• Helps combat fatigue and helps her feel more energetic.
• Helps keep blood pressure in check.
• Increases local and general blood circulation.
• Relaxes tense muscles and tones loose muscles.
• Relieves many of the normal discomforts during pregnancy.
• Eases constipation, gas, and heartburn.
• Increases flexibility.
• Reduces excess fluid retention.
• Safe, drug-free, pain relief.
• During birth, massage can reassure and relax mother.
• Can help to relieve depression or anxiety caused by hormone changes.

Is Massage Always Appropriate?

Massage is healthful and enjoyable during a normal pregnancy. However, because massage is not appropriate for some conditions, your massage therapist will want to know about your general health and your pregnancy. Give as much information as you can and always tell your massage therapist about any changes, even if you are not sure they are important.

What To Expect And Your Comfort During Your Massage

You will be comfortably supported with pillows or cushions during your massage. In later pregnancy, you can experience a complete massage comfortably supported in a side-lying position.

You will be draped with a sheet everywhere except the part of the body that is being worked on. Ask for a lighter sheet or less heat in the room if you are too hot. If you are sensitive to smell, ask for unscented lotion. It is fine to interrupt the massage to use the restroom. However, for maximim comfort, avoid heavy eating and drinking for two hours before your massage.

Be sure to ask questions about your massage, or massage in general. Tell your therapist if you feel uncomfortable or if you prefer not to have a particular area massaged.

Preparing For Labor

Massage can help you prepare for the birthing process in many ways. First, through massage you can increase your awareness of tension in your body and learn how to consciously release it. You can also prepare for labor by practicing focus, breathing and relaxation techniques while a tender area is being massaged. The result will be increased confidence and control during labor.

Benefits of Labor Massage

• Shortens labor
• Increases odds of a natural birth
• Reduces requests for epidurals
• Reduces the need to use oxytocin
• Reduces the use of forceps
• Reduces the need for C-section
• Promotes relaxation for mother, which during labor will:
  • Conserve energy
  • Reduce fatigue
  • Calm and reduce stress
  • Reduce pain
  • Make for easier labor

Massage During Labor

It can help you relax between contractions, reduce pain from tight muscles and provide emotional support and encouragement. Because stress interferes with production of labor-inducing harmones, there is even evidence that massage can promote speedier birth.

Infant Massage

The art of massaging babies has been practiced for centuries and by many cultures around the world. Infant massage has its historical roots in the middle east. Infant massage is as vital today as it was then. However, it has become something that is ignored as our society moves at a faster and faster pace.

The therapeutic effects of massage have been used for adults in the west for many years, but only recently has the practice of infant massage begun to gain recognition. A large part of this new-found interest has to do with scientific research that has just become available, verifying the benefits of infant massage. Although this practice was almost lost in the west, it is being revived and is growing in demand. It is commonly recognized by professionals and parents as a viable health care service and greatly benefits infant and child development.

As a parent, you want to see your child flourish. Touch is as important as food for health mental and physical development. Massage is attentive, pleasurable touch that can promote your baby's well-being while increasing your ability to respond to his or her needs.

Benefits of Infant Massage

• Teaches baby positive touch by:
  • Making baby feel valued and loved
  • Allowing for self-esteem and self-confidence development
  • Helping baby learn to "connect" with people
• Calms baby by:
  • Helping baby sleep deeper and more restfully
  • Promoting relaxation
  • Helping to soothe a crying baby
  • Reducing levels of stress hormone
• Assist baby in relaxation and release of accumulated stress.
• Helps relieve discomfort such as:
  • Teething
  • Congestion
  • Gas
  • Colic
• Helps overall gastrointestinal function
• Improves mid-line orientation
• Improves respiration
• Improves circulation
• Stimulates the nervous system
• Tones muscle and improves joint flexibility and overall pliability
• Improves immune systems
• Assists in weight gain by improving digestion after feedings
• Improves sensory awareness

The brief time we have with our children is precious. Learning to massage your baby is an enjoyable way to develop a bond with your child.