Recieving prenatal massage

[Night Otter]

Hi Guys,

I am a CMT and I am 8 months pregnant. I quit doing massage when I had morning sickness and I will resume after the birth. I have done prenatal massage and I am aware of the main benefits. I was wanting to know more about statistics or information on how massage helps to improve labor and delivery and how soon after delivery massage can be given. I have all my school books from a few years ago in storage and being pregnant I don't want to sort through stuff to find them. I remember learning alot about it in school but my brain is so fuzzy these days I was hoping some of you could refresh me on the benefits to Mom and Baby, and anything else you might feel is relevant. Also I was wondering how you all felt about therapeutic work specifically during pregnancy vs. swedish. I have heard that both are acceptable and then also that only swedish should be done with no tp work, or other deep tissue techniques, etc. I have been seeing a therapist and she does basic swedish full body so I was wondering if I could have some specific work done or not. She won't do anything but light swedish which is relaxing but I want more. I just don't know if it is safe. Sorry if I am rambling. Thanks for your replies.

 

[Mojito]

is there another certified prenatal therapist within a reasonable distance of you?

it's not an area i'm well-versed in yet so am of no additional assistance.

congrats on your prego!!

 

[Sexual Predator]

Yes there are plenty of therapists in my area there are major MT schools around here. The best prenatal one I know of is way on the north end of town about 45 minutes away with terrible traffic. I chose the girl I did for convenience and experience. She mainly has worked with high risk pregnancies so I think that is why she is so mild, plus only basic prenatal training not any advanced study on the subject. I would like to see a girl I used to work with but she is so busy in the clinic she is in and I don't want to pay the 50% commission the boss asks. (Biatch fired me after a miscarriage for negative energy and hired two students to replace me at much lower commission)

There are some instructors in the area I could look up that practice around here some. Basically I need some qualifications to ask about and see if they can offer what I want but I really wanted to get an informed opinion before I spend the time finding another therapist.

 

[sam j]

Any prenatal Reflexologists in your area? Reflexology is great during pregnancy, and the fact that it has lasting benefits into labor is always a plus!

 

[holey moley]

Here is a handout I posted on postnatal massage, that I received during a pregnancy workshop.

1-3 days (after delivery)

Unless mother is in pain for specific muscle spasm (or something similar), it is unlikely massage will be needed since the normal system provides an overall narcotic effect at this time.

1-4 weeks later

The uterus healing and beginning of lactation absorbs a tremendous amount of energy, therefore deep tissue work is not advisable unless a specific muscle spasm is firing. Post-event massage techniques, Swedish, or integrative work to integrate and flush the body is helpful. REST,REST,REST... The newborn is stimulated by absolutely everything. This is a time time for mother and baby to be quietly together so mother may heal and bond, and baby may be nurtured.

1-3 months post-partum

Neck pain is the most common complaint. Educate on body mechanics related to nursing and holding the baby. Around three months, the shoulder girdle usually begins to fire constantly. Arm, shoulder, and thoracic outlet focus is very productive. Posture, movement and breathing education very important. Full body massage is very nurturing for the emotionally and physically fatigued mother. Watch for signs of post-partum depression. Not a good time to begin any structurally demanding exercise.

3-6 moths post-partum

Hip stabilization, correct abdominal strengthening techniques, body mechanics and movement education. Marital stresses and returning to work issues usually begin to influence the mother.

10-14 months post-partum

Low back pain, and mid to lower thoracic pain become predominant complaints. Ligaments are stronger but still loose. Hip stabilization, full body, and specific trigger point work is common. Mothers may begin discussing having another child. Fatigue and lack of social connection are usual complaints or concerns, especially if the mother nurses.

16-20 months post-partum

Strong urges to exercise the body, usually in structurally challenging ways. Ligaments are still soft, low back still weak and often painful, hips usually need stabilization work. Abdominal and psoas work in highly recommended. Focus needs to be on correct movement patterns and gentle cardiovascular conditioning. Many complaints of neck pain and mid to upper thoracic pain. Subscapular, latissimus dorsi, and lower trap work is very helpful.

18-24 months post-partum

The ligaments of the body are usually completely "cinched down" by two years post-birth. Perfect time to concentrate on hip stabilization, hip and low back deep tissue, adductors and quadriceps group. Ideally 2-4 deep tissue session on hips and low back, followed by a program like pilates for strengthening and conditioning will prepare the body well for the end of the post-partum period.

From the thread Post-natal massage

And as far as what is going on during pregnancy (from another handout):

First Trimester
from date of late menstrual period through 13th week

BABY

From fertilized egg to 3" long
Has complete skeleton (body, arms, legs, eyes, nails and ears)
Major organs forming by 6th week, developed by 12th week
13th week placenta issues hormones which maintain pregnancy
Responds to touch

MOTHER

Ultra-sensitivities
Aches and pains usually disappear because of hormone, relaxin
Risk of miscarriage is highest
Increase in blood plasma makes anemia possible

THERAPIST FOCUS

Swedish massage main modality
Abdominal work is contraindicated
Passive joint movement or rocking may increase nausea
Avoid reflex work around lateral malleoli and anterior tibialis
Prone or supine positioning still comfortable

Second Trimester
14 weeks to 28 weeks

BABY

Grows to 11-14 inches
Heartbeat audible, fetus movement felt by mother around 18 weeks
Responds to sound

MOTHER

Uterus reaches umbilicus
Structural problems can begin (low back stress, enlarged breasts, skin stretching, muscle and ligament cramps, varicose veins and hemorrhoids, uterine ligament twinges)
Anemia possible

THERAPIST FOCUS

Wedge right hip in supine postition so the uterus does not put pressure on the inferior vena cava
Deep tissue massage is OK (keep in mind toxins released in mother's body will probably reach baby)
Intent is to relieve stresses of pregnancy and prepare for birthing

Third Trimester
29 weeks to 40 weeks

BABY

Weight doubles in 7th month
All but lungs functional by 8th month


MOTHER

Uterus reaches bottom of rib cage
Pubic symphysis, sacroiliac joint discomforts
Edema, especially in ankles and legs
Uncomfortable in one position for lengthy time
Sleep can be uncomfortable, wakefulness in early A.M. hours

THERAPIST FOCUS

Side lying and semi-reclining best positions
All massage modalities can be appropriate with intent to relieve discomforts (also will relax sympathetic nervous system and prepare for birthing)
Soft ligaments can make some passive joint movements uncomfortable; check in with client as you do it
Relief of pelvic congestion, SI joint, and low back strain
Deep tissue work on adductors in preparation for delivery

There is lots of information (& opinion) about prenatal massage on this forum. I believe you can receive "more" than swedish massage, if you are not in the high risk category and if the therapist is adequately trained. With what you said about your therapist, I chose the girl I did for convenience and experience. She mainly has worked with high risk pregnancies so I think that is why she is so mild, plus only basic prenatal training not any advanced study on the subject., I wonder why she is working with high risk pregnancies at all.

 

[Nuge]

thanks for the additional info ccMarie!!

 

[Tinky Winky]

Thanks so much ccMarie! Great information. Yeah my therapist led me to believe she had more than adequate training and lots of experience which made me comfortable seeing her. It wasn't until subsequent visits I got the truth. It makes me uncomfortable when I know more about massage than my therapist and that is shockingly common around here.