WHAT IS PREGNANCY MASSAGE?
As well as being deeply relaxing and a lovely way to spoil yourself, pregnancy massage is also great for the emotional and physiological well being of both mother and baby.
Specialised massage during pregnancy can be very beneficial, relieving the discomfort of backache, pelvic girdle pain, Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD), aching hips and swollen ankles, feet and hands, due to fluid retention. Equally importantly, massage relaxes the whole body, aids better sleeping patterns and gives a feeling of well-being, leading to a more serene pregnancy.
Louise Oliver, DipHE Nursing, MCThA, who is based in Preston, Lancashire, is a qualified nurse and holistic therapist and has trained in pregnancy massage on the Childbirth Essentials programme, devised and run by renowned midwives Anne Haines and Linda Kimber, so you can feel confident of the best care for both your baby and yourself. Louise also offers massage therapy suited to postnatal mums - treatments to gently relax you and help you return to full mobility, as well as a range of foot therapies.
As well as being deeply relaxing and a lovely way to spoil yourself, pregnancy massage is also great for the emotional and physiological well being of both mother and baby. A study by the Touch Research Institute, published in the journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology, suggests that massage during pregnancy is hugely beneficial.
As with regular massage, pregnant women experience numerous benefits from massage because of their changing bodies that put stress on the back, neck, shoulders and abdominal muscles.
As a fully qualified pregnancy massage therapist, Louise is able to offer a massage that will melt away those aches, pains and stresses which can develop during pregnancy, ensuring the muscles are relaxed and the body is prepared for labour.
Massage gives special attention to the mum-to-be, which in turn nurtures the new life that grows inside her."Massage the mum, massage the baby" Childbirth Essentials (2008)
There are a number of comfortable positions in which to receive pregnancy massage, the most popular being Louise's Bump Bag, which allows ladies with a bump to lie on their front. This means the back is able to rest in a flat position, with the bump securely supported in the hollow of the special massage bed.
This allows for a more symmetrical back massage and is extremely comfortable, supporting the bump so much that pregnant ladies claim they no longer feel pregnant!
If you are not comfortable lying on your front, there is an option of lying on your side. This is still extremely comfortable as the bump bag supports the entire body including your bump.Only safe oils, such as grapeseed oil will be used throughout treatment.
HOW CAN PREGNANCY MASSAGE HELP ME?
Studies have shown that regular pregnancy massage can: reduce back pain and ease general aches and pains caused by pregnancy; encourage better sleep; lower levels of stress hormones; reduce blood pressure; reduce fluid retention; improve circulation, improve fetal nourishment; improve mood, reduce anxiety, enhance health and nourishment of the skin, boost energy levels, calm body and mind.
Many studies show that women who receive regular massage throughout their pregnancies tend to have shorter labours with fewer complications. Studies have also shown that women who received massage as least twice a week before delivery had lower levels of stress hormones, which reduced their risk of premature delivery and postnatal depression.
CONTACT ME
Get in touch if you need more information or if you want to book.
07794 001631