Benefits
The benefits of massage during pregnancy can be huge. It is a time of great change physically, emotionally and psychologically- as well as a readjustment to a whole new way of life.
From day one to delivery day and beyond, massage can play a part in helping you to make sense of these changes and prepare your body for the journey. Your pregnancy is unique and I will tailor your massage to your needs.
Massage can reduce and relieve: Stress | Muscle Tension (back, neck, shoulders, legs, hands and feet) | Aching Joints | Swelling (hands and feet) | Tiredness | Constipation | Nasal Congestion
The main benefit is relaxation. Time to stop; time to focus on your body; time to begin the bonding process with your baby.
*Please note – if you have any concerns about massage during your pregnancy, please consult your midwife or GP.
When Can You Have A Massage?
It is possible to enjoy a massage during any stage of pregnancy although the experience does vary within each trimester. Accordingly, the massage will be adapted to you personally- as some techniques are not considered suitable at particular stages.
Whether you start a course of massage in your first trimester and continue to your due date, or have a one off treat, at your first appointment I will take time at the beginning to understand your medical history and any particular concerns you may have about your pregnancy and the treatment.
Weeks 1-12 (1st Trimester)
This is often a time of tiredness, morning sickness and emotional upheaval. At this stage the massage is gentle and can be a quiet place of stillness and calm in an otherwise stressful period. This time allows for the bonding process to begin- something that can get lost in the world of work.
Weeks 13- 26 (2nd Trimester)
Although for some, this can be a time of increasing energy, it can also be a time when your body is starting to look and feel like you are carrying a little person inside you! At this time, massage can help to ease joint pain, swelling hands and feet, tired legs and help to increase circulation.
Weeks 27 – 40 (3rd Trimester)
As your body nears the due date, a massage can be a great help in relieving any pain and discomfort. In particular, as a comfortable sleeping position becomes more difficult, massage can aid a deeper and more restful sleep. This is a good time to start considering what will happen in the delivery room- do you want you partner to be able to offer some form of relief? It is possible for them to join us in the lead up to the birth and we can go over some massage techniques that you may both find helpful.
Delivery
Massage can be a great tool in labour, particularly during the first stage. It can help bring an element of relaxation. There are particular Shiatsu points that can be calming, offer pain relief and help to induce labour- there is even one that is said to help turn a breech baby. See the section on ‘Partner Support’ as to how massage can benefit you in the delivery room.
Post natal
After one of the most stressful experiences a body can go through, a massage is an effective and restful means to aid recovery. If you are breastfeeding, good posture and relaxed shoulders can go a long way to help make the experience work more effectively. A massage may also be a chance for yourself - while so much attention is on you baby - to get pampered and relax.
Treatment
Each treatment is tailor made to how you are feeling. We will discuss your desires before the massage begins. The massage is conducted on a massage table with a sheet draped over you. As the pregnancy progresses we will use the side lying position and you will be fully supported by bolsters (pillows). There are tables available with holes in them but I believe that this position should not be held for any length of time as it puts unnecessary strain on the Uterus.
The treatment can involve any of the following techniques depending on what you would like to achieve from the treatment: Holding Positions | Stretches | Mobilisations | Long Stroking Movements | Deep Tissue Massage | Lymphatic Drainage | Breathing | Shiatsu Points
If at any point you need to shift positions and swap sides this is easily accommodated.
Partner Support
Whether your 'partner' is your spouse, friend, mum, dad or a doula, massage can be a way of engaging a significant other in your pregnancy. If you would like to learn more about how your partner can get involved, please speak to me at your appointment. We can arrange for your partner to join you at a session, getting to know 'hands on' how best to help you through the aches and pains of the pregnancy and the labour. Not only does this bring physical benefits to you, it can help them to connect with what you're going through in the pregnancy and emotionally help them to begin the bonding process.
In the delivery room a good pair of hands can work wonders as both a distraction and a form of pain relief. There is a possibility that you might not feel like being touched at all- but it is good to be prepared!
What You Need
You only really need to bring yourself. It may be useful to bring your medical notes. At this point I would like to highlight that I am not a midwife or doctor. Any concerns that you may have with regards to your pregnancy please consult your midwife or GP.
When & Where
Room4Health
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Tuesday |
14.00 |
- 18.30 |
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Thursday |
12.00 |
- 19.00 |
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Saturday |
09.30 |
- 14.00 |
(twice a month) |
Bodywell
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Tuesday |
07.30 |
- 12.30 |
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Wednesday |
07.30 |
- 13.30 |
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Sunday |
09.00 |
- 12.00 |
(once a month) |
The Edinburgh Centre of Nutrition and Therapy
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Monday
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10.00
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- 19.00
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Friday
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10.00
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- 15.00
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Cost
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30 minutes*
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60 minutes
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75 minutes
|
90 minutes
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£26
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£40
|
£47
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£54
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*The initial visit must be booked for a minimum of an hour to permit time for the consultation. From experience, I have found that 30 minutes does not allow enough time for an effective treatment once we have conducted a thorough consultation and you have got yourself changed and onto the bed.
