Blissed Out Beginnings……

Pregnancy is a joyful, and stressful time. The mother's body is changing quickly to meet the needs of the growing child. Taking time out for yourself and your developing baby is an important and wise move.

Celine Samson, from TONIC MASSAGE in Henley, has undergone the Well Mother specialist training with Suzanne Yates, a highly regarded shiatsu practitioner based in Bristol, who focusing her expertise on pregnancy work. It is a popular course amongst midwives and bodywork therapists.

How is pregnancy massage different from a regular one?

As with regular massage, an initial consultation is essential prior to your massage. This ensures it is OK to receive the treatment and allows time to discuss any specific discomforts you may be experiencing. It is important that a massage therapist has the extra knowledge of the pregnant state. This enables them to work safely and effectively, and knowing what pressure to use and which positions and techniques are suitable for all stages of pregnancy.

A pregnancy treatment may need to be adapted to address individual needs and so Celine may use a futon mattress on the floor instead or a chair rather than the standard couch. The sessions may include; reflexology, massage, simple exercise and movement and shiatsu stretches to help alleviate some of the common physical discomforts of the mother-to-be. A treatment can incorporate the whole body including abdominal work as long as the client feels comfortable with it. Sessions normally range from an hour to an hour and a half.

How can massage help during pregnancy?

Massage is a form of healthcare that can assist with the temporary challenges of pregnancy.

It provides a deep state of relaxation by relieving stress on joints, easing pain, and helping with the postural changes associated with the progressing pregnancy. It is effective for relieving stress, sinus congestion, round ligament pain, some types of breathing restrictions, lower back pain and oedema. A relaxed mum-to-be will more than likely have an easier and healthier pregnancy, and perhaps even an easier delivery. In addition, many mothers feel that the baby enjoys the massage as much as she does.

Massage therapy is not only good before childbirth, but also afterwards. Postpartum massage focuses on helping to restore the mother's body to its pre-pregnancy condition. Massage therapy plays an important part in restoring the abdominal muscles and the uterus to its normal healthy state and stability. It relieves muscular tension and stress from everyday activities, especially the demands of being a new parent.

Besides the physical benefits, the special attention and quiet time during massage can also help to balance the new mother's emotional state. The power of nurturing touch can provide a time to relax and reflect for the new mother, and may help with postpartum depression.

Working with couples

Celine can also work with couples and teach the birth partner how to massage plus some supportive holds during the stages of labour. Birth partners may then feel more confident to take an active role by having a few easy and effective techniques.

Call Celine for further information on price and arrangement of time and dates.