This past Saturday I had the wonderful experience of providing prenatal massage. Everyone can benefit from all the positive effects of massage therapy, but one group in particular is expectant mothers. It is such an honor to work with these women. Having had four children myself I know first hand how wonderful massage can be. I use body cushions that have the mother lying on her side. So comfortable most just want to fall asleep. This position allows me to use fairly deep pressure on their back which can be so achy with all that extra weight they are carrying around. It also allows me to do some range of motion with their legs that really feels good and work on their hips and glutes which are often strained and causing some sciatic pain. Really good hand and foot massage with some reflexology makes for a very relaxing and rejuvenating massage.
Prenatal massage does more than relieve aches and pains and stresses on the pregnant body. An expectant mom's blood volume can double during her pregnancy. Massage helps with her circulation; helps move lymph and interstial fluid. This helps improve the immune system and helps distribute hormones. Massage also helps the body release the brains feel good chemicals, dopamine and serotonin as well as endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers. These help mom feel good about herself, her body image, and feel closer to her baby. It also helps her have a better body awareness that can help with her labor. And massage provided to a woman during labor is proven to shorten labor, reduce the need for pain meds and fewer medical interventions.
So if you are expecting or you know anyone who is expecting, have them get a prenatal massage. They will thank you!
Blessing~Melanie M. Neumann, LMT &
Certified Prenatal Massage Therapist
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