PREGNANCY MASSAGE:
If you have never had a massage and discover you are pregnant, this is a wonderful opportunity to experience prenatal massage. You will fall in love with the benefits massage will bring during this new experience and will want to continue to receive massage after giving birth. After the first trimester is the first time you should receive prenatal massage, and should consult your doctor about receiving massage.
The difference between regular massage and prenatal massage will be in how you are positioned during your massage. Most likely you will not be face down as you don't want to put undue pressure on the baby. Special pillows are made for prenatal massage and these may be used during your massage. Massage therapists also keep in mind that you are going through many changes, and your massage will take these into consideration. You may experience tenderness and won't want a great amount of pressure.
Massage is done while you are lying on each side so that your back and hips can be reached. Lying face up (supine) your neck, face, arms and legs can be massaged while you remain comfortable and warm. How much clothing you take off during your massage is left up to you. Massaging of your tummy and baby is left up to mommy, but I have had wonderful results after doing this type of massage on mommy's tummy.
You can now experience pre-natal massage by calling me at 931-638-6116 or 256-270-9200, Huntsville Massage Professionals located at 600 St. Clair Aveneue,and scheduling an appointment. This is a very special time and requires a special massage. We want to join in your celebration and help make the most of this special time.
The Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami has done many studies on the benefits that soon-to-be-mommies can derive from massage. One study showed decreased anxiety and stress hormones (norepinephrine) during pregnancy and fewer obstetric and postnatal complications including lower prematurity rates following prenatal massage. Other benefits include, but are not limited to::
<> helps ease backaches, headaches that may be caused by muscle tension and shift in posture to accommodate increasing weight
<> help with shoulder and neck aches
<> can decrease pain in the pelvic/hip area
<> Increases circulation
<> can assist in reducing fatigue
<> can assist in reducing swelling in hands and lower legs
<> promotes relaxation and deep breathing
<> can assist with stabilizing hormone levels by lessening anxiety
Studies have also shown that an easier birth can be obtained through massage and there are Doulas who provide such a service as to be there during the birth of your child and assist you and dad during this special and memorable time. Doulas are special people who want to assist you in having an ideal experience during the birthing time. Check out Doula Jeanne Stolaas website for more information on this wonderful service. Buy a gift certificate for someone needing a pregnancy massage anytime online at www.massagebyannie.com
POST PARTUM MASSAGE
After baby is born mommy will be going through more physiological changes and experiencing many feelings about her new role. This can be a time of new emotions, some about new baby, sleepless nights, and also the many other duties that have to be attended to each day. It took nine months of body changes to deliver your baby and it will take giving yourself some time for your body to return to a "normal" you again. This is where massage, by a therapist who is aware of your physiological changes, can be beneficial.
The question has been presented concerning the difference between a regular massage and a post partum massage. Although the actual massage may be very similar to that of a "regular" swedish massage, the main difference wiill be that as your therapist I will be concerned with the many changes you may be experiencing, and take these into consideration while planning to reach your goals through your post partum massage.
Massage during the post partum time can be very beneficial as listed below
* Re-establishes pelvis structural integrity
* Supports healthy lactation
* Reduces stress hormones
* Relieves neck/shoulder/back pain
* Supports healthy emotional state
* Aids in maternal bonding
* Aids in restful sleep
INFANT MASSAGE:
Babies are truly a gift. They enter our worlds and bring forgotten innocence, soft cuddly fingers, warm nuzzles, unintelligible squeaks, and love, along with sleepless nights, worry, and stress. After making preparations for nine months, are we really prepared for the sleepless nights, unending laundry, endless boxes of diapers, bottles needing filled while others waiting to be cleaned? Infant massage can help!
Some of the benefits for parents and caregivers are:
<> a FUN and RELAXING time for parent and child
<> promotes confidence in caring for your child
<> helps learn and respond to child's non-verbal clues
<> improves parent-child bonding and communication
You'll want to choose a time when baby and parents are relaxed. Giving the baby a massage at the same time each time helps with routines, but is not absolutely necessary. Baby should be fed and comfortable, not too tired. Giving a full massage is not the ultimate goal, but to spend quality time with baby. Approximately 15 minutes to 30 minutes will be the goal, but always listen to baby, they know exactly how much they want and when they want it to end.
DAD AND MASSAGE
So, we have touched on what Mom is going through and how prenatal massage can assist her with many benefits during pregnancy, we have touched on how infant massage helps parents and baby. What is dad going through during Mom's pregnancy and then the birth? Well, let us talk about that.
This is a time of change for Mom and Dad. There are many tips that will help keep the family calm and ready for the appearance of their newborn. But Dad is special and deserves some special time also. Dad can receive his massage from me by calling 931-638-6116 or 256-738-0637 and leave message and scheduling an appointment at Massage by Annie at Huntsville Massage Professionals, 600 St. Clair Avenue, Bldg 9, Suite 25, Huntsville, Alabama, 25801.
He is going to be busy rubbing mom's feet, as she won't be able to after baby starts taking up all the room he/she will need. He will be running more errands, especially when mom has a craving! He may even have to start doing some of the housework he may not be as familiar with as Mom, maybe! Dad has a list of things to remember, keeping the car full of gas, knowing where Mom's suitcase is for that hospital run. Taking birthing classes will bring about things Dad may have not even known he needed to know.
Dad is eager to learn and experience this time along with Mom. He is reading about pregnancy, reading books on names, and ready to "stand by the little mother" when her time has come. He is eager to accept responsibility for changing and feeding and even bathing the new addition. I have also noticed that Dad's show an eagerness for learning infant massage, as it is a great tool for bonding.
Life as a pregnant father can be scary and exciting at the same time. So much is happening to Mom that is out of his control, and yet there is such joy knowing that he has helped to create a new human being that will be forever attached to him. Child-birth classes will give Dad a lot of tips for during and after baby arrives.
During this time, Dad may need a massage himself. He is reflecting on what has happened and what is about to become a big part of his future. Dad will spend a lot of time worrying, but trying not to show it, after all his is to be the macho man and be strong for everyone.
It's okay Dad, worry a little, be prepared and remember, this is an exciting and memorable time for both you and Mom!
Massage can benefit everyone!
For futher information or a brochure call 256-489-2590 and set up an appointment.
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