Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy massage benefits

• reduces stress and promotes relaxation, helping mothers-to-be to get a better night’s sleep
• can assist the baby reach an optimal position for birth
• 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.

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.

Maternal Balancing

Niggles, aches, discomfort and pain in Pregnancy is common but not normal and not to be accepted. This is the body telling you something is amiss and we need to learn to listen to these messages.

I will work with you to help you discover what’s causing your issues but also help to rebalance you and give your baby the room it needs to find an optimal position.

For details about my pregnancy exercise & lifestyle class please click here.