“It was honestly the best massage I’ve ever had. I’m 38 weeks pregnant and I was the comfiest I’ve been in ages! From the electric blanket to the choice of oil everything was perfect & I was made so comfortable. Lindsay is so knowledgeable and it was just brilliant, thank you!”
Marilyn- Bradford on Avon
Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy massage can be a wonderful way to help alleviate common symptoms of pregnancy, whilst also offering physical and emotional support for the expectant mother. No longer considered just a treat, the benefits of pregnancy massage go above and beyond helping just the aches and pains that go hand-in-hand with pregnancy. Through nurture and relaxation, tiredness is eased, nausea can be alleviated and you may find you get a better night’s sleep.
Benefits of pregnancy massage.
• Having a regular massage can help to heighten your awareness of your own body and of your baby growing inside you.
• Massage offers relief from muscle cramps, spasms, and myofascial pain, especially in the lower back, neck, hips, and legs
• The massage strokes and meditative techniques can help reach an inner calmness to help de-stress and relax. This is very important throughout your pregnancy and especially when it comes to labor, as studies show that high levels of maternal cortisol (the stress hormone) may lead to complications throughout pregnancy and birth.
• Massage helps to reduce stress on weight-bearing joints
• Breathing techniques that are used during a massage can calm your nervous system, creating a sense of grounding and of self-control.
• Stimulated circulation of blood throughout your body can distribute essential nutrients to all your vital organs especially the placenta, the source of nourishment for your baby.
• Massage also encourages the release of relaxin into the blood stream, relaxing the intrauterine ligaments, helping to soothe those aching pelvic joints and other sources of discomfort that are experienced during pregnancy.
• The endorphins released during a massage will help you relax in body and in mind, giving you a natural high which is passed on and shared with your baby. This can also help to relieve depression or anxiety caused by the huge hormonal changes taking place in the body.
• Through nurture and promotion of the parasympathetic mode by massage tiredness can be eased, the digestion system can be optimised and our immune system functioning to the max.
• Increasing the blood and lymph circulation by massage can help to reduce and ease any swelling
What to Expect.
We know that every mother and every pregnancy is different so each session will be tailored individually to the mother's needs. Depending on where you are in your pregnancy, different massage techniques may be used.
At the beginning of the first session a full confidential consultation will be taken. This is done to get a better understanding of you and any ailments, areas of tension or discomfort that you may be experiencing during pregnancy.
The treatment would usually take place on a massage couch, using a range of different supports to suit your needs and make you as comfortable as possible. Often in the later stages of pregnancy you will be positioned on your side.
Your therapist will demonstrate the position before the treatment begins, so that it is clear how to get on to the couch safely and easily, and how to change sides.
We generally use coconut oil in the treatments, but we are happy to accommodate any requests, if given in advance.
Underwear is worn by you, for the treatment. Your therapist will leave the room whilst you undress and position yourself under the drape. During the treatment they will only uncover the area of the body that they are working on at the time, the rest of your body will be covered.
Your therapist will check in with you, with regards to pressure and comfort, and very much encourage you to communicate your preferences, many clients though, prefer to remain silent throughout, so it really is up to you.
Once your treatment is complete your therapist will leave the room for a few minutes, so that you can slowly and gradually re dress. They will then come back into the room and spend a little more time discussing your treatment. If it is appropriate you may receive some gentle aftercare suggestions. This could be something like some simple stretching or relaxing breathing exercises. This will complete your Pregnancy Massage treatment.