uk Therapy

By Jean Goodliffe BA(Hons), ITEC

During pregnancy, women suffer from all sorts of ailments, including backache, swollen ankles, aching muscles and fatigue, to mention just a few. Traditional medicine has little to offer these ‘minor’ problems. In addition, women may feel increased stress due to the psychological effects of pregnancy, which include changes in body image, anxieties about the baby’s health, fears about labour, motherhood and the challenge of this life-changing event. Massage that is specially adapted to be safe in pregnancy can help a woman cope with these difficulties and help her to slow down and tune in to what is happening in her body and feel good about it. A great deal has been written and scientifically validated about the beneficial effects of massage on almost every major body system and it is a well proved fact that massage is a powerful way of reducing stress and its damaging effects. Not only is massage a luxurious treat, it is also scientifically proven to be good for you!

Any anxiety and stress that a pregnant woman experiences will definitely work against her during pregnancy and in labour. When a pregnant woman is stressed the chemical compounds (catecholamines) responsible for the ‘fight or flight’ response to stress increase and interfere with the work of oxytocin and other labour-promoting hormones. There is also an adverse effect on the developing baby. In other words, whatever the expectant mother feels passes directly to her growing child. Of course this goes for good feelings too – the contented, peaceful feelings experienced during massage are also passed on to the baby.

Postnatally, all new mums need all the help and support they can get and massage is a tried and tested source of nurture and comfort. Whether the new mum is recovering from labour, has aching neck and shoulders from feeding, or is just generally fatigued, massage is cheering and research has shown that it boosts self-esteem.

Massage is one of the oldest and simplest of the healing arts and during pregnancy massage can safely, comfortably, and effectively relieve stress, whether it is physical, emotional, and/or psychological in origin. With so many women returning to more holistic health choices and birthing practices, the use of massage to treat the discomforts of pregnancy is a natural response. Massage is a wonderful way to take charge of your pregnancy, and feel good about yourself.

Cautions

Massage is very safe, but if you are pregnant it is important that you see a massage therapist who has enough extra training or experience to know how to work with you so that you are really comfortable.

• Massage is not recommended until you reach 14 weeks
• Deep pressure that may release long held toxins into the blood stream is not recommended
• Vigorous techniques are not recommended
• Only aromatherapy oils known to be safe in pregnancy should be used
• Lying on your front will not be comfortable after a certain point
• Lying flat on your back in the last trimester is not recommended as the weight of the pregnant uterus can put pressure on major blood vessels

Some safe and comfortable positions for pregnancy massage

• Lie semi-upright with back well supported
• Lie first on one side and then the other with cushions under your head, your bump and under your upper leg.
• For back massage you should sit leaning forward with your arms and head on pillows on a table.

You will probably need lots of pillows to get comfortable, and it is important to really listen to your body and feel that you can tell your massage therapist exactly how you are feeling.

Jean Goodliffe is a qualified massage therapist who specializes in pregnancy and post natal massage. You can contact her on:
Tel: 0207-373-7939
Email: Goodliffe@jgoodliffe.fsnet.co.uk
www.babymassagelondon.co.uk
www.alexandertechnique-london.co.uk