So you’re expecting -- an exciting but likely very demanding time for
you. Did you know that there is a simple way to help to alleviate
stress and labour pain, and improve your soon-to-be-born baby’s health
while also reducing the risk of complications? The centuries-old
practice of massage therapy can help to provide these benefits and many
more to you and your unborn baby.
How massage will benefit you during your pregnancy, labour and birthing
Studies support what more and more women are discovering about massage therapy during pregnancy – it has been shown to: improve maternal mood
decrease depression and anxiety
decrease pain
decrease stress hormones in pregnant women (including those suffering from depression)
decrease obstetrical complications, and
improve neonatal health and development.
In addition, the overall benefit of improved mood to maternal and
neonatal health has the potential to positively impact the health of
individual mothers and children.
You
and your baby’s well-being comes first. Massage Therapists are
professionally trained to work with you to develop an effective and
safe massage therapy treatment plan during your pregnancy that will
complement the care you are receiving from your doctor, midwife and
other healthcare providers. Specially-designed massages tables,
ergonomic cushions and supports are used to ensure your safety and
comfort during your massage therapy treatment. Massage Therapists are
also prepared to address the subtle needs of expectant mothers like
yourself, including the potential need for frequent restroom breaks and
the use of unscented massage oil so as to not aggravate a sensitive
sense of smell. Good communication with your therapist will result in
the most beneficial and rewarding pregnancy-massage therapy for you and
your baby. Do
you have a Pregnancy table or pregnancy pillow? Answered by Erin Laver,
RMT: NO! I have chosen not to get a pregnancy table for several reasons!
To the right is an example of a common pregnancy table.
Please note that the large hole is for the pregnancy belly and the 2
smaller holes are for your breasts. I could not imagine inserting my
breasts into these two holes! I have been massaged on a pregnancy table
(while pregnant) and it didn't fit me properly. I believe that it is
impossible to have a "hole" that will fit every women's body and their
pregnancy belly. I use several pillows and wedge bolsters to ensure a
custom, comfortable, perfect position on your side. I have been
massaging pregnant women since 2000 and all of the expectant women I
have treated have been comfortable.
The other reason I don't
have a pregnancy pillow is due to our changing, stretching ligaments
during pregnancy. We have ligaments from our uterus to our sacrum (low
back). When you are positioned in prone (lying face down) on a
pregnancy table, even with a support strap for your pregnant belly, the
weight of your uterus will pull your low back out of alignment. This
will aggrevate low back and hip pain. As low back and hip pain are a
common painful area during pregnancy - I don't want to make it worse by
positioning.
I hope this helps you to understand why I don't
have a pregnancy table. If you have any further questions about
pregnancy massage or positioning please contact me.
