Prenatal & Maternity Massage
Introductory Information:
Therapeutic massage has been used for centuries to improve overall health, reduce stress, and relieve muscle tension. Research shows prenatal massage therapy can help reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, and improve labor outcomes and newborn health
Hormone regulation
Studies done in the past 10 years have shown that hormone levels associated with relaxation and stress are significantly altered when massage therapy is introduced to women’s prenatal care. This leads to mood regulation and improved cardiovascular health.
In women who received bi-weekly massages for only five weeks, hormones such as norepinephrine and cortisol (hormones associated with stress) were reduced, and dopamine and serotonin levels were increased (low levels of these hormones are associated with depression).
These changes in hormone levels also led to fewer complications during birth and fewer instances of newborn complications, such as low birth weight. The evidence strongly suggests there are maternal and newborn health benefits when therapeutic massage is incorporated into regular prenatal care.
Reduction of swelling
Edema, or swelling of the joints during pregnancy, is often caused by reduced circulation and increased pressure on the major blood vessels by the heavy uterus. Massage helps to stimulate soft tissues to reduce the collection of fluids in swollen joints. This also improves the removal of tissue waste carried by the body’s lymph system.
Improvement of nerve pain
Sciatic nerve pain is experienced by many women in late pregnancy as the uterus rests on muscles of the pelvic floor and lower back. The pressure of the uterus spreads tension to the muscles of the upper and lower leg, causing them to swell and put pressure on nearby nerves.
Massage therapy addresses the inflamed nerves by helping to release the tension on nearby muscles. Many women have experienced a significant reduction in sciatic nerve pain during pregnancy through massage.
Other potential benefits of prenatal massage:
Reduced back pain
Reduced joint pain
Improved circulation
Reduced edema
Reduced muscle tension and headaches
Reduced stress and anxiety
Improved oxygenation of soft tissues and muscles
Better sleep
Ease of Labor & Delivery
Disclaimer: Women who have recently experienced bleeding, pre-term contractions, or have any of the following conditions should speak with a health care provider prior to receiving a massage:
High-risk pregnancy
Previous pre-term labor
Experiencing severe swelling, high blood pressure, or sudden, severe headaches
(Women can begin massage therapy at any point in their pregnancy – during the first, second, or third trimester. Many facilities will refuse to offer massage to a woman who is still in her first trimester because of the increased risk for miscarriage associated with the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. At I Aspire LLC. if you have no known contrary conditions, I leave it up to your judgement & comfort-level.)
Prenatal Massage
Enjoy a stomach-laying position with a specialty prenatal cushion. Take a break from laying on your side and let your back and hips unwind from all the extra pressure they’ve been under. There are cut-outs for releasing pressure on the abdomen and breast tissues. If at any point, discomfort occurs, feel free to turn onto your side for a traditional prenatal.
This massage combines lymphatic drainage and relaxation massage techniques with a specialty cushion.
60min - 120min sessions available
Postpartum Massage
The unique benefits of postpartum massage include hormone regulation (Estrogen & progesterone balance, increase prolactin and oxytocin for baby-bonding and milk production, & reduce cortisol/stress levels), reduced swelling, better sleep, and improved breastfeeding. These include the more advanced combination of therapies such as lymphatic drainage, myofascial release, scar release, cranial sacral therapy, infrared laser, and can help restore your body to its pre-pregnancy condition, speeding healing and assisting with C-section recovery. The Prenatal cushion may still be used during these sessions in order to accommodate tender/lactating breast tissues as well as tender abdomen from delivery surgeries.