Prenatal Massage

Pregnancy can be one of the most exciting and overwhelming experiences in your life. For many (especially if this is not the first child in a family), a prenatal massage session can be a dedicated time for you as a mamas-to-be to truly focus only on yourself. 

Prenatal massage can be a tremendously relaxing and effective way to address aches and pains of pregnancy and ​prenatal massage is safe in all trimesters. From aching hips to back pain, headaches and more, prenatal massage is a safe way to ease discomforts and help you as a mother-to-be feel more like yourself.  

As a Certified Prenatal Massage Therapist, Amy has trained with some of the nation's leading prenatal massage specialists. Her approach to prenatal massage focuses on creating space in strained areas, relieving discomfort and creating a nurturing environment for pregnant clients. Amy's prenatal massage sessions often result in:
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• Relief from compression in lower back and hips
• Improved circulation and elimination of excess fluid via manual lymphatic drainage and myofascial release
• Relief of gluteal stress that comes with lateral rotation of the hips during pregnancy (the "waddle walk")
• Abdominal massage to improve circulation and relieve strained ligaments
• Help to "create more room" in the torso through a focus on diaphragmatic breathing and massage of ribs
• Assistance with proper pelvic alignment
• Addressing the muscular tension that may cause headaches
• Preparation for labor by improving flexibility, relief of muscle tension, breathing practices and acupressure to encourage downward energy towards the end of the pregnancy

Recommended Session Length
You can receive great and positive benefits from any length of time for a prenatal massage. For a deeply relaxing prenatal massage, when possible, Amy highly recommends booking 90-minute prenatal sessions. Because of the nature of the work and the need to reposition from side-to-side, 90-minutes provides you the best and most complete opportunity to receive a comprehensive and nurturing prenatal massage session. 

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Nurturing abdominal work during a prenatal massage can help relieve strained abdominal muscles and ligaments.

Prenatal Massage Session Overview
A prenatal massage at Restorative Massage Therapy begins with a one-on-one intake to review your medical history and go over any areas of concern (aching hips, tight shoulders, low back pain, etc.). At this time, Amy will also talk about the plan for your pregnancy massage, your goals, and the positioning options.

A typical prenatal massage will include:

• Side Lying Positioning - Often we begin prenatal massage sessions with side lying positioning, which is especially useful to address discomfort in the lower back and hips. Amy uses this positioning to help relieve tension and to "create space" in the lower back area. In this position you will also learn about how to properly align and support yourself at home, which can lead to improved sleep during the later stages of pregnancy when a good night's rest often becomes more elusive.
• Lying on Back, Supported with Bolsters - To lie on your back during the later stages of pregnancy - it's often the greatest luxury! Amy utilizes bolsters and wedges to allow for safe, comfortable positioning. Supported by a cloud of pillows, this is when many expectant mamas fall into a deeply relaxed state as Amy's nurturing touch helps loosen and release tension in the neck, shoulders, arms & feet.
• Abdominal Massage - Light touch strokes on the abdomen are especially helpful in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. This gentle work provides your expanding muscles and ligaments with nourishing circulation. Amy also uses prenatal abdominal massage as an opportunity for you to learn how you (or a partner) can do this gentle, bonding massage at home.
• Integrative Therapies - Prenatal session may include acupressure, Swedish massage, neuromuscular therapy, stretching, fascial work, craniosacral therapies and a variety of other techniques.

Massage is highly effective for relieving aching & painful hips, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. Side Lying positioning during pregnancy can be very useful for addressing tightness in the hips and back.