Massage during Pregnancy

There is usually a great depth of communication between the hands of the giver and the body of the receiver in sensitive body work, and this makes the intent of the giver profoundly important... There needs to be a desire to help, to soothe, to ease. -  Leon Chaitow, Body Tonic         

I have been a massage therapist for 13 years. With each and every client, my intention with massage is to help, to soothe, to ease and to care. I recently trained in Pregnancy Massage in the UK with Suzanne Yates, an international trainer in massage during pregnancy and shiatsu practitioner (www.wellmother.co.uk). 

 I offer massage sessions for pregnant women.  This is a complementary service to the medical care given a woman during her pregnancy.

Pregnancy is a time of enormous change for us as women – especially if it is our first pregnancy. Not only are our bodies changing physically, but powerful emotions tug at us as we journey along the path to motherhood.  Some women seem to travel this path more easily than others.  Feeling healthy during our pregnancy depends not only on looking after ourselves physically, but on how we live our lives day to day.  It is a time when a woman realises she has to take care of her body for her own well-being as well as for the well-being and healthy development of her growing baby.  We can care for our bodies during this miraculous time of growth and change and prepare for birth by choosing healthy options. During pregnancy we can learn a lot about our bodies, about the miracle of procreation and we can be more in touch with the intuitive aspects of ourselves.  It is a time to claim our power as women.

There are many physical activities (like yoga), much nutritional advice, many mental activities (like meditation) etc., etc. promoted which are so beneficial during pregnancy, and there is MASSAGE.

What are the many possible benefits of massage during pregnancy?  There are scientific reasons on why a simple massage benefits your health, whether pregnant or not.  Here are some of the pluses possible from having regular massage sessions through all three trimesters:

• Relief from common discomforts and pain (e.g. backache as your ligaments stretch and the weight you are carrying increases)
• Relaxation; time for you; feel-good time
• Reduction of stress and possible anxiety about the upcoming birth
• Enhancement of alertness and brain function
• Toning of the stretching abdominal muscles
• Stimulation of blood flow thus
• improving the distribution of nutrients to both mother and baby
  enhancing tissue metabolism and healing
  assistance with respiration – improving the exchange of gases in the lungs
  assisting with the removal of toxins and waste products of baby and mom via the kidneys
  facilitating the movement of the many hormones to the areas where needed
• Assistance with lymphatic drainage (e.g. helping with those swollen ankles)
• Assistance with the digestive process - elimination of waste and help with constipation and flatulence
• Assistance with energy flow
• The oil used helps with softening of the stretched skin and may assist with limiting stretch marks
• Enhancement of the bonding process between you and your baby, before birth.

Sandra Byrne is the owner of Positive Health.