Pregnancy can bring on all sorts of aches and pains (and this deeply rooted desire to be pampered) - am I right?
So, I did a little digging and came up with some questions to ask a prenatal massage therapist!
Whether you're just curious if this is just a way to be pampered or if it can actually assist with things like labor and better sleep… listen up! This might be just what you need!
Meet my doula fellow - Mie Thousing, and one of her super powers is pregnancy massages!
Here is my conversation with Mie!
For Those Unfamiliar with Prenatal Massage:
What exactly is prenatal massage, and how does it differ from regular massage therapy?
I am not sure how other prenatal massages are, but my focus is very much on what the expecting mother needs is. If she is having pelvic pain or it is her lower back starting to be so sore, she can’t sleep any more or something else. I help her with releasing her muscles and if wanted, I help her find some movements that can relief her pain doing them at home or at work. I'm also very much focused on not massaging or push on any of the trigger points that can start her giving birth, not before in the very end of her pregnancy, then I'm helping her body to get ready to give birth. I also use rebozo techniques if wanted or/and if I feel it will benefit her treatment.
Are there any specific techniques used in prenatal massage? What are the benefits for the expectant mother?
It is very different from each person, I never do the same routine or strokes. I try my best to connect with the pregnant woman, of how she needs it to be done and what she need focus on, the best is when the mother can communicate with me what she likes and what she doesn’t like. One stroke can be loved by one and just be very awful for another, that's the beauty, everyone is special and its very common that woman gets more aware of they want and don’t want while pregnant. The benefits for an expectant mother is that she will produce more oxytocin, she will sleep better, her body will be more relaxed, she will help her constantly changing body to get nourished and relaxed. Reduce swelling, back pain, stress, cramps, nerve pain, headaches. It can boost your mood and lower the risk of prenatal depression, regulate your hormones and any other kind of discomfort.
Are there any risks or contraindications to be aware of before undergoing prenatal massage therapy?
One of the risks is that birth might be induced, but it happens very rarely, especially if you are having a normal pregnancy with no high risk or any other underlying complications. If you have a small fever, you should always cancel the massage, because the circulation can raise your temperature and might give you more complications.
Defiantly clear with your midwife or doctor if it is okay to have a massage.
Is there an ideal time during pregnancy to start receiving prenatal massages? Can they be done throughout the entire pregnancy?
You can have a massage from the first 2 lines until you are in birth, massage in birth is one of the best relaxing methods and is highly recommended. It is not recommend to lay on your stomach when you enter 2nd trimester, but I have a special pregnancy pillow that allows a growing belly to relax on your stomach, so baby is safe and not squeezed. This is what the mothers late in pregnancy loves the most, to just have that relaxing moment while getting your back and lower back massaged.
What qualifications and certifications should a prenatal massage therapist have?
I'm not sure what the law says, I think everyone who is working with birth can take a prenatal massage course and then massage. But I have a physiotherapist and doctor examination massage course where all kind of sickness, states of life and pregnancy treatments where covered, and I have studied reflexology points, trigger points and healing massage. So it is many different angles how to treat the human body, where I have devoted my time for pre and post massages.
How should a client prepare for their first prenatal massage?
It is always nice if the client is newly washed, but its not something I will frown upon if not. I am never judging and welcome anyone who is in need of a massage. But it is very important afterwards to drink plenty of water, more than normal, and the best is to relax maybe even take a nap after the massage. So the body can get an extra boost of wellness and relaxation.
For Those Familiar with Prenatal Massage:
What specialized equipment or tables do you use for prenatal massage, and how do they enhance the experience?
Massage bench, plus a special pregnancy massage pillow, that allows a growing belly to have enough room and also there is also though about sore breast while laying on them. It makes it a whole other experience, I have been to physiotherapy where they had to treat me laying on the side, it doesn’t give you the full relaxing experience and it doesn’t feel like it's possible to work deep in and around your muscles.
How does prenatal massage integrate with other prenatal care practices and healthcare providers?
Here in Iceland it is very popular to get cranial treatments and it is wonderful while pregnant, combined with massage you will be like butter, they do different things for the body, but they kind of are like socks and shoes they fit very well together. If you are going regularly to a chiropractor it will benefit you a lot to have a massage after, that will keep your muscles relaxed and in a neutral state so a proper alignment will make sure they stay in their right place for a longer period of time. It is very recommend from midwifes to have massages while being pregnant.
Are there any specific oils or products you recommend or avoid during prenatal massage?
I always use organic almond oil, with nothing more. Some use essential oils but not all of them is safe to use and some pregnant can be very sensitive to smells they loved and used before. So I am aiming to be as natural as possible. If the pregnant is allergic to nuts I use either coconut or canola oil. But it is very rare.
How do you address concerns such as positioning the baby or addressing high-risk pregnancies during massage therapy?
If high risk, I always ask the mother to get a clear go from her doctor or midwife for a massage, so i can adjust the massage, to maybe only neck, shoulder and arm plus legs and feet.
What postpartum massage services do you offer, and how can they benefit new mothers?
As soon as the mother feel she can lay on a bench to receive a massage I am ready to go to her. I book extra time, so there will be time to care for a fussy or hungry newborn and I also offers a rebozo closing ceremony in this I recommend her partner or other person who can take care of the baby will be there, because she will be wrapped up and it will not be easy to nurse while laying all wrapped up.
I also offers a hair test for new mothers to check how everything is with her vitamins, minerals, aminoaccits, it draws a picture on how your body is doing and what you can eat or what supplements you can add to get into a balanced lifestyle.
What packages or ongoing treatment plans do you offer for mothers who wish to make prenatal massage a regular part of their care routine?
As regular as possible and affordable for the pregnant. My own experience is severe pelvic pain, physiotherapy every week and a full pregnancy massage every 2 weeks. That was what made possible to walk around and have a almost normal life while being pregnant and not lay in bed all day or end up in a wheelchair. Having any kind of pelvic pain, every 2 weeks or 3 weeks will make a huge difference for the mother.
Can partners or spouses be involved in the massage process, and how do you facilitate that connection?
If the partner is up for giving the mother massages I am sure most mothers won’t say no to that, but many mothers has expressed that men get very sore and tired fingers after a few minutes of massaging (haha) and I can just confirm it is so true ;) I do recommend the partner to learn to use a rebozo and I do offer a session to show techniques for him to use in the end of pregnancy and in birth.
What's the most satisfying part of providing prenatal massages, and how do you view your role in a woman's pregnancy journey?
I absolutely love it. There is nothing else that feels so good, that a woman with sore muscles or havn’t sleep for weeks or just not being well, getting a massage and you just see and feel the lights are back in their eyes. The energy level has changed and they are just a completely new person. Releasing pain and make it more comfortable for a pregnant is what trieves me and makes i tickle in all the right places. Its my lifes purpose and I feel so blessed when I can help them with my hands and guidance. Knowing I am not just helping one person but also her growing baby is just amazing.
