Pregnancy Massage

Some of the benefits of massage therapy in pregnancy and labor include, but are not limited to:   

• stopping stress hormones by engaging the parasympathetic nervous system.
  
• relief of muscle spasms and myofascial pain
• increased blood and lymph circulation; reduction of leg edema (swelling)
  
• reduction of strain and dysfunction in weight-bearing joints and myofascial structures
• development of sensory awareness to prepare for the experience of labor
• improved labor outcome with reduced pain perception and shorter labors
• emotional support in a time of transition
• and enhancement of a mother’s ability to touch her own baby lovingly. 

   Postpartum massage gives the mother some time to just receive and be mothered herself during this major transition of overnight becoming a full time caretaker for her baby. Massage can alleviate muscle strain or soreness that may have been caused by labor.  Massage therapy can facilitate recovery from birth trauma, especially if the birth was physically or emotionally stressful, through enhanced circulation and lymphatic drainage.  \ Postpartum bodywork also gives women the opportunity to process the birth experience, especially if there were complications or challenges during labor.

MY TRAINING:

Pre and Peri-Natal Massage Therapy Certification through Carol Osbourne-Sheets