Back to Research and Articles Back to SeattleBirthNet.com The Benefits of Pregnancy and Postpartum Massage written by Jane E. Drichta, LMP, Certified Pregnancy Massage Practitioner and Doula Elisabeth Prot, LMP Certified Pregnancy Massage Practitioner and Doula Being pregnant is one of life’s greatest joys…that is if you don’t focus on the pain in your muscles and joints, the constipation, gas, and heartburn, the swelling in your extremities, or the utter inability to get comfortable when you lie down for that much needed rest.  It seems that just as you are getting used to your body’s new shape, it changes again, bringing with it an entirely new set of challenges. Massage therapy is one of the most gentle, non-invasive ways to cope with your ever-evolving body.  And it feels so good! According to research done by Dr. Tiffany Field at the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami, pregnant women who received 2 sessions of massage weekly for five weeks reported many wonderful benefits.  These included: •        Reduced anxiety •        Improved mood •        Better sleep •        Less back pain In addition, these women had significantly •        Decreased levels of urinary stress hormone levels (norepinephrine) •        Fewer complications during labor •        Fewer premature babies Massage can also: •        Relieve pain in your legs, hips and neck •        Ease constipation, gas and bloating •        Reduce excess fluid retention by improving circulation •        Slow the progress of varicose veins, as increased circulation lowers the pressure inside bulging veins •        Get rid of headaches caused by muscle tension and the buildup of metabolic waste products Besides the many benefits listed above, massage can also help you prepare for labor itself.  Regular massage increases your own awareness of tension in your body, and your practitioner can help you learn to consciously release it.  Also, you can practice breathing and visualization techniques with your therapist, especially when a tender area is being addressed.  Some women choose to engage the services of their therapist in the birthing place, usually in the role of a doula. Massage during labor itself is a time-honored tradition.  It can help you relax during and between contractions, reducing the stress of the experience.  And if you choose to have a support person with you who is not a massage therapist, your practitioner can teach them some simple, yet extremely soothing, moves Massage is a valuable part of any pregnant woman’s self care plan.  However, it is important to find a therapist with advanced certification in pregnancy and postpartum massage.  While massage is generally safe for most pregnant women, there are some situations in which massage may not be appropriate.  A practitioner with certification in this area, along with the other members of your health care team, will work with you to find the best solution to your own personal needs. Jane E. Drichta, LMP, Certified Pregnancy Massage Practitioner and Doula Elisabeth Prot, LMP Certified Pregnancy Massage Practitioner and Doula Equinox Healing Arts 7513 Greenwood Ave N Seattle, WA 98103 206.789.8567 equinoxhealingarts@yahoo.com