YES, YES, YES! If you have a pregnancy that is not high risk, there is no evidence that supports the claim that a massage during the first trimester is dangerous. Read more about this on my blog post that debunk the myths here. 

The American Pregnancy Association says it is safe during the first trimester in an article you can read here. 

Nope. Another falsehood. A massage for your feet is something that you desperately need, since you're carrying so much weight and circulation is challenged during this time. This myth comes from acupressure and reflexology points that DO exist on your foot and ankle and CAN help induce labor.

In order for that to actually work, those points need to be stimulated consistently for hours at a time over a few days.

I WILL NOT be doing a full massage only stimulating those points, and you probably won't be coming to see me 3-4 days in a row to get the same thing.

Please read more on my blog post about debunking myths here

I'M IN MY FIRST TRIMESTER?

Anytime. First trimester massage is great and safe. There is absolutely NO evidence that says a massage during the first trimester of a normal pregnancy is unsafe. It's quite the opposite. Massage during pregnancy with a trained prenatal massage therapist will only help support the natural course a pregnancy takes. It also eases the discomforts that come along with it. Please read this document from The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists about early pregnancy loss to see that massage is not a known cause. About half are due to a mismatch of chromosomes. 

I HAVE NAUSEA?

Anytime. If you have heavy nausea, a lot of times you may not want to be touched and being in different positions may increase the nausea. If you have nausea but still want a massage, communicate to me during your session when the nausea increases and we will find positions and modalities that don't aggravate it. I can diffuse oils that help with nausea, or I can keep the room absolutely clear of smells. 

I'M IN MY SECOND TRIMESTER?

Anytime. In the second trimester, there's more structural changes as baby and belly grows. You may start to feel the skin stretching, body aching a little bit, and your body shape will be changing. Now is a GREAT time to get a massage. The oil and touching the skin can help decrease the chance of stretch marks and feeling itchy. Massage can help decrease ligament pain and muscle tension. It can also help you connect with your changing body and growing baby as you pay attention to it and give it the gift of massage. 

I'M IN MY THIRD TRIMESTER?

Anytime. Your breathing may be compromised, you may have more aches and pains, and there are frequent trips to the bathroom. You may have anxiety as you anticipate your baby's arrival.

I have a robe you can use if you need to go to the bathroom in the middle of your session. It is totally normal and I don't want you to be uncomfortable during your massage. You can lay on your belly on the pregnancy cushions which can give your lungs more room to breathe easier. Having you in this position is great for helping your baby get in optimal position because it's as if you're on all 4's. Getting a massage helps decrease the stress hormones. This alone can get you what you want. Stress hormones actually inhibit the normal course of pregnancy and labor. With managing the stress hormones, you can be more present with where you are in your pregnancy while keeping the natural course of when your baby wants to arrive. 

I HAVE A HIGH RISK PREGNANCY?

It depends. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, then I will need a note from your doctor for clearance. We will discuss what we need to adjust for your particular situation to keep you and baby safe.

I'M POSTPARTUM

Within 24 hours of your baby's birth if there were no complications. If there are any active complications, please provide a physicians release in order to book an appointment. We may need to wait a bit if your doctor advises so. 

You're welcome to bring your infant! I'd actually love to meet the little one I've been massaging all this time. You can nurse during your session. I will work around him/her/them. :) If you start lactating on the table, I have breast pads and a waterproof table cover. It's totally normal and OK. 

I HAD A VAGINAL BIRTH?

Within 24 hours if there were no complications. If you are still healing from your birth, you can keep your padding on. It's totally normal. I have extras for you if you need them. 

I HAD A C-SECTION?

Within 24 hours if you didn't have any complications. I will work around the incision. Once it is healed, I can do myofascial work to help with scarring.

I HAD A MISCARRIAGE?

Whenever you want. All types of situations related to childbearing are welcome here, including infant loss. It is common and should receive the support it deserves. Getting a massage can be a great way to process the grief and just be. I can hold space, and provide resources that may help you if you are needing support in other areas. 

Read an article on the amazing benefits of massage during pregnancy here

If you have multiples, then as you get bigger, we will asses when is a good time to switch to using the cushions in the side-lying position. 

If you do not have multiples, the cushions are safe for you. There is enough bolstering to keep your belly from touching the table. That being said, if you lay on the cushions and you don't like them, we can use for a side-lying position. It is totally your choice.  

Laying on your belly on the cushions is as if you were on all 4's. This position is great for a couple of reasons.

First, the more you're in this position throughout your pregnancy, the more your baby will be in their ideal position for labor.

Second, this position is wonderful if you have round ligament pain. This is because your round ligaments are actually still in a stage of evolution as if we were quadrupedal. That is, when we stand on 2 feet, the position of the round ligaments have to work against gravity which can cause more strain on them.

If you start to get cramping of the round ligaments, go into an all 4 position and see if that can help ease the pain.