Massage during pregnancy can help a woman approach her due date with less anxiety as well as less physical discomfort. Pregnancy effects your body in a multitude of ways. When pregnant your body goes through a series of "big" changes (literally!): tissues soften, your posture alters and your back is under additional strain. Even apart from easing specific aches, massage can act as an overall tonic and increase the expectant mother's body awareness.

Bodywork during pregnancy helps:

• Reduce stress and promote relaxation, which gets more nutrients to your baby and is good for both you and your child.
• Reduce edema and blood pressure, relieve varicose veins, and increase blood and lymph circulation
• Easing joints that have to carry so much more weight (ankles, low back, pelvis) so you feel more comfortable
• Ease they many transitions, including hormonal, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary,and other physiological processes during pregnancy
• Reduce neck and back pain
• Energising you when you feel tired and heavy
• Contribute to emotional and nurturing and the kinesthetic awareness necessary to actively participate in the birth process

When nestled with pillows or other specialty cushions into a side-lying or semi-reclining position, most women are more comfortable for the 30-60 minutes of a typical massage session. You can expect to enjoy many of the same techniques, draping, and professional demeanor offered all massage therapy clients. The lower back, hips, and neck benefit from sensitively applied deep tissue, neuromuscular, and movement therapy . Edema in the legs and arms may be relieved with the gliding and kneading strokes of Swedish or lymphatic drainage massage. We will begin with a thorough health and prenatal intake interview at your first session.

Post–Partum Massage

Massage after labor is of great benefit to the new mother. Not only does post-partum massage provide emotional and physical relief from the pains of labor, but receiving massage during the first weeks after the birth of your baby can restore muscle tone in the abdomen and help to reposition the pelvis. Light and thorough Swedish strokes encourage the flow of lymphatic fluid, blood circulation, and overall hormonal balancing. If you had a Caesarean section, massage is safe after the incision has healed completely, and can actually reduce the formation of scar tissue in the area.

Massage can relieve headaches from epidurals, as well as the aches and pains of long labors and breastfeeding discomforts. In general, postpartum massage is a wonderful way to welcome your body back as your own.