Prenatal Massage
Pregnancy is a time of profound transformation for women and families. Nurturing, therapeutic, massage during this special time can support women in surprising ways. We all know that massage feels good, provided it’s done by a caring, skilled practitioner. But did you know that massage during pregnancy might also lead to healthier, more well adjusted babies, less pre term labor, and fewer complications at birth? (According to research conducted by Dr. Tiffany Field, PhD of the University of Miami, Fl)
When a baby is growing in his mother’s womb, a delicate play between his genetic code and the surrounding environment is already taking place. The baby receives information about the environment outside through his mother’s feelings. According to Scientist Candace Pert, author of The Molecules of Emotion, every feeling we experience can be linked with a hormone or “information molecule” in the body, for example; endorphin for happiness or adrenaline for excitement. These information molecules reach the baby and influence his development in specific ways.
According to Dr Joseph Chilton Pierce, Author of “Magical Child”, and “Crack in the Cosmic Egg”, if a pregnant woman is under considerable stress or repeatedly exposed to violence, the developing fetus “gets the message” the world is not a safe place to be in. In response, the fetus actually develops a larger hindbrain, (this is the part of the brain that controls survival behaviors like aggression). Conversely if a woman is supported, nurtured, and cared for during pregnancy a very different message is sent to the developing baby, a message that says “Your needs will be met. It’s safe to grow.” A nurturing massage sends just this message. Under conditions of nurturance and support babies develop a larger neo cortex, the part of the brain that controls higher order thinking and learning. It’s important to remember that the occasional upset is not going to permanently effect your baby. What are important are the major constants in our lives.
However, even moderate stressors like financial pressure, relationship stress, or job stress could have an effect if persistent enough. On the job for example, many women are expected to carry a full workload even though their bodies are busy working round the clock at the full-time job of making a baby. At work it can be almost impossible to listen to your body and meet it’s need for rest when tired, or a walk when needing to stretch your legs. Something as simple as going the bathroom when you first feel the urge often gets put off in favor of finishing an important task. Massage can help you to unwind from daily stress and help your body restore healthy hormonal balance.
We all know that for some reason, when everything quiets down at night and you’re ready to go to sleep, that’s when the thoughts come racing in. Add finding a comfortable position with frequent trips to the bathroom, and you’re left with one tired Mama the following day. A massage therapist who specializes in pregnancy will have a set of cushions; different from the ones you can buy in stores, to position you more comfortably that you could at home. A relaxing massage can help make up for lost sleep, and make it easier for you to get to sleep at night.
A massage therapist who works with pregnant women should have completed at least 24 hours of continuing education specifically on prenatal massage in addition to the 600 or more hour basic massage curriculum. Such a therapist will have extra knowledge and skill working with specific aches and pains that commonly occur during pregnancy. She can also recognize and address issues that you might think aren’t so common. Like: rib pain, calf cramps, or that poking pain in the middle of your back right at the “bra strap” level.
A trained Prenatal Massage Therapist knows how to work safely with pregnant women, and will work confidently at whatever depth of pressure you find beneficial. If your therapist seams scared to apply more than a feather’s weight of pressure, it may be prudent to enquire about the number of continuing education hours she has completed. With a trained Prenatal Massage Therapist you can enjoy a massage any time throughout your pregnancy, from the first trimester all the way to 41 weeks.
If you enjoyed massage during your pregnancy you might find it beneficial to have your massage therapist accompany you to the hospital when it’s time to give birth. Many Prenatal Massage Therapists are also trained as Doulas or professional labor support persons. Likewise, all Doulas are trained in some form of massage beneficial to women in labor. Having a professional labor support person by your side when you’re in labor can make the experience more nurturing and humanistic, amidst an otherwise generally impersonal, authoritarian atmosphere. While nurses, doctors, and hospital staff are in and out of the room, your Doula will stay by your side the entire time providing encouragement and connection. Both partners appreciate the presence of a Doula as she takes the pressure off the dad, allowing him to participate in whatever way he feels most comfortable.
After the baby comes massage can help the new mother adjust back into her post pregnancy body and help her body adjust to the new tasks of motherhood such as bending over to pick up the baby and putting the baby in the car seat, or leaning forward to breastfeed.
Although it’s wonderful to receive a professional massage in an environment designed for relaxation such a spa or massage therapist’s office, a loved one’s touch can be just as beneficial. Many Prenatal Massage Therapists offer Partner Massage Instruction sessions, where they teach the partner some simple techniques they can use to massage their partner at home. This can be a wonderful way to spend time together and bond.
Whether by professional therapist or loving partner or friend, regular massage along with moderate exercise and a healthy diet should be a part of every woman’s wellness care during pregnancy and beyond.