BENEFITS OF PRENATAL MASSAGE

It’s a common misconception that pregnant women shouldn’t have massages. The truth is that massage throughout your pregnancy is completely safe (unless otherwise indicated by your doctor) and can be incredibly beneficial for expectant mothers.

Regular massage during pregnancy and labor can decrease complications during delivery, result in shorter labor times for mothers, shorter hospital stays, and fewer postnatal complications for the new-born. It may also to help reduce postpartum depression. Studies additionally indicate that the fetus can sense and respond to their mother’s stress levels as registered by her increased heartbeat. Therefore some women choose to incorporate elements of massage during childbirth to ease labor and delivery.

Not just relaxing, prenatal massage can also help reduce a number of common pregnancy side effects such as headaches and nausea. It is also highly effective at reducing edema (swelling), lower back and abdominopelvic pain, and join pain. Massage can also be highly beneficial in the postpartum period by helping return the body into its pre-pregnancy alignment. A massage within the first week (or several weeks) postpartum not only feels wonderful, it flushes lactic acid out of the tissues and can relieve sore and achy muscles. Massage helps release shoulder, neck, and arm tension from the care and feeding of and infant and helps relieve tension from the birth process.

Prenatal massage typically uses a combination of calming Swedish massage, deep tissue work, gentle range of motion and stretching, lymph drainage, and reflexology. Each prenatal massage is completely customized to what the mother needs or wants, as the body is continually changing throughout pregnancy. Pregnancy massage therapists are trained in precautions/contraindications and will refer to the mother’s healthcare provider when necessary.

Massage during pregnancy: 

• Relieves nausea 
• Supports digestion 
• Eases joint discomfort 
• Aids in postural realignment 
• Increases strength, flexibility and balance 
• Alleviates chronic lower back and hip pain 
• Increases circulation to the placenta and baby 
• Teaches awareness of body tension patterns
• Aids in deeper breathing and deep breathing techniques 
• Provides physical, psychological, and emotional centering 
• Facilitates deep muscle relaxation, tension release and increased circulation 

As with most treatments, the key to achieving good results with pregnancy massage is to have a therapist specially trained in care during the pre- and postpartum periods. As it happens, we have an expert at MYBO! 

Marya Millard is a certified massage therapist through the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards and is licensed in Virginia to practice massage therapy. Marya’s passion for alternative healing techniques began in 2008 after personally witnessing the effects that massage therapy and alternative-healing techniques have on body, mind and energy level. Originally from North Carolina, Marya relocated to northern Virginia in 2010 and subsequently studied Massage Therapy at Northern Virginia School of Therapeutic Massage in Falls Church, VA.

Marya specializes in pre-natal massage, postpartum massage, fertility massage, Swedish massage, deep tissue massage and reflexology. Marya is also a trained doula—an experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during, and after birth.

To schedule an appointment with Marya or to learn more, email us at admin@mindyourbodyoasis.com to to talk to one of our team members.