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Wellness article continued from previous page Misconceptions about Pregnancy
Massage:
*
It's not safe. “Pregnancy massage is one
of the most loving gifts an expectant mother can
give herself and her unborn child,” says Dr.
Dawson. “I don't hesitate to ask a new
client to consult with her obstetrician or midwife
if I feel we're in a gray area. During healthy
pregnancies, massage is appropriate throughout term
and even into labor where massage therapists may
be present.”
*
Pregnant women can't get a massage because they
can't lie on their bellies. “That's
why we use different positions for prenatal massage,
along with special bolsters, wedges and pillows
to support the woman in semi-reclining and side-lying
positions to provide both mother and baby a safe
and comfortable experience,” Parks explains.
*
You can “accidentally” initiate labor
if you massage a pregnant woman the wrong way. Dionne
Spears, Neuromuscular Massage Therapist in Dr. Dawson's
practice, says that scented oils that may cause
sickness or nausea in pregnant women are avoided.
Parks adds that a knowledgeable therapist would
avoid any acupressure points that could stimulate
labor.
Expectant
mother Kimberly Davis, a patient of Dawson and a
client of Spears, had never heard of pregnancy massage
before. Davis says, “It has definitely made
me feel better mentally and physically.” Davis
has told her friends about her experience and recommends
it heartily.
So
who is the best client for pregnancy massage? Readers
of this magazine and women who are receptive to
a host of homeopathic and naturalistic experiences
are good candidates. As Parks notes, “Pregnancy
can bring unwelcome aches and pains and very real
challenges, but it is also the experience of creating
and containing new life within your body, one of
the greatest gifts of womanhood. Pregnancy massage
can offer you the time and space to appreciate and
connect to this.”
The
“typical” client in both Dawson's
and Parks' experience is a well-educated woman
in her late 20s to mid 40s, who is committed to
taking care of herself during her pregnancy and
is often employed full-time. She is also likely
to use or consider midwifery, pregnancy yoga, at-home
birthing, seated birthing and natural childbirth
to enrich her experience.
Often
the pregnant woman herself will buy a series of
sessions, but spouses, friends, coworkers and mothers
often give the gift of pregnancy massage. Increasingly,
doctor's offices are recommending pregnancy
massage to their patients as part of a well-rounded
and comprehensive approach to pregnancy management.
And
the results? “I have had many spouses call
me after the first session to thank me and tell
me what a difference it made in their wives'
attitude and energy level and to purchase a series
of massages for the remainder of their wives'
pregnancy,” says Parks.
Reach
Dr. Dawson and Dionne Spears, NMT, at 404-577-6229,
and Erin Parks, CMT, at (404) 664-7890. Freelance writer Suzanne Wright of Wright2Inc. can be contacted at 404.875.5618 or suzannewright@juno.com. |