Massage during pregnancy can be just what the doctor ordered - literally. It helps moms-to-be relax and feel better. Even if you can't afford a full-out top quality massage at a spa, you can still benefit from massage at home. (Though a massage is a great gift anytime of the year for any occasion for a special pregnant lady in your life - even if that's just you treating yourself.)
I asked Mariposa Obsidiana, licensed massage therapist at the Amara Resort and Spa in Sedona, Arizona, to share the benefits of massage and some massage techniques. She's a mom of two herself and has been in this line of work for about a decade.
Examiner: Do you have any personal experience getting a pre-natal massage? If yes, describe what you learned from that experience that other moms can benefit from?
Mariposa: For my first pregnancy I did not receive any massage. It was during the mid-nineties and not a common practice in my family or community. I was unaware of the benefits and positive affects it would have on my whole being and that of the unborn child. I worked long hours most of which were on my feet. As a result, my legs and feet would swell daily, causing a lot of pain and pressure in my entire body. During my second pregnancy, however, I was able to take advantage of massage therapy. As a practicing therapist, it was easy for me to connect with other therapists whom could give me the care and comfort I needed. It greatly reduced the stress and tension I felt as my body continually grew and changed. I slept better and felt more active throughout the term of my pregnancy.
Examiner: Why should a mom-to-be get a specially designed pregnancy massage?
Mariposa: Because if feels wonderful! You don’t realize how stressed out you are or how much tension your body is carrying until someone places their hands on you and gives you a massage. A pregnancy massage is specifically tailored to the expectant mother’s needs. This ranges from body positioning to mental-emotional support.
Examiner: What are the benefits?
Mariposa: Physically, massage helps to promote relaxation and reduce pain associated with a changing body and growing baby, reduce the effects of stress and anxiety, decrease stress causing hormones in the tissues, reduce swelling and inflammation in hands and feet, alleviate neck and back pain, help eliminate sciatic pain, nurtures mother and baby, supports the emotional and mental needs of mom, and much more.
Examiner: What differences will women find in pregnancy massage versus regular massage?
Mariposa: Typically, the therapist will take extra precautions to ensure client safety and support in a pregnancy massage. The session will be customized to reflect the needs of the mother at the time of the appointment. Fragrance-free oils and lotions will be used and depending on the therapists training, work to the abdomen may be performed.
Examiner: When looking to book a pregnancy massage-what questions should women ask the spa?
Mariposa: A good place to start is by asking if there are any specially trained or certified pregnancy massage therapists on staff. If there are not, do not be discouraged! Most licensed massage therapist have been trained to work with pregnant women. Those who opt to specialize in pregnancy massage take additional training to deepen their understanding of the pregnant body and how to care for the woman from preconception to post-term. A general practitioner will be both knowledgeable in the contraindications and areas to avoid. Secondly, it’s nice to know what type of table will be used. Tables range from hospital-like hydraulic models, to stationary and portable ones. Also, there are tables and pillow systems designed for the pregnant body allowing for recesses in the areas of the breast and belly to be removed helping the pregnant woman to rest comfortably on her stomach throughout the whole term of the pregnancy. Thirdly, ask if it is necessary to have a written doctor’s consent. Usually, this will not be necessary unless the pregnancy is considered high-risk or if other complications have arisen.
Examiner: If you can’t do a full out pregnancy massage, do you have a few tips for moms that they can do themselves?
Mariposa: I like to tell moms to purchase a high quality, unscented massage oil such as sesame or jojoba oil, and give themselves a tummy massage. Simply place a small amount in the palm of your hands, rub together and massage stomach. Start at the top of the belly, run hands downward and out to sides, then bring back up. Repeat a few times until you find your own natural rhythm. Spend at least five minutes massaging the tummy once or twice a day. This is a good practice to start in the early trimester of pregnancy as it helps to create a strong, healthy connection to the baby and changing pregnant body. Also, the oil helps to hydrate and nourish the skin, the massage increases blood flow to the abdomen; thus, aiding in the reduction and/or risk of stretch marks.
Examiner: What about tips for moms to give their partner/husband for at-home massage while pregnant?
Mariposa: Any touch is good touch whether it is for five minutes or a full hour! Assure your partner that he cannot hurt you, as you will let him know if what he is doing does not feel good. Intention speaks volume here! Ask him to rub your feet after a long day at work or massage your neck muscles while watching TV. Communicate with him/her how much pressure you like and be specific where you are feeling pain.
Examiner: Anything that should be avoided during any pregnancy massage?
Mariposa: Yes. As with any massage, areas of infection, rashes, boils, warts, bruises, and open sores, etc. Raised or distended varicose veins, certain reflex points on the hands and feet, and acupressure to various acupoints along the meridian system should be avoided. Again, most licensed therapists will know what these are and where to avoid them!
Examiner: Anything else you’d like to add about prenatal massage?
Mariposa: Pregnancy massage is a growing trend that is gaining wider acceptance in the medical field. It is quite common to see a licensed therapist working in an obstetrician office, in the labor and delivery room, and recovery room. There are many types of therapists that can support you throughout pregnancy such as general practitioners, specially certified therapists, and doulas. There is substantial scientific research validating the benefits of massage to both mother and child. Conduct your own research from credible sources if you are doubtful or unsure. I always suggest experiencing a massage and feel for yourself the difference in your own body. Healthy touch is so vital to our health and well-being that the more we do it the better we feel. It’s just common sense!
Examiner: What about massage once the baby is born?
Mariposa: Again, the answer is yes! Post-partum care is just as important as prenatal care. There are additional benefits of receiving regular, post-partum care such as: promotes a healthy and speedy recovery from both vaginal and cesarean birth, improves breast-feeding, promotes structural realignment in the spine and pelvis, enhances well-being of new-mom, reduces musculoskeletal tension and pain, decreases post-partum depression, and helps mom sleep better.
Examiner: How long after birth can mom get a regular massage?
Mariposa: Check with your doctor first to make sure you are clear to receive massage. If you have been working with a therapist throughout the pregnancy, discuss when the best time would be to have your first, post partum massage. If you haven’t had massage prior to the birth but feel you need one, I recommend new moms to wait at least one week before having a professional massage.
Mariposa: Massage is safe and natural and can be very supportive to lactating moms. Comfort will be your number one concern, as any nursing mom will know. If you have a tendency towards engorgement, make sure to nurse or pump prior to the session. Ask the therapist for a small towel to place under your breasts if you are afraid of leaking. Remember, there is no need to feel embarrassed! Therapists are used to these types of requests. There are many tricks to the trade that therapists can use to ensure that you are comfortable. Discuss any and all concerns openly with your therapist so that you can be assured of the best treatment possible.
