Expectant moms experience unique physical and emotional changes that occur as a result of increased weight, shifting posture, and changing hormone levels. While on one hand great joy at the upcoming birth is experienced,  mothers-to-be also endure heightened physical discomfort that ranges from muscular tension, headaches, nausea, joint pain,  and changing body image .

Prenatal massage is a natural, touch therapy treatment aimed at alleviating these and other pregnancy related symptoms.

• Eases backaches, headaches, shoulder and neck aches that may be caused by muscle tension and shifts in posture to accommodate increasing weight
• Decreases pain in the pelvic/hip area
• Increases circulation
• Improves digestion
• Reduces fatigue
• Helps reduce swelling in such places as hands and lower legs
• Can alleviate the stress on weight-bearing joints, like the knees and hips, which are impacted by the extra weight of a growing baby
• Promotes relaxation and deep breathing
• Helps stabilize hormone levels by lessening anxiety

Taking time for yourself during pregnancy can be uplifting emotionally. The soothing essence of massage allows pregnant moms to unwind and feel serene, healthy, and comforted during a period of added physical and emotional stress.

Some women also choose to incorporate elements of massage during childbirth to cope with delivery. Massage therapy can also be a therapeutic treatment after pregnancy as your body returns to its normal state, and you begin your exciting life with baby. New moms are also learning how to bring the benefits of touch therapy to their children through infant massage classes.

All expectant mothers should check with their doctors prior to getting a massage. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, or are on the early stages of pregnancy, pre-natal massage may not be recommended. It is important to share information about your condition and your preferences with your massage therapist when you arrive for your appointment. The massage therapist will adjust your prenatal massage to make it as soothing and as useful as possible based on your personal needs and preferences

Common Misconceptions About Prenatal Massage

Myth #1: I can't receive a massage during my first trimester because it may cause a miscarriage.
Fact: You absolutely can receive a massage anytime during your pregnancy, even during labor and especially post partum. You can even receive deep tissue, except for the abdominal muscles. There is no physiological reason to skip massage in the first trimester. Some day-spas will refuse to see a woman in her early pregnancy simply because the statistical chance of her miscarrying is greater and they wish to avoid any liability the woman may, in her distress, place on them. At this state, however, the uterus is still only the size of a plum and therefore protected by the bony structure of the pelvic cavity. Massage produces endorphins, lowers stress hormones and can lower blood pressure. This is reason enough to schedule a massage during the first trimester. Begin your pregnancy with a happy and healthy mind and body!

Myth #2: Massaging my feet will send me into labor.
Fact: Absolutely untrue. If this were the case, women all over the world would go into preterm labor from simply putting on socks! While it is believed that acupressure points on the ankle, feet, shin and hands can bring on labor, it must be specific work with the set intention of stimulating the uterus, not just simply massaging the feet to relieve swelling and joint pain. A trained pregnancy massage therapist knows these points and would work specifically and accurately, very close to the due date and/or during labor to stimulate uterine contractions. Pregnant women need their feet massaged! Gentle Swedish massage helps tremendously with edema and joint pain and is safe for all women who have not had or are having pre-term labor.

Myth #3: I can't receive deep tissue massage.
Fact: As a fetus grows, the woman's muscular and skeletal systems instinctively adjust to her new center of gravity. The muscles used to keep you upright need to work harder, therefore creating adhesions that are most successfully relieved through deep tissue massage. You may have heard that "toxins" are released into the body when you receive a massage (especially a deep tissue massage).  This is true in the fact that waste products are released from the tissue, but it is minimal and does not cause harm to the mother or the baby, especially if you follow through with drinking the amount of water your therapist suggests.  Prenatal massage therapists are specifically trained to administer the appropriate deep tissue massage to the muscle groups that need attention. 

Myth #4: It's best to wait to get a massage towards the end when I feel really uncomfortable.
Fact: Why? By the time you feel really miserable, it will take several sessions to unwind. Stay on top of your discomfort and start receiving massage as a part of your prenatal wellness now! You may be surprised to know that your developing baby benefits from prenatal massage as well. Research shows that pregnant women experienced reduced anxiety, improved mood, reduced back pain, increased sleep after receiving massage, fewer complications in labor and fewer premature babies. 

BONUS MYTH BUSTER: Most women don't realize you can receive massage within days or weeks after birth. Post Partum massage helps with milk production, alleviates muscle strain due to labor and delivery, balances hormones which can help decrease the onset of post partum depression, reduces fatigue and facilitates a speedy recovery.

Note: Certain conditions may require your doctor/midwife's approval before you receive massage. These include: undiagnosed pregnancy induced hypertension, previous pre-term labor, severe (pitting) edema, or other conditions your doctor deems "high-risk".

Prenatal Massage

Enjoy all the benefits that massage can bring for the mom-to-be's body and baby.  The Prego pillow allows expectant moms to receive pregnancy specific massage safely while lying on their stomach and their backs, throughout their pregnancy.

     60 min  $65 

Infant Massage

Touch is a primal need, and the first important mode of communication between a mother and father and their new baby. Infant massage promotes health on all levels – psychologically, emotionally, developmentally and physiologically. Massage improves circulation, strengthens immunity, enhances neurological development, and stimulates digestion, providing relief of gas and colic. Massage can also raise a child's sense of self and worth, which is tied to developing self-esteem.

The benefits of infant massage are continually unfolding in scientific research. The Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami conducts research on the benefits of nurturing touch. They have published studies that suggest that...massage can stimulate immunity. The infants whose backs were massaged by their mothers experienced fewer colds and fewer occurrences of diarrhea.

The benefits of massage are carried into adulthood. Research findings indicate that the secure attachments with primary caregivers formed in infancy produce adults more capable of healthy, happy, and trusting relationships. Love, trust, compassion, warmth, openness and respect are conveyed through massage. The attachment bond of being held and touched helps make children more compassionate, loving, relaxed and natural.  

This one on one session is designed to teach parents how to massage their newest family addition. Learn techniques that help to calm your baby,  aid digestion, and provide more benefits than can be listed here. This session is complimentary if you have received 5 prenatal massages. Session also includes a bottle of massage oil for home use.

60 min     $75

Child Massage

Children respond to massage like ducks to water.  Numerous research studies have been conducted by the  Touch Research Institute regarding the amazing and numerous benefits.  Preschoolers have shown better performance on tests of their intellectual and manual skills after a 15-minute massage. They also slept better during naps, were less likely to be overactive and had better behavior ratings. For teens struggling with the growing pains of adolescence, massage helps to balance unstable hormones and can relieve anxiety by producing a state of relaxation. A supportive relationship with a massage therapist who gives them safe, unconditional touch can also increase their feelings of self-acceptance and self-confidence during those trying years. Massage has proven equally effective for psychological and behavioral problems. Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) exhibited less hyperactivity and more on-task behavior, and generally were happier with regular massage treatments. For autistic children, there was a decrease in touch sensitivity Touch is essential to a child's development, sense of well-being and good health. Children reach out for touch as naturally as they do for food and water. A nightly massage can ensure that touch is a positive, nurturing part of their human experience.

 This is a full body body massage with gluteal work done over the sheet.  Parent/or legal guardian is required to stay in the room during the massage.

30 min   $35

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