Is Massage Safe in Pregnancy?

November 30, 2021/in Massage, Pregnancy /by Daniel H

Is Massage Safe in Pregnancy?

A very good questions and one that you should ask! Pregnancy comes with many changes to the body (and mind) and a massage can help support mamas during this time. But is massage safe in pregnancy? Are all stages of pregnancy safe for massage?

Let’s delve in and chat about it!

Pregnancy massage has been seen in many ancient cultures across the world, including Ayurvedic Medicine in India, so it’s definitely not a modern day treatment.

I studied with Pregnancy Massage Australia under Catherine McInerney who is one of Australia’s leading experts in pregnancy, labour and postnatal bodywork.

The general answer is yes, massage is safe in pregnancy, as long as it’s undertaken by a specialist.

Some massage therapists will not massage clients in the first trimester in particular but it is safe, as long as your therapist is qualified and skilled in pregnancy massage.

“Common misconception and myths that pregnant women should not receive a massage in the first trimester have been addressed by the AAMT with its decision agreeing to first trimester massage – but only if it is undertaken by a trained pregnancy massage practitioner.” Pregnancy Massage Australia

Sciatica and carpal tunnel pain can start early in pregnancy, so getting some relief with a massage treatment is a god-send for mamas. The nurturing and safe space to be held during a treatment is also really important for mamas who are feeling emotional and sensitive with the hormone changes.

A pregnancy massage specialist knows what to look for, what techniques to use and how to make the mama comfortable and safe for each stage of pregnancy.

Traditional massages involve you either lying on your back or on your stomach. In pregnancy, prolonged lying in these positions is not recommended, so it is really important that the correct positioning and support is used.

It is also important to communicate with your therapist and let them know of any medical issues or conditions you may be experiencing so they can adapt their treatment. And if at any time you feel uncomfortable or are in pain during a treatment, allow the therapist to assist you.

Some essential oils are contraindicated in pregnancy and can be dangerous. A pregnancy massage specialist will ensure only safe oils are used at each stage.

Finally, there are some parts of the body which should not be massaged during pregnancy and some which require a very light touch and definitely no deep tissue. So again, a specially trained massage therapist will be able to keep you safe at all times.

There are so many benefits of massage during pregnancy including:

improving sleep and rest
reducing stress and anxiety
reducing hip, back and shoulder pain
reducing headaches with hormonal changes
creating a mother-baby connection
improving mild nausea
reducing swelling
alleviating heartburn
improving circulation

I see all of these benefits first hand as a holistic maternal bodywork specialist, however I also found it interesting to read this study which found that women who received regular prenatal massage were found to have less premature labours, shorter labours with less need for medication and less pain and decreased depression and anxiety!

Just more reasons to give yourself the very best self care of mind, body and soul in pregnancy! Not only is massage safe in pregnancy, it is highly recommended.

You might like to support your pregnancy with some holistic products from our shop.

Much love,

Jess Ngaheu

Maternal Bodywork Specialist

Book A Session With Me Here

Source: Pregnancy Massage Australia

Flower Essences for Motherhood Support

August 24, 2021/in Labour, Post Natal, Pregnancy /by Daniel H

Flower Essences for Motherhood Support

Using flower essences for motherhood support are a great natural remedy to assist with all stages of pregnancy, labour and postpartum.

Flower essences use the energetic imprint of the flowering part of Australian native plants. Essence from the flower is then stored in filtered water and a very small amount of alcohol to preserve the essence. That’s all they contain. They are very safe to use by anyone with any condition or alongside any medication.

The part that I think is truly amazing is that flower essences work on the subtle energy field of the body. They work on the emotional, mental and spiritual conditions we hold on to. Essences can help shift the negative emotions, negative thought patterns and beliefs to unlock your full potential and bring about harmony and balance. They can help move stuck, stagnant energy and emotions and restore calm and balance.

I think they are just the most magical holistic healing remedy and the best part is they are made from flowers that are grown from the ground aka Mother Earth. They are plant energy medicine, also known as vibrational remedies.

I have three specially hand-crafted flower essence blends I offer to my mamas. I have commissioned them locally on the Gold Coast from Yogi Tree who makes everything with love, heart and soul.

In the shop, I have customised flower essence remedies for Pregnancy, Birth/Labour and Postpartum.

You take seven drops under the tongue, morning and night at least thirty minutes away from food, drink and brushing of teeth. You can take them every ten minutes in times of high emotional need as well.

Pregnancy Flower Essence Blend is especially for pregnant mamas to help with confidence, calm, balance, trust in your journey, self love and acceptance.

Labour and Birth Flower Essence Blend is made for mamas in labour and the childbirth process to help with endurance, mother and child connection, openness and grounding.

Postpartum Flower Essence Blend is prepared for mamas who have just given birth to assist with connection, holistic balance, healing, bonding and transformation.

Flower Essences for Motherhood Support

I will work on getting some other ones for motherhood in general and I highly recommend giving them a try.

Daily life can be such a struggle and especially right now with the world turning upside down, we can feel overwhelmed and anxious. The flower essence blends can help keep us grounded, balanced and calm which is what our babies need from us!

You can find out more here.

As always if you have any questions at all, please send get in touch. I am always here!

Much love,

Jess Ngaheu
Maternal Bodywork Specialist

Book a session with me here.

How to Relieve Carpal Tunnel Syndrome During Pregnancy

July 12, 2021/1 Comment/in Pregnancy /by MaternalGrounding

How to Relieve Carpal Tunnel Syndrome During Pregnancy

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a very common condition that affects many pregnant and postnatal mamas. So I want to share with you my tips on how to relieve carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy.

I had this condition at the very beginning of my pregnancy with my son and it was actually the first sign that I knew I was pregnant!

The pain was absolutely horrible and I had never experienced it before.

What is the Carpal Tunnel?

The carpal tunnel is the narrow passageway found on the inside of the wrist where nerves and tendons pass from the arm into your hand and fingers.

When the carpal tunnel is compressed it will then effect the functioning of the flexor tendons and the median nerve as they pass through the tunnel.

Carpal Tunnel Sydrome can cause pins and needles, numbness and stiff painful hands. It affects 30-50% of pregnant woman, making it very common!

Conditions that can cause carpal tunnel in pregnancy are inflammation and edema (swelling), along with poor biomechanics and repetitive strain. I know that being a massage therapist and the repetitive movements of my hands and wrists are what triggered mine.

During pregnancy hormones cause retention of fluid and they also soften the ligament that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel. When this happens the nerve running through the tunnel may become squashed, resulting in pain.

Postnatal carpal tunnel can also onset if not already present from poor biomechanics of holding the baby, and hand positions when breastfeeding. Edema and inflammation may also be present during the postnatal recovery.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

* Pins and needles
* Numbness
* Pain (which may be worse at night)
* Burning sensation in the fingers
* Radiating pain into the arm & shoulder
* Sharp darting pains in the wrist

How to relieve symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

*Avoid any positions or activities that make symptoms worse
* Avoid heavy lifting
* Avoid repetitive tasks
* Elevate hand
* Sit on chairs with armrests and elevate affected hand
* Apply ice wrapped in a tea towel over wrist for 10-15 minutes every couple of hours (do not put ice directly on skin)
* Wear a compression bandage
* Wear a wrist splint (especially at night) to keep wrist straight (neutral)
* Perform regular fluid drainage massage and gentle exercises
* Gentle exercise can provide a muscle pumping action to reduce swelling
* Make a fist, then spread your fingers, move wrist forwards and backwards and bend and straighten your elbow
* Keep your shoulder, elbow and hands moving normally to stop your arm becoming stiff
* Dont leave your arm hanging down by your side for long periods of time.
* Eat less salty foods
* Lying down to rest during the day
* Elevating your legs when sitting
* Wear compression garments

I hope this information on how to relieve Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in pregnancy is helpful to you! If you need any help or info at all, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Much Love,

BOOK A SESSION WITH ME HERE

References: Pregnancy Massage Australia

Daily Stretches for Pregnancy to Increase Mobility and Reduce Pain

Pregnancy Stretches to Increase Mobility and Reduce Pain

June 1, 2021/in Pregnancy /by MaternalGrounding

Pregnancy Stretches to Increase Mobility and Reduce Pain

Hi Mamas,

Are you on your pregnancy journey and feeling a little stiff and sore? I have some pregnancy stretches to increase mobility and reduce pain.

Pregnancy can be hard on the body for many women as there are so many physiological changes happening to your body on a daily basis.

A good stretching and mobility sequence, especially when it is done daily, can help alleviate pain during pregnancy and improve your range of motion. Of course, regular pregnancy massages can also help you with your pain and mobility but the stretching routine is great for in between appointments!

You know those times when you feel stuck and you can’t move properly or sideways? That is what I mean by range of motion. So having a good range of motion and relaxed muscles can help you have a smoother and more comfortable pregnancy.

Please remember you also have to be very careful about over-doing it! The hormone relaxin increases during pregnancy which can allow you to over-stretch and can cause injury. So go gently at all times.

You are the one who knows your body best, so trust yourself when doing any stretches or exercise and don’t push past your limits.

I have put two videos below for you to get started with stretching when pregnant to incorporate into your daily routine. These will help you reduce pain, increase your mobility and and help your body, mind and soul in the best way possible.

I hope these daily pregnancy stretches to increase mobility and reduce pain have been useful to you! If you have any questions at all or want to let me know how you found the routines, please get in touch.

You might also like to read some more of my articles! Come and say hello on Facebook or Instagram.

Much love,

BOOK A SESSION WITH ME HERE

Symphysis Pubis Separation and Pelvic Girdle Pain

October 18, 2018/in Pregnancy /by MaternalGrounding

Hi Mamas,

What is Symphysis Pubis Separation (also known as Pelvic Girdle pain)? And how can pregnancy massage help? Read on!

As you go through your pregnancy journey, there are a lot of changes to your body as you grow your baby. One very common thing to experience is Pelvic Girdle pain, which is a separation or dysfunction of the Symphysis Pubis.

The pelvic bones are generally well supported and kept stable with the supporting ligaments surrounding them. However, during pregnancy, hormones are released and with the uptake of relaxin, there are changes to your ligaments. The increased laxity of the joint is designed to relax the pelvic bones and help facilitate an easier birth. but, with the laxity of the pelvic joint, this can also cause it to be unstable, with pain and discomfort on movement.

The specific area affected in SPD is the narrowest point of the bones in the pelvic girdle which lies directly in front of the bladder. The symphysis pubis is the region at the front of your pelvis which is normally covered by pubic hair.

Another contributing factor is the changes in weight distribution which create stress on the pelvis, the spine and all the structures which support them.

Symptoms of Symphysis Pubis Separation:

Groin pain, sometimes a sharp and overwhelming pain in the region at the front of the pubic area.
Shooting or stabbing pain in your back and even sciatic pain.
Knee pain which may extend down to the ankles and the feet. This is generally a result of alignment problems further up in the pelvis.
The pain is worse at night when lying on the back. Turning over in bed and lifting the legs to get out of bed can exacerbate the pain.
A grating, clicking or grinding noise may be heard or even felt in the region of the pubic bone.
Abdominal pain may also be present, as the muscles try to stabilise the joint, however the abdominal muscles are already under considerable load with the growing uterus.

Recommendations to help relieve the pain of Symphysis Pubis Separation:

Pregnancy massage! I provide a very gentle yet effective treatment that focuses a lot on this area to help relieve the pain. Book in here.
Take smaller steps when walking.
Do not push through pain.
Roll under rather than over when rolling in bed.
Sleep on your side.
Pillows!!!! Have a pillow in between your legs when sleeping on your side (this will help stabilise the pelvic joint)
Do not cross your legs when sitting.
Sit tall with back support (have a pillow to help support your lower back ~ even keep one in the car)
Place an ice pack on the painful area for 5-10 minutes every few hours.
Wear a compression garment, support belt or a faja (image above)
Pelvic Floor exercises that help to strengthen the area (see the video below)

Please also talk to your Obstetrician, Midwife or Doctor about your pain. You could even go to a women’s health physiotherapist.

I highly recommend Andrea Baker from Restore Pelvic Physiotherapy if you are struggling to get relief.

If you have any questions at all, please send me a message and I will be more than happy to help.

You might also like to read some more of my articles! Come and say hello on Facebook or Instagram.

Much love,

BOOK A SESSION WITH ME HERE