What is Prenatal Massage?
Massage therapy for pregnant women.
What's the difference between getting prenatal massage at Anima Massage vs. any other spa or place that offers pregnancy massage?
A LOT. Let's put it this way: A Dentist is a Doctor too... but not the kind of doctor you should choose to deliver your baby. A few highlights: I don't require you to lie on your side for the massage, I have advanced cushioning systems to ensure your safety and comfort at all stages of pregnancy, I will work with as deep pressure as you want (I don't treat you like you are fragile), I'm not hesitant/afraid to work on you, I'm a SPECIALISTS in prenatal massage and have worked on many pregnant women (most spa therapists have only worked on a handful), I'm highly knowledgeable about pregnancy and birth and I don't perpetuate myths and misconceptions such as "I can induce your labor with foot massage" (which is hopeful... but false.)
Is it ever too early or too late in pregnancy to get a massage?
Nope! The only difference is our cancellation policy for women in labor is a bit more lenient (see below).
Aren't there certain things you can't do on pregnant women during a massage?
Rarely. But you may have heard a few myths: massage will stir up toxins and is dangerous, foot massage will put you in labor, you can only use light pressure massage, no deep work on your lower back, no massage in the first trimester, no face-down massage EVER, therapist can naturally induce labor or do things that will put you in labor..... these are all false. (We can tell you why, if you need further clarification). The main difference is that we don't do super deep sports-massage type techniques on your legs (but most women don't want that), and we have to position you differently on the massage table as your belly grows. If you have any concerns about the safety and practice of pregnancy massage, please contact me for clarification.
Is pregnancy massage dangerous?
No. Massage during a normal pregnancy is not harmful at all. Massage supports a healthy pregnancy, and does not cause miscarriage or induce preterm labor. That being said...not all massage therapists or spas who offer prenatal massage have extensive training or experience doing it, and if you are the recipient of one of those massages, you might be left unsettled and disappointed. Specialization makes a BIG difference.
How often should I get pregnancy massage?
Same as your prenatal care visits! Once every 4 weeks up to week 27; every other week up to week 36; weekly from week 36 on until you give birth. MANY clients come every other week or every week for the whole pregnancy, and for four months postpartum.
Postpartum massage - how soon, and how often?
Come back in within the first 10 days of giving birth. Bring baby with you. (Giant maxi pads and leaky boobs welcome.) Then, every other week at least for the first 16 weeks postpartum. (I promise it will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Why? Because women rarely prioritize self-care. Schedule motherhood around your massage appointments and you will be a better, happier mother.)
How does prenatal massage help?
It will help you feel good, hurt less, and sleep better. It helps relieve pain in the back, neck, shoulders, hips, arms and hands, legs and feet. Overall, you'll be a happier... and who doesn't want THAT?
Do I have to lie on my side the whole time?
Only if you prefer to.
Do you have those special pregnancy tables with holes cut out for the belly?
oh, noooooo. (Do they still make those???) While they are a novel idea, tables with removable "plugs" for breasts and belly do not adjust or support the body adequately. One size does NOT fit all when it comes to women's bodies. I DO have advanced orthopedic cushioning systems that go on top of a standard massage table, that enable you to lie face down (or on your side if you prefer) comfortably and safely.
Do I get to lie face-down during a pregnancy massage?
Absolutely... every pregnant woman's dream come true! I use special orthopedic body support cushions that are fully adjustable to accommodate your growing belly and breasts during all stages of pregnancy. Most women find them so comfortable that they beg to let them take the cushions home! If you are carrying twins, or are obese at the start of your pregnancy, it may be more prudent and comfortable to lie you on your side after a certain point. Also, women that are petite (5'2" and under) may not fit well face-down on the cushions. But I will let you try them and decide for yourself!
Can I lie flat on my back during pregnancy massage?
Only during the first trimester. After that, I prop you up like the Queen that you are, reclining on her throne, with your head/neck/back supported, your knees and feet slightly elevated too. Magically, you'll also discover that this a great position to sleep in for the rest of your pregnancy.
What do I need to wear?
Come as you are. Once you get in the massage room I will introduce you to the massage table and explain how to get on it. I will ask you to get completely undressed after I step out for a moment, as I prefer not to have to work around anything. You are welcome to leave undies on if you have a good reason to. It is standard massage practice to leave you covered at all times with a sheet and a large bath towel, or blanket with one area at a time skillfully uncovered to be worked on, and re-covered securely when that area is finished. You will be comfortable and modest, and I will check in with you to make sure you are not too cold or too hot.
What length of appointment should I book?
For "full-body massage" (where we say hello to every major muscle group), we need at least 60 minutes. 75 minutes is ideal; 90 minutes is even better. Shorter sessions of 30- or 45-min in length are great for spot treatments on 1-3 areas.
Do you only work with pregnant women? Nope, I do "regular" massages daily too.
What is your cancellation/rescheduling policy?
Your appointment time has been reserved for you and nobody else. It is common courtesy, and in your agreement when you sign your intake form, to give no less than 24 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Though I may make exceptions on a case-by-case basis, cancellations/rescheduling for any reason, within 24 hours of your appointment, are subject to a $35 cancellation fee, or 50% of the full cost of your session, whichever is greater. If I can re-book your vacancy with another client, you will not be charged at all. Cancellations/rescheduling with less than 2 hours notice are treated the same as no-shows (missed appointments with no notice), and are charged at the full session rate, unless by some miracle I can fill your vacancy last-minute with another client.
I know you are dealing with pregnancy- and mommy-brain; therefore I give you a bunch of reminders and confirmation requests to support you in honoring this window of time. Please double check your calendar and set adequate reminders!
What if I'm running late for my appointment?
I ask all clients to ALWAYS plan on arriving 5-10 mins early for any massage session. Unlike the average doctor's office, I actually run on time! If you are late, I will get you on the massage table quickly, and you will get whatever time remains of the session you are paying for. Just communicate with me if you are going to be late, and I'll see what I can do, but please understand that I don't usually have wiggle room in my schedule. If you are so late that you have to cancel, see policy above for no-shows.
What is required in order to reserve my appointment?
Your full name, email address, mobile number, as well as how many weeks pregnant or postpartum you are, and whether your pregnancy is low- or high-risk (and if high risk, for what reason).
Do you take walk-ins?
No. But I sometimes have same-day/last-minute appointments. Please call/text first, or book online. Appointment is required.
Do I need a note from my doctor or midwife?
Not unless you have certain high-risk conditions that could be complicated by promotion of blood flow throughout your body via massage. If you have any concerns in general about pregnancy massage, feel free to ask your prenatal provider. I am totally confident working with you and will let you know after I receive your intake form if there are any further concerns.
Do you accept insurance? I am happy to give you a receipt for your payment so you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement. (It usually requires a prescription for massage therapy from your doctor or chiropractor.) You can also use a HSA or Flex-spending debit card with a major credit card logo to pay for your sessions.
What difference in qualifications or training do your massage therapists have over a non-specialized massage therapist?
I'll try to keep this relatively brief: Most LMTs have a 30-90 min crash course during massage school on how to do a (pretty lousy) pregnancy massage with the pregnant woman propped on her side with a few pillows. Many myths are perpetuated out of fear of doing harm (ie, no 1st trimester massage, no foot/ankle massage, massage can induce labor, massage has to be light touch only, etc.) Some take an elective course in Prenatal Massage that is usually 8 credit hours, maybe as many as 16-20 credit hours. They get a lot of theory, and practice on usually ONE pregnant model. Others will go for "Certification" in Prenatal Massage by taking a weekend seminar that is 24-36 hours of instruction in pregnancy, birth, and techniques, taught by a true maternity massage specialist; they then go home and submit documentation of practice sessions on 1-5 pregnant clients. Some are taught to ONLY put pregnant women on their sides for prenatal massage, which most massage therapists aren't very good at. Practitioners are left with a lot of knowledge... but little-to-no supervised, real-life experience.
I am passionate about pregnancy and birth. After passing an initial interview and assessment of general massage skills, I completed 2-week comprehensive course that was developed by Rebecca Overson, founder of Salt Lake Prenatal Massage. In addition to common sense pregnancy massage practice, I learned what pregnant women want, need, and expect. Not only did I learn what I should know about pregnancy and birth, I also got over the pregnancy fears and myths I learned in massage school. I learned that while pregnant women require special handling, pregnancy is NOT a disease, and pregnant women are NOT fragile. I learned what to do and what not to do, when to worry and when not to worry, and also dive into the culture of birth in the USA and what women are really going through during pregnancy and the many choices they must face. I learned skills and mindsets required to be truly supportive, professional, caring, and helpful for all aspects of pregnancy.
After all studies were done in level one and all homework submitted, I complete level two, which consists of 6-12+ practice sessions in clinic, on our regular clients, who give rigorous feedback. Only after passing both levels of Maternity Massage training, demonstrating confidence in knowledge AND skill, did I take paying clients.
I'm actually a mom of 3 myself. I've been there too!