You asked and you shall now receive. It’s only fair for us to share all of this stored up knowledge about having a baby and what is going on with your body during those nine (really ten) months. We now will answer, in a very public forum, all of those burning questions about having a baby. Each Monday, we will tackle a commonly-asked-question from the point of view of an expectant parent. Chiming in to give feedback will be an expert (you know someone who does this for a living). Earmark, share and add your own input to today’s question; it’s good karma.
Is it OK to get a prenatal massage?
Absolutely! Prenatal massage is a wonderful way to give yourself a much needed treat, ease your aches and pains, and get your blood circulating. Its important to find a therapist that is trained and certified in prenatal massage, and not a general massage therapist as there are specific modifications made during pregnancy – from pressure points, massage strokes, and positioning during the massage. If you are having a high risk pregnancy, its always best to check in with your provider.
Some benefits of prenatal massage:
– Can reduce swelling in ankles and hands
– Reduces sciatic pain
– Eases lower back and neck cramps
– Tones and increased flexibility
– Increases blood flow and eliminates toxins
– Increases energy and stamina
– Improves the immune system
– Can also be used during labor and birth to make the experience more comfortable.
A great website to find a prenatal massage therapist in your area American Massage Therapy Association. Just put in “Prenatal” and your zip code here, and up will give you a soothing list of licensed prenatal therapists. Enjoy!
Expert: Renee Sullivan
Renee Sullivan, parent coach and Founding Director of Mommybites support groups, works with moms each week to create their own personal parenting plan that is right for them, while making sure that each mom gets the support, resources, and community they need for their parenting journey. Drawing from her experience as an birth coach and educator, she guides moms – new, seasoned and expectant through the never – ending array of decisions that come with having a child. Weekly sessions that are “nurturing, informative, and fun” and her “calm-laid back personality” has made her a “dynamic resource” to the parenting community since 2006. Renee’s positive, warm and enthusiastic personality relaxes and guides new and expectant moms to enjoy the journey and her personal attention to detail allows all parents that work with her to quickly get the resources they need to feel at ease to make informed and educated decisions. Before joining Mommybites, she narrowly escaped the trenches of Corporate America where she was a Senior Project Manager for The New York Times, Morgan Stanley and Pfizer. She lives in New York City and is the mom of one happy kindergartener.
