Be sure and let me know, when you are calling or emailing, requesting a session that you are pregnant!

Massage is an ideal therapy to help you better cope with stress during pregnancy. Healing, caring touch is comforting. Your feelings of stress are conveyed bio-chemically to your baby, so your calmer state of mind can only affect your baby beneficially.

Ten proven health benefits of massage during pregnancy

1) Massage helps your body eliminate waste products through the lymphatic and circulatory systems, which combat fatigue and helps you feel more energetic.
2) By aiding circulation, massage eases the load on your heart and helps keep your blood pressure in check.
3) Massage stimulates glandular secretions which helps stabilize hormone levels.
4) Massage relieves many of the normal discomforts of pregnancy, such as fatigue and tension, backaches, sinus congestion, headaches, neck and shoulder problems, muscle cramping and swelling of hands, legs and feet.
5) Massage increases local and general blood circulation, which brings more oxygen and nutrients to your cells and your baby's cells. This means greater vitality and less fatigue for you and better nourishment for your baby.
6) Massage helps soothe and relax nervous tension, which helps you sleep more easily and deeply. In addition, most doctors and midwives agree that a relaxed mother will have a happier, healthier pregnancy and possibly and easier childbirth experience as well.
7) Massage relaxes tense muscles and tones loose muscles.
8) Cramping, tension, knots, tightening, stiffness and other muscular discomforts can be alleviated with massage.
9) Back labor can be relieved with massage applied to the sacrum.
10) Massage can be used during transition and after each contraction during your labor to help you feel more comfortable and safe.

To provide careful, competent care, your therapist wants to ascertain you are indeed in good health and experiencing a normal pregnancy. So, it is important to give your Massage Therapist a written note from your primary healthcare provider verifying that you are having a normal pregnancy and may receive massage. Expect your therapist to ask you before every massage about your state of health. Your therapist is completely mindful of the precautions particular to your pregnancy.

Your health and comfort are very important. Your therapist knows how to provide a healthful and serene environment for your massage. Your modesty is respected, so you are provided with a sheet and towel, and proper draping techniques are used throughout your massage at your comfort level. During your session you can expect drinking water for your health (and your baby's health), and tranquil music for your enjoyment.

While receiving a massage, be sure to let the therapist know if you are uncomfortable, thirsty, need a bathroom break or have other concerns. Your feedback is an important part of the massage process. As each Massage Therapist is different, so is each client, and it is important for the two of you to check in with each other to find the right amount of pressure that is comfortable for you. If you find that the work you are receiving is too light or too deep, please let your therapist know so they can adjust the pressure. Remember that this is all part of an enjoyable massage experience.

During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes many chemical and mechanical changes. The center of her gravity suddenly shifts and the skeletal and muscular systems adjust to the baby in her womb. Massage can help remove the stress that is suddenly put on the body. It is a great way to help pregnant women relax, relieve discomfort, help sleep better and increase energy during her pregnancy, which will help her baby as well.

Massage can also:

* ease constipation, gas, heartburn, morning sickness
* relieve pain in muscles and joints
* decrease edema by promoting blood and lymph circulation
* relieve headaches

Massage can prepare a woman for her birthing process. Regular massage to her back, abdomen, chest (breast), hips, neck, shoulders, feet, and thighs can release chronic tensions. By learning to relax tense and painful areas during the massage, pregnant woman can practice breathing techniques, which will help her during labor.