Every pregnancy is different, and mothers’ experience each stage of pregnancy in very different ways. Our soothing Pregnancy Massage treatments are individually tailored to what your unique body needs at each session. We utilise a range of uber-comfortable bolsters, cushions, pillows and props so we can safely nurture & support your growing body as new life evolves; from day dot, right through to the day of birth!
What is Pregnancy Massage?
Why massage during pregnancy?
Pregnancy massage is a wonderful choice to compliment your prenatal care. It is an ideal way to reduce stress and promote overall wellbeing, during this magical (though oft times uncomfortable!) time of your life.
Pregnancy massage helps relieve many of the common discomforts experienced during pregnancy, including: back pain, joint aches, sinus congestion, pain from carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, foot pain and swollen arms / legs (not due to pre-eclampsia).
Massage also encourages healthy circulation of blood and lymph, and releases serotonin, endorphins and dopamine; which soothes your nervous system and improves sleep, whilst also calming anxiety and depression caused by your changing hormones.
As well as being incredibly soothing and relaxing, pregnancy massage also helps to create a bond between you and your bubba(s), which feels absolutely wonderful!
See below for more FAQs, we hope to take care of you and bump soon x
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be comfortable?
Clarity therapists take extra care to ensure that you are comfortable and safe during your treatments. Utilising a range of uber-comfortable pregnancy bolsters, cushions, pillows and supports; we can safely nurture and support your growing body as new life evolves, through every stage of pregnancy.
Our specially designed pregnancy bolster sits atop the massage bed and allows you to lie safely and comfortably on your belly, relieving strain and pressure from your lower back and hips (bliss!), and is a wonderful way to receive massage during the earlier stages of pregnancy.
However, depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy, your presenting areas of focus and your level of comfort, you may be positioned side-lying on the table, supported with soft bolsters, pillows, blankets and cushions to keep you and bub cosy and safe for the duration of the treatment.
Throughout the second trimester, if you are on your back at any stage of the treatment, you will be comfortably supported by a bolster which will raise your right hip (so bubs and placenta stay happy and well!).
If at any stage during your massage you feel discomfort, nausea (or simply need a wee or a wriggle!), we welcome and encourage you to let your kind practitioner know immediately, so that they can make adjustments to support you.
All of our treatments (pregnancy included) are provided in an environment which is warm, welcoming and free of judgement: Your body, your birth, your choice.
You can see images of positioning and some more FAQ answers here
Is it safe?
Massage during a “normal” pregnancy is not only perfectly safe, it is a wonderful, nourishing thing to do for yourself and your baby; from day dot, to the day of birth.
Massage can help reduce stress and anxiety, reduce blood pressure, assist in managing swelling and achey joints, and overall facilitate a sense of tranquil calm – the perfect state for you and your little one to thrive in.
If however you are considered “high-risk” (eg. Diabetes, preeclampsia, previous early labour, high blood pressure) or are experiencing severe symptoms (such as vomiting regularly from morning sickness, experiencing fever or contagious disease, have abdominal pain or bleeding), you will need to get the all-clear from your midwife or doctor before coming to treatments, so you can fully relax and enjoy your sessions, knowing you’re doing the right thing for you and bub.
How is it different to ‘regular’ massage?
Pregnancy massage is similar to regular massage in many ways, however there are certain areas (particularly points in your ankles, feet and shoulders) that your knowledgeable practitioner will avoid over-aggravating, owing to their relationship to certain acupressure points. In addition to this, particular care is given to avoid too much pressure in areas which may affect the comfort of you and your baby.
However, it doesn’t have to be all fluff! Your knots and aches can be worked out, simply communicate with your practitioner if you would like the pressure to be adjusted to suit. You can have confidence in the fact that your therapist will provide a treatment which is safe and effective for you.
See answers to more FAQs here.
What about after giving birth?
After many months of growing and birthing new life, your body has experienced a lot of change! It is incredibly important to continue to nurture and support your body as it adjusts and adapts into the new role as mother. It is not without challenge though, as you navigate your changing sleep (or lack thereof), your new identity, feeding rhythms and negotiating caregivers.
It is encouraging to know that massage after birth can help with: regulating sleep patterns, relieving shoulder and neck pain from breastfeeding, easing baby-blues and stress, reducing swelling and assisting recovery. Plus: it feels wonderful to reconnect with your new body, and offer some gratitude to it for all it’s hard work!
How soon you come back to your treatments is individual, and is best to discuss with your midwife or doctor who can advise (& your caregivers who can offer care to baby whilst you have some well-deserved you time!)
Pregnancy Resources
We love our Clarity Mammas community, and have had the honour of caring for a great many women throughout conception, pregnancy and beyond.
Throughout this time we have compiled a range of valuable, credible resources for pregnancy and postpartum, which we hope may offer you support, wisdom and clarity during this incredible life-changing time of transformation:
Clarity Pregnancy Resources LINK
Clarity Postpartum Resources LINK
Join our Clarity Mamma’s Facebook Community