Prenatal Massage Schools + Careers Guide
- Where can I find prenatal massage schools?
- What is prenatal massage?
- What are the benefits of prenatal massage?
- Who do I go to for prenatal massage?
- What should expectant mother's and massage therapists know about prenatal massage?
What is prenatal massage?
Prenatal massage is a massage given during pregnancy as the body of a mother-to-be goes through some dramatic changes in preparation for childbirth. As a result, prenatal massage is becoming increasingly popular among expectant mother's as a way to use massage techniques and therapeutic bodywork to focus on the special needs of mother-to-be. This type of massage is also known as pregnancy massage.
There are a number of ways pregnancy massage can be performed such as having an expectant woman lie on her side for the massage. Also, there are specially designed pillows which allow expectant moms to be flat on their stomachs for a back massage.
What are the benefits of prenatal massage?
- Prenatal massage helps to reduce stress, decrease swelling in the arms, legs and feet and relieves aches and pains in muscles and joints by increasing the circulation of blood and oxygen throughout the body.
- Prenatal massage helps to offer much needed relief from headaches, cramps, chronic back, neck, pelvis and joint pain that often goes hand-in-hand with a pregnancy, especially in later trimesters. Massage offers a natural, alternative choice for pain relief because taking medications are often limited during a pregnancy for the sake of the unborn child.
- Massage therapy can help to minimize anxiety and depression during a pregnancy and is extremely beneficial in helping to reduce the effects of post-partum depression.
- In later trimesters, when the unborn child is becoming more active, massage and tranquil music help the baby to relax as well and give the expectant mother a break from the constant kicking and moving around in the womb.
- Prenatal massage enhances the pliability of skin and underlying tissues which continues to uncomfortably stretch during a pregnancy. Applying Coca butter can be soothing and help reduce stretch marks after birth.
- In many cases, having massage during a pregnancy can improve the outcome of natural childbirth and eases labor pain.
- In addition to the psychical benefits, prenatal massage provides expecting women with the emotional support and nurturing touch provided by non-sexual human touch and energy.
A study conducted by Dr. Tiffany Field at the University of Miami School of Medicine showed that prenatal massage actually reduces stress hormones in the body. According to the study, "touch is vital to the mother's physical and emotional well-being as she adapts to her new body image. Regardless of individual circumstances, a pregnant woman's body is challenged, changed and stressed in many ways. Massage gives special attention to the mother-to-be, which in turn nurtures the new life that grows within her."
Who do I go to for prenatal massage?
When looking for a massage therapist, it is important to find someone who is properly trained and certified in prenatal massage. By doing so, it means that the therapist has taken specific courses on pregnancy massage so they know what is safe for the mother and baby.
What should expectant mothers and massage therapists know about prenatal massage?
- Because the body is going through so many changes early on in a pregnancy, having a prenatal massage in the first trimester is not recommended.
- Expectant mothers should first consult with their primary health care provider before having a prenatal massage to ensure they do not have any health conditions which could be further complicated by massage. In many cases, therapists will require written consent from doctors before proceeding with massages.
- Massage therapists should limit the use of scent massage oils and lotions as pregnant women can be extremely sensitive to strong odors.
- Prenatal massages should always be performed in a quiet, stress-free environment with tranquil music playing to allow the mother-to-be to relax, feel safe and comforted.
Source
http://altmedicine.about.com/od/massage/a/pregnancy.htm
http://pregnancytoday.com/reference/articles/prenatms.htm
Where can I get training?
- Arizona
Cortiva Institute - Tucson - A campus in Tucson- Cortiva Institute - School of Massage Therapy - Scottsdale
- Cortiva Institute - Tucson - Tucson
- California
- International Professional School of Bodywork - San Diego
- Connecticut
- Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy - Groton - Groton
- Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy - Newington - Newington
- Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy - Westport - Westport
- Iowa
- Carlson College of Massage Therapy - Anamosa
- Louisiana
- Medical Training College - Baton Rouge
- Massachusetts
- Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy - Newington - Training in Newington, CT
- Michigan
- Irene's Myomassology Institute - Southfield
- New Jersey
- Cortiva Institute - Somerset School of Massage Therapy - A campus in Piscataway
- Cortiva Institute - Somerset School of Massage Therapy - A campus in Wall Township
- Cortiva Institute - Somerset School of Massage Therapy - Piscataway
- Cortiva Institute - Somerset School of Massage Therapy - Wall Township
- New York
- Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy - Westport - Training in Westport, CT
- Pennsylvania
- Career Training Academy - Monroeville
- Career Training Academy - New Kensington
- Career Training Academy - Pittsburgh
- Rhode Island
- Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy - Groton - Training in Groton, CT
- Texas
- Austin Schools of Massage - Austin
- Austin Schools of Massage - Bryan
- Austin Schools of Massage - College Station
- Austin Schools of Massage - Corpus Christi
- Austin Schools of Massage - El Paso
- Austin Schools of Massage - Killeen
- Austin Schools of Massage - Lubbock
- Austin Schools of Massage - Midland
- Austin Schools of Massage - Round Rock
- Austin Schools of Massage - San Angelo
- Austin Schools of Massage - San Antonio
- Austin Schools of Massage - Waco
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