Prenatal Massage is a form of therapeutic bodywork that is designed to meet the unique needs of the ever-changing pregnant woman.
It is performed by comfortably positioning her on her side with the support of pregnancy pillows and draping. Regular massage during pregnancy can help to relieve sciatic pain, reduce stress of weight-bearing joints, ease constipation, gas and heartburn, reduce swelling, aid in longer and deeper sleep, and even improve the outcome of labor and reduce labor pains!
While it is a full body massage, focus is spent on the glutes and hips as the body changes to make room for the growing baby. Lymph drainage is also provided for swelling feet.
Postnatal massage is often underestimated. After giving birth there are many changes and adjustments that a new mother's body and mind are navigating. The most important target is to stop muscle derailment. Muscle derailment is a blanket term for the muscle not doing what it is supposed to.
This can occur as the body pulls itself back into homeostasis. Some muscles end up pinching, holding, or stretching causing chronic pain such as sciatica. The next target is the neck and shoulders as pain can be intense from holding a new baby and breastfeeding.
