Recent medical journals have published positive results from massage therapy during and after pregnancy.
Prenatal Massage is specifically tailored to the expectant mother's needs. It is now considered a routine part of prenatal care as an emotional and physical health supplement proven to improve pregnancy, birth, and maternal health. At Health Spa Healdsburg, our therapists understand the changes in a woman’s body during the pregnancy stages, and the physical and emotional needs of this time. The gentle nurturing Swedish Esalen massage touches physical, mental and emotional levels that nurture both mother and baby.
Medical Studies have shown that prenatal massage is instrumental in easier labor, fewer birth complications, fewer newborn complications, quicker recovery, and less postpartum depression. Regular prenatal massage improved the mood, sleep patterns, anxiety level and back pain among pregnant women. This resulted in lower rates of premature birth and fewer obstetrical problems. The conclusion - a healthy mother who takes care of herself is better equipped to care for a child, even during pregnancy.
Most pregnant women sleep better after a massage and are able to move with greater ease and comfort. Doctors agree that a relaxed mother will be more likely to have a happier and healthier pregnancy, and an easier delivery. The benefits of massage improve overall prenatal health. Massage therapy can help a woman approach her due date with less anxiety and less physical discomfort. In addition to easing specific aches, massage can act as an overall tonic and increase the expectant mother's body awareness.
If you are planning to use massage therapy as an integral part of your prenatal care, we suggest once a month in the first trimester, and twice a month in the second and third. For pregnancies with back, led and hip pain or sleeplessness, we recommend increasing to 1 ½ hours or coming once a week in the last trimester. A Membership to Health Spa Healdsburg will make this investment in the health of you and your baby more affordable.
Please consult with your health care provider or midwife about massage during your pregnancy.