very honored to give you or a loved one a massage during this special time. I have been certified in pregnancy,
labor and post-partum massage since June 2003.
Prepay or purchase gift
certificate for one hour
Round ligament pain - this link is
the best description of round
ligament pain I have found thus
far, the article recommends
resting, but massage can alleviate
the pain faster.
Infant Massage Instruction Deeper and longer sleep cycles, longer naps Helps adjust to household noises Better eating habits - ravenous after massage Strengthens immune system Calms nervous system Increases self esteem - “Children become what their parents think of them” Relieves congestion Relieves colic/upset stomach Encourages bonding Brain and motor development Nourishes the baby emotionally Soothes fussiness, hyper-irritability, & constant crying
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Sciatic pain - this link about sciatic pain is
smart enough to recommend massage -
excellent explanation of what it is and some
practical suggestions also. I also liked this
one too.
picture courtesy of ABMP
Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy Massage
Massage special - Get 3 hours for $150. Call 972-701-9696 to schedule your appointment.
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