Pregnancy Massage Must-Haves

One of my favorite thing about getting a massage is the atmosphere, a warm room, dim lighting, relaxing music, aromatic oils. The couple of times that I've had a prenatal massage lately, it's been a bit more...I'm not sure what the right word is...clinical maybe. I'd much rather have the pampering atmosphere, like a spa relaxation massage. A belly cut-out would be great. Unlike the previous response, I actually do not like talking during the massage, I prefer it limited to directives only.

A massage table that enables us to lay on our stomach!!!!! I missed that so much while I was pregnant.

I would say to have the option of scent-free oils since many women have issues with perfumes and stronger scents...especially while pregnant. I also agree with the other response on postnatal massage and a pillow cut out for breasts! This was a huge issue for me after I had a baby and got a massage.

bless you for having the pregnancy bolsters with the cut outs. I would advertise that if I were you. I am in Madison WI and haven't been able to find anyone that has them. It would be so nice to lay face down!!

The prenatal massages I've had never included a lotion applied to my feet, followed by fresh warm socks...this would have been a great way to start the sessions. I just remember my feet would always get cold. Also, it was great to have a massage on a table with the belly cut-out so I could lay face-down...something you can't do while pregnant. I'm sure you play music...it is a MUST for me...so if you don't, then perhaps try this. I really enjoyed hot stones on my legs. It also was great to hear encouraging things about the benefits of massage while getting a massage (i.e., talking about circulation improving, helping prepare for ease of delivery, et cetera).

S.,

I had a prenatal massage with my second where he used a heat pad under me, and then applied hot stones to my back. In theory, this was great - it felt good, but I became totally over heated. So - I would say, watch the room temperature and be careful not to add too much heat. Pregnant women over heat easy!

Also - starting with a glass of water would be good to prevent overheating.

I also had a massage with my 3rd where the whole massage was done on my side. I liked that, she gave me a pillow for between my legs, and spent a lot of time on my hips/lower back. That was great.

Jessica

while this was more critical for my post natal massages, a breast cut out pillow was essential. helped with tenderness and concerns about milk leakage.

Hi S. - how thoughtful for your clients! For me, I need oils or lotions with as close to NO scent as you can get them. My schnoz is super sensitive right now (like I can smell my hubby opening a can of tuna in the kitchen when I am upstairs at the other end of the house - no joke). So strong scents of any kind - even "good" ones - make my stomach turn over.

Also for me, I don't like anyone save for my hubby to touch my tummy. I think its just a 'mama bear' protection thing.

Other than that I always look forward to my massages after 1st tri. In fact.... maybe I should schedule one right now! :D

Hi!

I woke up THIS morning thinking that I would call about changing my 2 year old gift certificate for a massage to a facial. My darling husband gave it to me two Valentine Days ago and I was 3 months post pardum and breastfeeding. I thought how miserable it would be to lie on my stomach with sore leaky breasts. I breastfed for a year and now that I want to go again, I'm almost 4 months pregnant. If I knew that there was either a belly cut-out for pregnancy or a breast cut-out for pregnancy/breastfeeding tenderness, I would have booked my apt. a long time ago!

Thanks for asking and trying to improve a vital service to preggo moms!

And, ask your clients if they prefer to be talked to. So many great massages have been ruined by the Therapist talking on and on. A big complaint among many of my friends!

During my massage she had me lay on my back first (with a pillow under my knees) and rubbed my face, head & neck. Great way to start relaxing.
Then she had me spend a lot of time on my side since she did't have a drop out table for my belly. But I was really comfortable with a body pillow between my legs and cuddled in my arms, then a pillow under my head.