Positive Birth Massage
pregnancy massage questions
postnatal massage questions
general questions
If you have a question that isn't mentioned here, please don't hesitate to contact me
pregnancy massage questions
- Is massage safe during pregnancy?
If you are having a healthy pregnancy and are generally in good health then yes, massage is safe during pregnancy and can be a wonderful addition to your prenatal care. There are some instances when massage may not be appropriate, particularly if you are experiencing a high risk pregnancy or have underlying health problems. As every woman experiences pregnancy in her own way and responds differently to the major physical and emotional changes of pregnancy, you (alongside your midwife or doctor) are in the best position to decide whether you feel comfortable having a massage.
- What are the benefits of pregnancy massage?
Pregnancy massage can be of enormous benefit, not only to you, but also to your baby. Massage during pregnancy can support you emotionally and physically at a time when your body is undergoing many changes and can help prepare your body for birth. As well as giving you some peaceful, relaxing time to yourself, pregnancy massage can:
- Stimulate your circulation, helping to distribute nutrients and fluid around your body and to your placenta. Stimulating your circulation can also help prevent varicose veins from forming.
- Aid lymphatic drainage, which helps treat puffy ankles and painful swelling caused by water retention, as well as eliminating toxins from your body.
- Help stimulate a sluggish digestive system.
- Release muscular tension in the shoulders, lower back, hips and upper back which can help ease discomfort caused by hormonal and postural changes. Massaging the muscles around the upper chest and rib cage can also benefit the respiratory system and aid restricted breathing.
- Help release nerve compression caused by water retention or muscular tension.
- Enhance your body awareness by keeping you connected and in touch with your changing shape.
- Be very effective in inducing deep relaxation and sleep and creating a sense of well-being.
I am also trained in regular massage and so can provide both you and your partner with a massage treatment at the same session. This can be a wonderful way of involving your partner in the experience and supporting their role too.
- At what stage in my pregnancy can I start having massage therapy?
Massage can start any time after your twelve week scan if you are generally well and not having any significant problems with your pregnancy.
- Are there times during my pregnancy when it isn't suitable to have a massage?
It isn’t advisable to have a massage during the first trimester of your pregnancy, however any time after this and up to your baby’s birth is fine if you are experiencing a low risk pregnancy. There are certain conditions related to either your general health or your pregnancy that may mean massage isn’t suitable for you. In many cases this just means that it is advisable to talk to your midwife or other healthcare professional to get their consent and approval to go ahead with bodywork prior to any treatments.
I want you to feel comfortable and enjoy your treatment and so if you ever feel unwell or something just doesn’t feel right before your appointment, then please do let me know as soon as possible and we can rearrange your appointment if necessary.
- How is pregnancy massage different from regular massage?
In many ways pregnancy massage is similar to regular massage in that it aims to relax tense muscles, ease aches and pains, improve your circulation and mobility, while also helping you to feel good. However, the treatment is also tailored to your needs as a pregnant woman. I use a wide and comfortable massage couch, fixed at a lower height than usual, so that it is easy for you to get on and off. I’ll help you lie on your side with your head resting on a pillow and will use as many pillows and cushions as necessary to support you and your bump to make you comfortable. I’ll then cover you with towels (or a cotton sheet if you are feeling hot) and only expose the parts of your body that are being massaged.
During your consultation we’ll discuss what you hope to get out of your massage and any particular problems you may be experiencing and I’ll then work out a treatment plan to address these. Each treatment may therefore be different from the next, but in general I start by massaging one side of your back, your arm and leg, and with some very gentle stroking of your bump if you’re happy with that. I’ll then help you sit up and lie back down at the other end of the couch and massage the other side of your body. I’ve been trained to address specific pregnancy related issues and so if your ankles are puffy, I’ll ensure that your treatment incorporates lymph-drainage techniques to reduce water retention. Or, if you are particularly bothered by lower back pain, I’ll make sure I spend time working in this area too. I will only use techniques that are appropriate for your stage of pregnancy and will always work within your comfort levels. I welcome your feedback during the treatment to ensure you aren’t in any discomfort.
- How often should I have a massage during my pregnancy?
It is entirely up to you! For the most beneficial results, I recommend weekly or fortnightly treatments but I do realise that it may be constraints of budget rather than desire that get in the way of this and so I have put together some great packages of treatments to help with the cost.
- How much does a massage treatment cost?
Please see the Prices page for details of costs and current special offers. I would also be delighted if you joined the Positive Birth Facebook page. Exclusive one-off offers and news are announced on this page and all you need to do is click on the link above and 'like' the page.
- What about interrupting the treatment if…?
I love working with pregnant women and new mums and realise that the usual rules don’t apply when giving a pre or postnatal massage and so if you need to get up to go to the loo during your treatment, that is absolutely fine or if you need to care for your baby or breastfeed during your treatment then that is no problem either.
- How long does each treatment last?
Your treatment will last 60 minutes. Please also allow an additional 10 minutes at each appointment for me to set up and have a chat with you about your health and well-being.
As you will have a thorough consultation when we first meet, please allow an extra 20 minutes in addition to your treatment time at your first appointment.
- Which massage oils do you use?
I use either sweet almond oil or grape seed oil. If you’d prefer me not to use nut-based oils for your treatment then that is absolutely fine, just let me know when you book your appointment. For aromatherapy massages I have a range of essential oils that are suitable for pregnancy and postnatal but I will make an assessment based on your individual needs at your first appointment.
- I have an allergy, is that a problem?
It depends on what the allergy is – generally it isn’t a problem but please mention this when you book your appointment and we will discuss any limitations to your treatments and alternative options.
- Are you insured to work with pregnant women?
Absolutely - my insurance is provided through Balens Insurance Services who are a specialist insurance company for complementary therapy practitioners. I am also insured with the Royal College of Midwives for my midwifery role and any therapies I provide whilst working for the NHS.
- My employer offers me paid time off work for antenatal care, can this include massage treatments?
It can, however this must be on the advice of your midwife, doctor or healthcare professional.
If this applies to you, just mention it when you book your appointment and I will make sure that I provide you with confirmation of your appointment to give to your employer.
postnatal massage questions
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When I can I restart massage after having my baby?
If you’ve had a healthy pregnancy and delivery without any major complications, a massage can safely be given whenever you feel ready after your baby’s birth. However it is best to leave it at least a week after a vaginal birth.
If you have had a caesarean section it is best to leave it at least 4 weeks or until you are released from midwifery care and your scar tissue has healed.
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Are there instances when postnatal massage may not be suitable?
Massage after you have given birth can be extremely beneficial in helping you adjust emotionally and physically. However, there are instances when massage might not be appropriate or I’ll need to ask your midwife or consultant for their consent to go ahead with treatments.
If you’ve had any complications during your labour or any subsequent health concerns, then approval will be needed prior to any postnatal treatments. Or if you have any infections or communicable diseases, fever, unexplained bleeding, blood clot or phlebitis, massage won’t be suitable until you are fully recovered. I will ask you about your health when you make your appointment and you’ll also have a full consultation at your first postnatal massage session when we will make sure that it is safe to go ahead with your treatment.
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How does postnatal massage differ from pregnancy massage?
After you’ve had your baby, your body is faced with new challenges. Lifting, cuddling and feeding can all put your body under new stresses. Postnatal massage concentrates on relieving physical strain that may have built up over your pregnancy as well as treating the new strains your body is under.
Equally as important, massage therapy can help strengthen you emotionally by relaxing you and helping to reduce the symptoms of stress. At a time when so much in your life is centered on your baby, massage therapy can give you a wonderful opportunity to concentrate on your own needs for a while and have a much deserved break.
The first few postnatal sessions will focus on relaxation rather than any deep muscular work. I’ll ensure that you are positioned comfortably and this will very much depend on your needs at the time of the appointment – initially you will most likely prefer to be side-lying and supported with pillows as your breasts may be tender and/or you may have tenderness around the site of an epidural. Your position will then be adjusted as you move through your postnatal recovery to ensure that you get the most from your treatments.
- Do you mind my baby being with me during the treatment?
Not at all! I’m very flexible and don’t mind if you need to get up to care for your baby or interact with your children during your treatment. It is of course better if you can ask a friend to take care of your baby/child so you can enjoy quality time for yourself.
- How much does a postnatal massage cost?
Please see the Prices page for details of prices and current special offers. For details of one-off special offers and the latest news, you can also join the Positive Birth Facebook page. Just click on the link above and 'like' the page.
general questions
- Do I need to provide anything for my treatment?
Just bring yourself! And if you are booking a home visit I’ll bring all the equipment needed for your treatment – massage couch, bolsters, pillows, cushions, linens, massage creams and oils suitable for use during pregnancy. All I ask is that you have enough space for me to set up my massage couch and work around it. If you imagine a 6ft tall person lying down with their arms outstretched then that will give you a good idea of the space that I’ll need.
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Can I book treatments for more than one person?
Of course. There are a number of options for booking a double session or multiple treatment sessions and so please take a look at the Prices page for prices and current offers. A double session can include a regular massage for your partner, friend or family member as well as a pregnancy/postnatal massage for you. Or it can consist of two pregnancy/postnatal massages for you and a friend.
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Do you just offer pregnancy and postnatal massage?
No I don’t - whilst I absolutely love working with pregnant and postnatal women, I also get great satisfaction working with clients who require regular massage and I am trained in a number of massage therapies.
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Can you come to my workplace to give me a treatment?
Yes, I’m very happy to treat you in your workplace. All I ask is that you have approval from your management prior to your appointment and have access to a private room for your treatment.
- What should I do to look after myself after my treatment?
The best thing to do after a treatment is relax as much as possible, drink plenty of water and avoid heavy exercise and meals.
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Do you do baby showers and pamper parties?
As I offer pregnancy and regular massage treatments, you can configure my time with your guests however you’d like. For example, you may like to treat the mum-to-be to a full hour massage and then let the guests have several 40 minute or 20 minute treatments.
- I'd like to buy a mum-to-be/new mum a massage, do you sell gift vouchers?
Absolutely - and they make a lovely gift for a mum-to-be or new mum (or dad!). All the info you need on buying the vouchers can be found by following the Prices, or Please Contact Me for more information.
- How much do the treatments cost and do you have special offers?
Please see the Prices page for details of prices and current special offers. I would also be delighted if you joined the Positive Birth Facebook page. Exclusive one-off offers and news are announced on this page and all you need to do is click on the link above and 'like' the page.
