Pregnancy is the beginning of a new stage in a woman’s life and contains many moments of joy and anticipation. But this is also a time of tremendous change. Aches and pains, heightened emotions, morning sickness, tiredness, cravings, a changing body shape, and other physical symptoms accompany social changes. Some expectant families will need to renegotiate working arrangements, finances, and the way romantic partnerships operate.
As massage therapists, we can play a role in easing some of the physical, emotional, and even social symptoms that accompany pregnancy. There is ample research to show that massage therapy during pregnancy relieves aches and pains, and supports emotional and psychological wellness. Massage can help reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, and improve labor outcomes and newborn health.
This course takes a broad look at pregnancy and pregnancy massage. It reminds us that pregnancy is not a pathology and pregnancy massage is not a modality. We are simply doing what we do best and providing massage to pregnant women in a safe manner that adapts to their individual needs and wants.
If you’ve wanted to explore working more regularly with pregnant clients, but feared you lacked the proper skill foundation, this course will give you the confidence you need to pursue this goal, and the knowledge to know when it is appropriate to refer your client to a more experienced health care professional.
