Prenatal massage includes a combination of Arvigo techniques and myofascial balancing, informed by well over a decade of experience as a massage therapist and birth doula.
- 60 minute Prenatal Massage session: $100
- 90 minute Prenatal Massage session: $140
About Prenatal Massage
During pregnancy, the body goes through significant changes over a short period of months. Arvigo and myofascial massage techniques can support the body to integrate those changes with more comfort and ease, and prepare for a smooth birth.
Prenatal massage can help to alleviate many common pregnancy complaints, such as:
- Low back & hip aches/ pain
- Ligament pain
- Digestive complaints (heartburn/reflux, sluggish digestion, constipation)
- pubic symphysis or sacrum/coccyx pain
- Edema in ankles and feet
Clients often report they feel lighter, more centered and relaxed, and can breathe easier after a prenatal session.
What to expect in a Prenatal Massage session:
- A comprehensive review of your health history as well as concerns and intentions for the current session
- Gentle abdominal massage focused on centering the uterus and supporting circulation to the abdominal and pelvic organs (starting in the second trimester)
- Evaluation and application of structural alignment techniques with attention to the sacral, lumbar, and thoracic regions (upper back, lower back, and pelvis).
- Instruction in self care massage to enhance your professional treatment session (starting in the second trimester)
- Recommendation of complementary modalities and supporting practices, as appropriate
Comfort and Positioning
Your comfort is my priority. If anything is not comfortable or does not feel good during your session, I encourage you to let me know so we can make adjustments for your comfort.
Anterior massage: A prenatal session typically begins with the client in a comfortably reclined position (using a wedge cushion and pillows). A breast drape is used for belly massage. Specialized massage techniques to tend to the uterus and abdominal organs are performed from the pubic bone to the lower ribcage. Other focus areas may include neck, shoulders, sternum/upper chest, upper back, arms and hands, or legs and feet.
Posterior massage is performed with the client in a side-lying position, supported by cushions. Massage to the back and hips may be performed in this position, and gentle myofascial corrections for the back and sides of the pelvis may be performed (with client consent) through the sheet to treat hip and low back pain or discomfort.
I do not use "pregnancy cushions" or treat prenatal massage clients face-down during a session (with the exception of very early pregnancy, when it is still comfortable for the client to lie face-down). To protect the integrity of the uterine ligaments, the reclining and side-lying positions (with adequate bolstering) are the most safe and comfortable options for most prenatal clients, especially after the first trimester. In the first trimester, massage over the uterus is generally avoided to protect early pregnancy. Abdominal organs may be safely treated if desired, and massage is adapted to the comfort and needs of each individual client.
