Pregnancy & Infant Massage
|
You and your baby deserve it!
It's a long 9 months... filled with the most exciting physical and emotional changes you will ever experience. As you adjust to and nurture the new life within, you will undergo a wide range of sensations. While all of them may be completely normal, they may not be entirely comfortable or pleasant. Some of the most common complaints of pregnancy include nausea, fatigue, headaches, lower back pain, neck and shoulder aches, swelling of the extremities, tension, irritability and mood swings. Combine the stresses of pregnancy with the demands of a career and/or family and what's an expectant mother to do? Medical Facts: *Whatever the expectant mother does to increase her own health and well-being directly affects the development of the baby. *Having a baby is an "athletic event," with labor being the hardest work a woman will ever do. *Stress is one of the major causes of premature labor. *Premature birth is the #1 cause of infant death. *Prenatal massage is one of the best known methods for the reduction of stress. *Post maturity (defined as two weeks or more past the estimated date of delivery) is the #2 cause of infant death. *Regular therapeutic massage has been shown to be an important factor in preventing post maturity. *Infant massage promotes family bonding *Infant massage promotes neurological development *Infant massage calms colicky babies. *Infant massage is a structured touch enhancement. *Babies who suffer from a "lack of touch" fail to thrive. In addition to all the health benefits, therapeutic massage also feels absolutely wonderful! Insurance may apply with your doctor/midwife prescription. |
Suggested scheduling of appointments begins as early as 14 weeks and continues until delivery and once a week for the first six weeks postpartum.
Pre-natal massage is therapeutic bodywork which focuses on the special needs of the mother-to-be, preparing her body to cope with the demands of carrying and delivering a baby. During pregnancy, massage can: *provide relaxation *increase circulation *relieve stress on weight bearing joints (lower back, pelvis, knees ankles) *alleviate neck and shoulder strain *reduce edema *lower blood pressure *offer emotional support and physical nurturing *enhance sensory awareness *decrease risk of pre-maturity/post-maturity Post-partum massage will speed your body's return to its pre-pregnancy state by helping to restore normal muscle tone as well as easing the strain of caring for a brand new baby. Infant massage classes are offered "free of charge" to the prenatal massage family after the baby arrives. Learn how to enhance your baby's growth and development, increase his/her sense of happiness and well-being and mature the special bond between you through the art of infant massage. Labor coaches are always welcome and will be taught how to increase the mother's comfort throughout pregnancy, as well as how to assist their partner during labor and delivery. Massage is a great gift idea, not only for moms or expectant mothers, but also for expectant or new fathers and family members. |
