Pregnancy massage is therapeutic bodywork which focuses on the special needs of the woman as the body goes through change.

Benefits of Prenatal Massage

• Eases stress on weight-bearing joints and muscles
• Alleviates sciatic pain
• Stabilizes the rotation of the pelvis
• Assists with decreasing edema (swelling in the body, especially the legs and feet)
• Reduces pain caused by compromised posture and muscle imbalances through therapist assisted stretches and take home exercises.
• Eases the discomfort of the baby pushing up into the ribs through breathing techniques that expand the diaphragm
• Provides the laboring mother with focus and increased relaxation.
• Addresses posture shifts in the gravity balance and changes in the musculoskeletal structures through postural education and movement awareness exercises
• Teaches you how to best use and adapt your body in this transition and to help identify problem patterns in your daily activities
• Provides tips for comfort such as sleeping better with pillowing and relaxation tools for home
• Provides emotional support in a non-judgmental environment to share concerns, fears, & joys
  
  

Benefits of Postnatal Massage

• Alleviates the birth trauma in the tissues
• Alleviates muscle spasms
• Alleviates tension in the neck, shoulders, lower back and hips.
• Therapist-assisted stretches and take home exercises stretch and strengthen muscles affected by the new body patterns of holding and caring for an infant.·
• Facilitates the physiological healing and postural realignment of spine & pelvis.·
• Facilitates the reawakening and rehabilitation of the abdominal musculature after birth through postural education and movement awareness exercises.·

Research suggests that the birth process can be responsible for many brain dysfunctions and central nervous system problems. The CranioSacral system, which is comprised of the membranes and fluid surrounding and protecting the brain and spinal cord, directly impacts the performance of the nervous system. An imbalance or dysfunction in this system can cause sensory, motor, and/or neurological disabilities. Carried out within the first few days of birth, CranioSacral Therapy can potentially reduce a wide variety of difficulties, many of which might not become apparent until the child is in school. However, no matter how old your child is, it's never too late to benefit from this essential therapy.

The following conditions may be avoided or improved by treating newborns and children: colic, Klumpke's Palsy, vomiting, hearing problems, motor problems, seizures, strabismus, dyslexia, Cerebral & Erb'sPalsy, birth trauma, torticollis, chronic ear infections, spasticity, hyperkinetic behavior, Down's Syndrome, autism, hydrocephalus, abnormal fears, sucking difficulties, and reflux.

In the CARE Network, we are fortunate to have some very talented bodyworkers that work with pregnant women and babies. Click on the names of the bodyworkers/ massage therapists in our group, listed in the column on the left.