Of all the different styles of massage I do, one of my favorites is pregnancy massage, also known as prenatal massage. It’s a fantastic way to benefit two lives at once, and to help bring physical and emotional relief to expecting mothers during this critical period of life.
Although Tranquility Massage most frequently performs pregnancy massage in the home, we’re often called in to a hospital’s antepartum ward to help when the pregnancy is identified as high risk.
There are many reasons a pregnancy may be identified as high risk, including high blood pressure in the mother or the expectation there will be multiple births. Under these circumstances, the mother is frequently placed on an extended period of bed rest in the hospital and it simply isn’t possible for her to drive out and get the benefits of pregnancy massage away from the hospital.
On a recent visit to a client at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, CA, I was reminded why this is one of my favorite massage therapies. Apparently during the session, word spread that there was a massage therapist on site performing pregnancy massage. After I finished the session, the nurse asked me if I had any more availability. I said, “Sure. One more won’t hurt.” She said, “Not one, FOUR!”
After a little schedule shuffling and a chat with the doctor on staff about the each of the pregnancies, I settled in to a satisfying day of pregnancy massage. I know from professional training and experience how beneficial pregnancy massage can be. But what really makes it my favorite is the look of gratitude I get at the end of a session, knowing I’ve made it that little bit more pleasant an experience for both mother and child.
Remember, always discuss pregnancy massage with your doctor before considering it – you’ll need his/her permission. We’ll be here for you when you’re ready!