Pregnancy is the most rapid and profound period of change a woman experiences.
Every cell of the body is supporting this process, alternating through stages of vitality and stress, contributing to the development of your child. Prenatal massage complements this stage of growth. Since the beginning of time, women have been nurtured in pregnancy. Originally it was sisters, aunties, grandmothers, and neighbors who cared for the soon-to-be mothers,
massaging them with oils, providing relaxation, release of normal aches and pains, and comforting words and touch.
Today, massage therapists who are trained in this field offer such a service.
"While I was pregnant, I felt safe and secure in Heather's hands. Her care and sensitivity to the needs of both my baby and me during prenatal massage were comforting. She is grounded in her awareness of the pregnant body. She knows how to hold space for a pregnant mother to release her physical discomfort so she is more able to enjoy the amazing experience of bringing a life into the world."
Erin Langford, mother of Noah.
Massage promotes the unique bond
between an unborn child and her mother.
It is one of the first gifts you can give your baby.
BENEFITS OF PRENATAL MASSAGE
During pregnancy, an ever changing posture and increased weight gain can lead to low back pain, joint pain, and shoulder and neck tension. Sluggish circulation, swollen ankles and feet, sciatic pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome are all common occurrences that benefit from prenatal massage. Improving sleep, reducing headaches, and stronger immune health often result from regular massage.
Massage has also been shown to decrease anxiety and depression, promote positive feelings from mother to baby, and help soon-to-be mothers learn how to relax and breathe for the upcoming work of labor.
According to the American Pregnancy Association, "Studies done in the past 10 years have shown that hormone levels associated with relaxation and stress are significantly altered, leading to mood regulation and improved cardiovascular health, when massage therapy was introduced to women’s prenatal care. Hormones such as norepinephrine and cortisol (“stress hormones”) were reduced and dopamine and serotonin levels (low levels of these hormones are associated with depression) were increased in women who received bi-weekly massages for only five weeks. These changes in hormone levels also led to fewer complications during birth and fewer instances of newborn complications, such as low birth weight. The evidence points strongly to maternal and newborn health benefits when relaxing, therapeutic massage is incorporated into regular prenatal care."
BENEFITS OF POSTPARTUM MASSAGE
In the special postpartum period, a huge adjustment is occurring. Whether it is your first birth or your fifth, your body has undergone a radical adjustment to bring forth a new life. With the stress of less than normal sleep, healing takes longer.
A postpartum massage helps relaign the body to prepare for the coming challenges and joys
of mothering. Birthing, posture changes, breastfeeding, and carrying a baby may cause shoulder, hip, and back strain: massage can relieve this.
Studies have also shown that nurturing touch in the first 6 weeks after birth reduces the occurence of postpartum depression. In this time when women are often isolated postpartum and don't get enough support, nurturing touch by a woman may be just the medicine you need!
A postpartum massage always incorporates time for nursing and the needs of the baby.
SAFETY
A common question is whether prenatal massage is safe. The answer: Yes! Prenatal Massage is recommended by Doctors, Midwives, Nurses, and other Health Care Professionals. When given by a skilled and educated therapist, prenatal massage is not only safe but a welcome relief for most women. Under certain circumstances massage is contraindicated. Because Heather Mancini is a Certified Professional Midwife, her background allows her to know when massage is no longer appropriate during pregnancy.
"Heather's hands are truly gifted. Not only does her pregnancy massage help physically to relieve the stress and new onset aches of pregnancy, but her caring and compassionate nature ensure a restful, peaceful journey. She can also continue to help through the often difficult postpartum period as your body changes back again."
Dr. Michele Hakakha,OB/GYN
