PREGNANCY MASSAGE

All over the world women receive massage throughout their pregnancy to support the huge physical and emotional changes that are occurring. During pregnancy the 'machinery' of the body remains the same, but it has to work much harder. The musculo-skeletal system is put under great strain and women often experience backache, sore hips and shoulders as their centre of gravity shifts and the forces on the spine change. As the baby grows, the body has to renegotiate its whole communication system.

During pregnancy there are many hormonal changes occurring and lifestyle/relationship changes to be integrated. So it is not surprising that pregnant women can feel that they are on an emotional roller-coaster, tired and drained from these remarkable changes, while trying to maintain 'normal' life.

Pregnancy massage can be a wonderful way to ease muscular pain and other discomforts as well as reducing the extra stress on weight-bearing joints. Massage stimulates the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkiller and feel-good hormone, leaving you feeling relaxed and refreshed. During pregnancy, massage can also relieve sciatic pain, reduce swelling and help with anxiety, insomnia and heartburn. It also increases circulation, blood and lymph flow, which delivers more oxygen and nutrients to both mother and baby.

Massage through pregnancy with a knowledgeable therapist can be a huge support and reassurance, helping women to celebrate the developing life within them. A mother of three, I have also worked as a fully trained Doula/Birth companion, supporting women through pregnancy and birth. So I bring a lot of knowledge about the whole birthing process to my pregnancy massage which I offer from 12 weeks.