Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy Massage is adapted to suit the specific physical and emotional needs of mum and baby.

Pregnancy should be one of the most special times in a woman’s life, however many women suffer both physically and emotionally. Muscular aches and pains, changes to posture, hormones creating havoc with emotions and body systems and stresses of modern day living can leave many women feeling low, uncomfortable and desperate to reclaim their bodies. In addition, some women may be pregnant during particularly stressful or emotional times and may need a little extra support to help manage these emotions in the form of pregnancy massage.

Pregnancy massage is an excellent tool which can support women throughout pregnancy during this amazing period of transformation by helping to alleviate pregnancy related problems and most importantly by providing a time and space where the nurturer can feel nurtured and cared for herself.

Working with the Natural Pregnancy Partnership, I have vast experience of working with a wide range of pregnant women who have all been unique in their individual pregnancies and needs.  I have experience in working with;  miscarriage, loss and grief, Pelvic Girdle Pain or SPD, fertility treatment and early pregnancy support, heightened stress and anxiety. 

Regular pregnancy massage sessions throughout pregnancy can help a woman to cope with the physical and emotional demands of pregnancy. They provide a time and space for the mother to connect with her baby/ies, to enjoy being pregnant and to feel nurtured. Plus the babies seem to enjoy it too!

Massage supports the physical and emotional needs of mum and baby through bodywork, visualisations and healing

Contrary to popular belief pregnant women CAN have massage and reflexology, even in the first trimester by a specially trained professional. In fact, I feel that it would be mean to deny an expectant mother such pleasures and relief.

Depending on my clients needs, my massage sessions will either be held on the couch or on a futon and will mostly be conducted in the side lying position. Where appropriate I may incorporate some energetic work into my sessions as I am reiki trained, and my pregnancy massage course was also shiatsu influenced. I have found that my clients very much enjoy this part of the treatment, which can have a balancing and calming effect – fantastic for quietening a busy mind. I also like to incorporate some connecting work with the baby, which may involve gentle abdominal massage, breath-work, or simple energy holds and visualisations (a great way to quieten the mind allowing relaxation to flow). As well as using traditional massage strokes, I will also use stretches and joint mobilisation where necessary.  I may also incorporate the use of a pregnancy ball into the session which allows deeper pressure on the lower back and sacrum to relieve pain in these areas which can increase as the pregnancy develops. Following the session, I may offer some simple exercises as ‘homework’ to help ensure the benefits of the session continues.