Many women want to get a massage during their pregnancy. We have previously explored the many benefits for mothers and their children. Once you understand how good a massage can truly be for you, then its time to hop on that massage table and relax. But where can a woman find a massage therapist or clinic that has the expertise required for pregnancy massage?

Choosing a Specialty Massage Therapist

-Search the internet or yellow pages to find qualified massage therapists

-Call the local massage clinics in your area and ask if they have a massage therapist on staff that is trained to perform pregnancy or specialty massage.

-Find out if they have a certification in Pre- and Perinatal Massage Therapy

-Your massage should be in either a massage chair or while lying sideways on a massage table. NEVER lay face down or up while getting a massage. Massage tables that have a hole for your belly may seem like a good idea but in fact this is very detrimental

At Home Pregnant Massage

-Take a workshop or a course on performing massage while pregnant, many massage schools or clinics offer them in your area.

-Buy a book that has instructions and illustrations some good ones are:

Mother Massage: A Handbook for Relieving the Discomforts of Pregnancy

Pre and Perinatal Massage Therapy: A Comprehensive Practioners’ Guide to Pregnancy, Labor, Postpartum

Massage Practice for Pregnancy

Massage for a Peaceful Pregnancy: A Daily Book for New Mothers and Fathers

-Buy a video that demonstrates the proper techniques a good one is:

Mastering Pregnancy Massage

Tips

-Keep an open line of communication throughout

-Trim nails and remove jewelry before beginning

-Avoid massage during the first trimester, the second and third will make the mother most comfortable

-If pain is ever felt immediately stop, there shouldn’t be pain during this process

-Use massage lotions and oils to lubricate the skin and reduce friction

-Play soothing music, fountains and running water are also very relaxing

- Massage should be performed on a weekly basis, sometimes even more

- The back is not the only place to massage, try including the neck, arms and legs as well

-Avoid massaging any open wounds, sores or cuts

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy can be a great help to the body and facilitates massage for a more effective experience. Some of the best oils for pregnant women are:

1. Tea Tree
2. Neroli
3. Tangerine
4. Sandalwood
5. Lemon
6. Geranium

Some oils to avoid are

1. Jasmine
2. Basil
3. Aniseed
4. Juniper
5. Majoram
6. Sage

Many women wonder if it’s ok to get a massage while pregnant. Well, not only is it ok but it is actually very beneficial. Pregnant massage a.k.a. prenatal massage is a hugely popular method for relieving ailments caused by pregnancy. There are benefits not only for the women receiving the massage but for the baby as well. And if you are massaged by your spouse they greatly benefit as well knowing they’re helping their partner and increasing the bond between them. Make sure to use the right equipment if you do this, a good massage table should used for pregnant women.

Benefits for mothers

-Helps eliminate waste in the circulatory and lymphatic systems, helping fight fatigue

-Better circulation means less stress and a healthier heart

-Relieves muscle tightness, tension and cramping

-Relieves muscle and joint pain

-Helps with back pain, sore feet and headaches

-Increases nutrients and oxygen which means the mom has more energy and the baby has more essential nutrients

-Less hormonal imbalances

-Increased flexibility

-Better sleep for the mom and baby

-Helps loosen the pelvis before birth, makes birth a lot easier

-Increased milk production and easier feeding

-Helps recovery after child birth

-Helps re align the pelvis after birth

-Speedier, happier recoveries after birth

Benefits for babies

-Stress relief

-Improved circulation

-Better muscle tone

-Consistent sleeping patterns

-Relief constipation and gas

-Overall strengthening of Circulatory, Digestive and intestinal tracks

-Improved body awareness

-Improved brain function and coordination

-Increases bonding with parent

-Increases communication between baby and parent

-Helps parents recognize cries

Most Importantly - Babies Die Without Touch!

Touch is by far the most important aspect of creating a healthy child. Touch is our oldest and most honed sense, without we suffer emotionally and physically.

It has also been shown that touch is as important as eating and sleeping. Massage and touch helps a baby sleep better, makes them more alert/aware, fuss less, have stronger immune systems and even increase IQ.

But wait there’s more, not everyone is correctly trained to perform a pregnancy massage. Many massage therapists and women think that a normal massage preformed on a pregnant woman will be effective however this is not so. Pregnant women have many unique areas that require sensitivity and knowledge. Make sure to find a massage therapist with experience in massaging pregnant women, or if you’re doing it yourself read a few books and watch some videos on it.