PRENATAL MASSAGE

SAFE | EFFECTIVE | BENEFICIAL

 

This treatment for the mom-to-be is helpful to alleviate soft tissue aches associated with pregnancy. The baby is growing quickly and your body may not be able to keep up with adapting to fast changes, resulting in discomfort. Massage to the rescue! If comfortable using, you may lie face-down in a prenatal bolster for a portion of your massage, otherwise a side-lying option with regular pillows is available to you as well.

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Other than helping with general muscle aches, prenatal massage is also beneficial for improving circulation (for you and baby), sleep, efficacy of your lymphatic system, encouraging the parasympathetic nervous system (which can help balance hormones), loosening up certain muscles for a smoother labour and delivery, reducing sciatic symptoms and leg cramping, and generally reducing anxiety and stress.

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Prenatal massage can be received at any time, any trimester, at your comfort level. Please ensure to ask your doctor/midwife whether massage therapy is right for you on your prenatal journey if you're experiencing a higher-risk pregnancy.

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As we provide a LGBTQ2S+ safe space, we acknowledge and support all bodies that are able to experience a pregnancy.

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Postpartum massage is also highly recommended, with new challenges and adaptations facing your body once the baby arrives. The Walnut Tree suggests waiting about 3-6 weeks if you've had a vaginal delivery, and about 6-8 weeks if you've had a C-section before your first postpartum treatment. This way, your body has had some time to heal and you may (perhaps) have set up a routine around the baby's schedule, allowing yourself time away from your child to attend the massage.