Bringing a new life into the world is a joyous, challenging and miraculous experience! As a mother-to-be, you can feel worried, anxious or stressed. Your body undergoes many changes, which can cause discomfort. Massage is a perfect way to reduce stress and promote wellbeing.
Massage during pregnancy is not intended to replace the care provided by your doctor or midwife. However, I can work in collaboration with them to provide additional physical and emotional support.
Pregnancy massage benefits
- reduces stress and promotes relaxation, helping mothers-to-be to get a better night’s sleep
- reduces oedema (fluid build-up), blood pressure, relieves varicose veins and increases lymph and blood flow
- reduces muscle and joint pain, including backache, cramps, carpal tunnel syndrome and pelvic girdle pain (PGP)
- facilitates hormonal, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary and other physiological processes, which occur in pregnancy.
Data also suggests that depressed pregnant women and their offspring can benefit from massage therapy and that it decreases anxious behaviour in postnatal mothers, which in turn helps with bonding and general wellbeing.
What happens during a pregnancy massage?
Pregnancy massage uses a mixture of Swedish body massage, Shiatsu techniques, and any other sports massage techniques I feel you may benefit from on that day to help you.
It is performed whilst lying on your side on a massage table, which is padded for comfort. Cushions are placed under your ‘bump’ and in between your ankle and knees, to support your bump and balance the pelvis.
I use 100% organic wax and oil which is safe for you and your baby. The wax I use is unperfumed which some mums prefer if they are finding different smells cause them an issue. The massage oil I use is from Neal’s Yard and made specifically for Pregnant and Postnatal Mothers. It is beautifully aromatic, infused with relaxing Neroli, uplifting Mandarin and sweet almond essential oils as well as vitamin E rich Wheatgerm oil.
Depending on why you would like this treatment, I will either treat your whole body or target a particular area, such as your lower back and pelvis. We will discuss this during our initial consultation, where I will also ask you about your history and assess your posture. I may do some special orthopaedic tests to ascertain what might be causing you discomfort.
I use a large sheet and towel to cover you, and various smaller towels for certain areas. Only the area being massaged at the time is uncovered.
I do include the bump within the full body massage, which Mothers enjoy as do the babies who often have a little move around whilst its being performed.
Massage in late pregnancy
In late pregnancy, or to treat specific back pain, the back can be massaged whilst the mother leans over a Pilates ball. Also, from around 38 weeks, specific pressure points can be stimulated to prepare the mother for labour. I can also use specific Neal’s Yard aromatherapy oils either blended or on their own to help prepare the Mother for labour and any specific issues she may be having at that time.
Pelvic girdle pain and other musculoskeletal problems
I work with many ladies with pelvic girdle pain, or PGP (formally known as SPD or symphysis pubis dysfunction) and other musculoskeletal problems. I have an extensive knowledge of PGP in particular having written my dissertation on this subject. I am also able to help with Carpal Tunnel syndrome and can use techniques such as Lymphatic drainage to help with swelling in the hands and feet which can come with oedema.
After checking your posture, and discussing alignment or possible causes of the pain, I will use advanced massage techniques to work the muscle groups or areas requiring treatment.
For details about my pregnancy exercise & lifestyle class please click here.
Testimonials
“I started seeing Tanya during my pregnancy, five years ago. She sorted my body out and eliminated the aches and pains I was receiving. I still see her regularly all these years later, even though pregnancy is a mere memory and I have a four year old, which shows just how much I value her healing hands and advice on stretches.” – Helen, Northampton
“I found Tanya through the Olney Notice Board back in March this year as I was looking for someone experienced in pregnancy massage. This was (and is still at 8 month pregnant) my first pregnancy and I have been having regular massages and attended two x five weeks sessions of her prenatal exercise classes. I cannot recommend her services and expertise enough! Tanya is excellent at what she does. Her pregnancy massages are incredibly effective for easing any tension and stress, and she really takes the time to understand your personal needs and tailors her approach. She is incredibly knowledgable and provides brilliant advice from a range of sources.” – Rohan Wedge
“I used Tanya for a massage twice before the birth of my son, I wanted to bring the labour on if I could, but also had some aches and pains from carrying my bump as it grew. She was fantastic, so knowledgable about the right areas to apply pressure to alleviate stress and pain. I walked away from my first massage knowing I would be going back. And it was so refreshing to have a massage intended to help my pre natal body. Instead of the standard massages I had been going to at various Spa’s. Highly recommend Tanya. The second massage happened and very shortly after I went into labour. I’m convinced it helped my body relax. Now I’m planning to go for a post natal.” – Tammy Broadbent