Pregnancy is a beautiful thing, but because of changes in your body it can also be a time filled with swollen ankles, nausea, sciatica, neck pain, and sleepless nights. Well, that was my experience anyway! This is where massage can come in. Massage can help reduce swelling, ease aches and pains, soothe the nervous system, and release Oxytocin: the happy hormone vital for childbirth. A massage appointment also provides a time for mum and baby to connect and relax together.

Massage can be done at any time during pregnancy, however if you’re suffering from severe morning sickness or it’s a higher risk pregnancy you may wish to wait or talk it through with your midwife first. In some cases, massage may not be appropriate.

Before your appointment, we’ll have an initial consultation to talk through what to expect. It’s an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have. As well as a chance for me to hear more about your pregnancy in case there are any precautions we need to be aware of before treatment, which your midwife can advise on if needed.

You may have had a massage before lying face down and face up on the couch. These probably aren’t going to be the most comfortable positions for you anymore, so we tend to do pregnancy massage lying on your side. This is a great position for you and baby as the spine is aligned and the muscles can relax. We use lots of cushions and blankets to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible.

The massage will be tailored around you, but can include joint mobilisations and stretches to ease any stiffness, lymphatic drainage to reduce swelling, fascia release to loosen tight muscles. Everything done is considered with mum and baby in mind and adapted to your changing body. I also like to offer some gentle energy work using the meridians in the body, principles taken from Chinese Medicine to encourage energy flow and support connection.

Aromatherapy blends can be used after 38 weeks to assist with labour and birth.

I find it a real privilege to work with pregnant women, to be given the opportunity to connect with mum and baby in a massage. It’s a sacred time and an honour to be a part of someone’s mothering journey.

I have attended Massage for Pregnancy training both at Preston Therapy Centre and Bristol College of Massage and Bodywork