Are Prenatal Massages Just for Relaxing or Are There Medical Benefits too?
Pregnancy can bring on all sorts of aches and pains (and this deeply rooted desire to be pampered) - am I right? So, I’ve interviewed a prenatal massage therapist!
Whether you're just curious if this is just a way to be pampered or if it can actually assist with things like labor and better sleep… listen up! This might be just what you need! Here is my conversation with Lauren Martinez!
What exactly is prenatal massage, and how does it differ from regular massage therapy?
I prefer to say prenatal massage IS a regular massage for a pregnant body- meaning you have MORE options, not less! A few key differences are listed below:
1) We take extra steps to ensure your comfort with body cushions.
2) Expecting mamas have specific focus areas and pains. As a specialist, I am equipped to address these concerns.
3) As a team, we are consistently working on bringing balance to the body so both mama and baby feel great. In the final weeks before birth, we are looking to achieve
optimal fetal positioning, prepping for labor, stimulating labor and/or balancing during labor.
4) I provide helpful modifications depending on what trimester you are in.
What are the benefits for the expectant mother?
There are many wonderful benefits to a pregnancy massage. It is especially beneficial to “high-risk” clients! A few of my favorite benefits include: lowered risk of prenatal and postpartum anxiety/depression, stimulation of milk production, and decrease in labor complications. Regular massage during pregnancy also alleviates common pregnancy discomforts such as sciatic pain, SI joint pain, low back pain, swelling, and those dreaded leg cramps! Massage isn’t only beneficial to mom though, it also improves circulation to the womb and placenta-where benefits are extended to baby as well.
Can prenatal massage help with common pregnancy discomforts like back pain and swelling?
Yes, especially when used in combination with after-care suggestions and/or additional therapies such as chiropractic, acupuncture, and pelvic floor PT-all of which I have trusted referrals for.
Are there any risks or contraindications to be aware of before undergoing prenatal massage therapy?
While I do take care to make appropriate modifications to a session when needed, there are very few instances where massage is contraindicated altogether. If you have any concerns, I am happy to hop on a consultation call. Please do not let the “high-risk” label deter you from receiving bodywork before contacting me.
Is there an ideal time during pregnancy to start receiving prenatal massages?
Everyone is different! As your pregnancy progresses, you may feel the need to come in for a session more frequently, but you may safely receive bodywork in ANY trimester. I recommend starting with a session once a month, plus additional sessions as needed and then increasing to every other week/every week in the third trimester.
How should a client prepare for their first prenatal massage?
To prepare for your first session be sure you hydrate, dress comfortably, and remove any jewelry at home. Hair can be left down or tied up in a high bun for added ease, but it isn’t required. It’s best to be thorough on your forms and to ask any questions or share any concerns ahead, so I can ensure we are setting you up for the best experience possible! The line of communication is always open in my treatment room. Do not hesitate to express your needs before, during and after the session. Remember: I am here to serve you, Mama. No request is too much!
What postpartum massage services do you offer, and how can they benefit new mothers?
In my opinion, postpartum should be the highest priority in terms of care. It is so important to support a mama’s body as it heals from all the hard work she has put in bringing her little one Earthside. I offer postpartum massage, belly binding, and yoni steaming postpartum. When combined, these three tools are a triad of healing for the postpartum mama.
Massage helps alleviate tension after giving birth and tension from holding and feeding baby. It reduces postpartum swelling, aids in digestive support, and helps bring organs back into place.
Belly binding is a gentle support for a mama with a Diastasis Recti or splitting of the abdominal muscles, as well as internal support for the healing womb and keeps pressure off of a c-section incision.
Finally, yoni steaming or vaginal steaming, heals the delicate tissues of the vulva, vagina and perineum with herbal steam. This practice helps reduce bleeding and swelling, and heals hemorrhoids when done daily.
I believe cesarean mamas deserve more options for care, which is why I ensure that all of my offerings are also accommodating to belly birth clients. Additionally, I offer Cesarean Scar Tissue Remediation Therapy to help mamas heal from post surgical discomforts optimally and fully.
What's the most satisfying part of providing prenatal massages, and how do you view your role in a woman's pregnancy journey?
So much benefit and growth can come when we place healing back in the hands of the client and their families. Facilitating this and seeing a client grow with my own eyes is my greatest satisfaction in this work. As a bodyworker in the birth space, I consider it my duty to educate and empower families at every opportunity. Because of this, it is important for me to be able to provide resources, tools, and options for continued care. You, your body, and your baby are doing the hard work by receiving, learning, and implementing those tools. I am merely the guide. Thank you for trusting me with your care.
How can an expecting or postpartum mama find you to book your service?
Lauren Martinez
The Mama Root
25255 Cabot Rd Suite 103
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
E-mail: Lauren@themamaroot.com
IG: @themamaroot
(714) 457-4409
Pare your prenatal care with regular Chiropractic adjustments and Acupunture sessions.
During one of my pregnancies a dear friend of mine hired a massage therapist for me. That was such an amazing gift and I think we should gift those type of things to mama before we buy them another package of diapers. Yes, we always need diapers for our little bundles but we don’t always treat ourselves to such nourishing experiences and I think those are just as, if not more important than diapers.