Regular massage during your pregnancy and labour can help relieve your physical symptoms and help you cope with stress. It can also help you cope with both the physical and mental changes you go through after having you baby

Pregnancy massage

In the early stages of pregnancy the only difference from your normal massage treatment will be pillowing; extra supports will be placed under your hips and torso to take any pressure off your belly and sensitive bust.

​Later in pregnancy you will move to a side lying position where you will be fully supported with pillows and can relax comfortably. Make sure to let your therapist know if a position or technique make you feel uncomfortable, increase or cause nausea, or cause a hot flash. These are a couple of ways that your baby and body tell you they don't like what is happening.

I am pleased to announce that BAC Massage Therapy now has a Body Support cushion system which offers pregnant women the option of continuing to lie prone (on your stomach facing down) further into pregnancy.
Regular massage during your pregnancy will:
  • help you relax, increase your energy and relieve any discomforts
  • help ease aches and pains caused by supporting extra weight
  • decrease tension caused by stress and the physical changes of pregnancy
  • help you sleep better
  • increase your flexibility

Preparing for labour with massage:
  • can release chronic tension for minimal resistance during labour
  • increases awareness of tension in your body and teaches you to release it
  • will help you to learn breathing techniques that can be used during labour

Massage During Labour
​what your partner can do

Massage during labour:
  • can help you relax during contractions
  • helps to reduce pains from tight muscles
  • is something positive that your birthing partner can do to help you cope
These are a series of massage techniques that are effective during early to mid labour to help cope with pain, fatigue and to improve mom's strength, endurance and focus. It is a good idea to read through and practice the techniques with your birth partner so that you are ready to use them when the time comes.

When using massage or various forms of touch during labour, always take the lead of the labouring woman with respect to her needs at that particular moment. Her response to various types of touch may change from one contraction to another. However, don't underestimate the value of your role even if her tolerance for touch is now non-exisitent. Playing the role of support person and encouraging her is very important.
Shoulder massage
  • firm muscle squeezing of shoulders from base of neck to points of shoulders

Neck massage
  • firm by gentle fingertip circles along back of neck (not directly on spine) from base of skill to where the neck meets the shoulders
  • firm pressure at base of skull, can do small circles

Back massage
  • using the heal of your palm to massage along either side of mom's spine in firm but gentle circles
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Foot massage
  • make sure that mom is comfortable with touch on her feet first!
  • firm but gentle circles on all surfaces of the feet including the ankles and toes
Sacral counter-pressure
  • this is a deep, rhythmical, circular stroke that requires a great deal of pressure to perform effectively
  • have mom lean on the side of the bed, come in behind and place one foot between mom's feet. Place the heal of your palm on mom's back just above her buttocks
  • anchor your elbow into your hip, lean in and use your body weight behind the stroke instead of relying on your arms

Slow dancing
  • stand behind mom and have her lean back against you (remember that you can use the wall or sit on a chair to help stabilize you) keep one foot between mom's and the other foot back and off to one side (this will help to stabilize you and mom).
  • firmly stroke from the pubic bone out towards the sides of the abdomen while simultaneously swaying back and forth.
  • this stroke can be done with the hands either moving at the same time or alternately, depending on what mom wants.

postpartum massage

After you have had your baby you can once again enjoy a massage laying on your stomach. Extra pillows can be placed to support your abdomen, hips and to take pressure off your bust. It is a good idea to nurse your baby before coming for your appointment.

​Not only will this allow you time to relax, it will also help to decrease the sensitivity or pain caused by pressure on an engorged bust. If you feel more comfortable you are always welcome to bring your baby in their car seat, although most mom's benefit from small breaks from caring for their baby. Most important, relax and enjoy while someone takes care of you!
Postpartum massage:
  • can help you handle the physical demands of caring for a newborn
  • reduces tension that can interfere with milk letdown if you are nursing
  • is something just for you, when so much of your time is spent taking care of your new baby