Prenatal and Postpartum 90min, $150
Prenatal/Postpartum (Pregnancy) massage is therapeutic bodywork which focuses on the special needs of the mother-to-be as her body goes through the dramatic changes of the childbirth experience – pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Structurally and physiologically a pregnant woman’s body is challenged, changed, and stressed in many ways. Structurally the pregnant body must adjust to the additional anterior weight of the baby, which produces tension in the muscles of the back and legs, stretching of the abdominal muscles, and stress on the weight-bearing joints. The circulatory system and every other body system must adapt to and support the pregnancy. As her body changes, a woman must balance her need for greater dependence on others with her need to also develop inner resources of strength in order to be the one on whom her baby can depend. While massage therapy during pregnancy is not intended to replace appropriate medical and prenatal care, there are a number of indications for massage in pregnancy which address a woman’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs.