| MotherMassage®: Massage During Pregnancy | |
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Enjoy a massage in a face-down position with the bodyCushion™. A wonderful gift idea.
Massage accompanies childbirth nearly everywhere in the tribal world. Noted anthropoligist George Englemann wrote in 1884, "there is hardly a people, ancient or modern, that do not in some way resort to massage and expression in labor, even if it be a natural and easy one." (Goldsmith, 1984)
What is MotherMassage®?
Developed in 1980 by nationally recognized prenatal massage educator, licensed massage therapist and author Elaine Stillerman, MotherMassage® is a massage treatment which combines Swedish massage, Shiatsu, Foot Reflexology, Myofascial Release and other relevant bodywork systems to relieve the common discomforts of pregnancy, prepare you for labor, and help restore you to your pre-pregnant condition after your baby is born.
This one-hour massage is safely and soothingly administered on the bodyCushion System™ which allows you to lie face-down in proper spinal alignment throughout your entire pregnancy. You also receive a valuable resource list which will guide you to other prenatal specialists.
"Elaine Stillerman's book on MotherMassage® is very interesting and contributive set of ideas. Bravo!" - Dr. T. Berry Brazelton
Benefits of Prenatal Massage
During pregnancy, your body is undergoing dynamic local and systemic changes which may cause stresses and minor aches. MotherMassage® is designed to support your pregnancy by safely relieving these common discomforts:
- MotherMassage® reduces the strain on your lower back, abdomen and shoulders caused by postural changes. As your pregnancy advances into your third trimester, this relief is most welcome.
- MotherMassage® stabilizes hormonal levels and makes their side effects, like morning sickness, less severe.
- MotherMassage® naturally sedates your nervous system, producing much-needed reset and relaxation. Insomnia or difficulty sleeping may be relieved.
- MotherMassage® increases muscle tone and breaks down knots and muscle spasms. Edema, or swelling of the extremities is greatly reduced. Leg and foot achiness is reduced.
- MotherMassage® prepares you for labor by increasing the flexibility of your ligaments, tendons and joints and supporting your kinesthetic awareness.
"My sciatica and ackaches are disappeared after your massages. My pregnancy was pain free!" - S.G., client
"I felt so confident about labor after receiving MotherMassage®. Thanks so much." - A.D., client
How Does Massage Affect the Baby?
Your baby feels what you do and shares your experiences of pregnancy. When you are stressed, your baby also becomes hyperactive and agitated. Conversely, when you receive a massage and relax, the endorphins you naturally secrete (those "feel good" compounds) traverse the placenta and soothe the baby. Over the years, I have noticed that most babies born to women who receive regular weekly or semi-monthly massage are calmer, have sweeter dispositions, gain weight faster, have less cholic and sleep better than their non-massaged counterparts.
Postpartum
The MotherMassage® treatment you receive during your postpartum recovery period concentrates on restoring strength to your pelvic and abdominal muscles, reducing muscular aches and strains of labor, postural realignment and nursing-related discomforts.
Private Partner Labor Support Massage Class
Your partner may want to actively participate during your labor, so during your ninth month, I offer a private training class to teach basic massage techniques which help support your during your baby's birth.
"Of course, she knows all the moves that benefit the body by eliminating everyday stress." - Harper's Bazaar
"I found her to be the tops at Swedish massage." - New York Magazine
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