Prenatal and Postpartum Massage

Prenatal massage reduces anxiety, promotes relaxation, relieves edema and alleviates stress on joints and postural muscles. Every pregnancy is different, but most women are comfortable face down on the massage table for the first trimester. By week fourteen it is important women be positioned either in a semi-reclined position or lying on their side. Massage tables with holes cut out for a baby belly or bolsters that cushion a face down position are not safe. These tables and bolsters stretch uterine ligaments and create uterine pressure. 
Postpartum massage addresses muscular issues exacerbated by pregnancy, nursing and carrying your new bundle of joy with all their gear. Lymph drainage relieves edema during pregnancy and post- partum swelling due to strenuous labor or cesarean surgery.