A massage therapist's touch

While it makes good sense that pregnant women and children benefit from nurturing touch, it is typical WV of our culture to feel the need to scientifically "prove" such statements. Hence, current research on the benefits of touch and massage therapy is becoming part of mainstream literature. One example, the now famous Tiffany Field study, found that massaged premature babies gained weight faster and were discharged earlier than their control group counterparts. (1)

In another Field study, pregnant women who received massage twice a week for five weeks experienced less anxiety, less leg and back pain and reported better sleep and improved mood. Following these women through to their births, the massaged women had fewer complications in pregnancy and birth and fewer pre-term births.(2) Other studies show that when women receive nurturing touch through their pregnancies and labours, they touch their babies more frequently and lovingly.(3)

Including specialized massage therapy into pre and postnatal support for women not only helps address a number of pregnancy-related problems (including edema, postural changes and pain in the lower back, pelvis and hips), but it also supports women in their transition to mothering as well. Massage therapy training in Canada generally offers an eclectic approach, covering a variety of approaches and techniques, to induce parasympathetic nervous system relaxation, move fluid, treat muscle injury, and enhance flexibility and function of other soft tissue structures like fascia. ligaments and tendons. Specialization in a particular approach tends to occur in shorter weekend training events that therapists participate in after graduating from a massage school and establishing a practice.

Massage Techniques

One specialized technique, Deep Tissue Sculpting - myofascial work developed by Carole Osbourne-Sheets, which is particularly applicable to the childbearing client - works closely with the woman to bring attention to and treat restricted tissue in her body at a comfort level that is effective, yet respectful to her nervous system, her body and her experience.

The fluid moving techniques of typical Swedish massage facilitate the work of growing a baby by supporting blood circulation to and from the heart, placenta and baby. It also reduces edema and contributes to relaxation, decreases stress hormones as well as the accompanying physiological effects to the mother and baby.

Deep tissue, trigger point and joint movement techniques alleviate stress on joints in the legs, muscles and ligaments in the hips, pelvis and low back. The result is greater ease of movement in these hard-working areas of the changing body. Structural balancing techniques and postural re-education can dramatically reduce neck and back stress, as well as strain to uterine ligaments.

In addition to these physical effects, an effective prenatal massage therapy session can provide other levels of physical and emotional support. In the safe care of a nurturing and knowledgeable therapist, women can talk freely about the joy, anxiety and worry they may be experiencing. From the massage experience, they can also develop the sensory awareness and trust in their bodies to approach birth with active anticipation and confidence.

The logistical challenges in continuing with regular massage treatment after the baby is born can be overcome with creativity and flexibility by the therapist and mother. Massage therapists can arrange their schedules to be available for evening and weekend appointments, so that mom can come for an appointment while her partner cares for the baby either at home or at the office.

Babies can be welcomed at appointments to stay with their mothers on the massage table or to be cuddled in the waiting area by a grandparent volunteer who is recruited and provided for that purpose. Health care assistants or receptionists could wear slings to hold a sleeping baby, while their mother sees her practitioner. Any of these simple suggestions could make the difference for a new mom in getting out and receiving some of the much-needed support in those early weeks and months after the birth.

By far the biggest source of referrals to the prenatal therapist is word of mouth - why not with specialized, effective treatment and a warm source of support and information? The word spreads. Anyone who has been pregnant or works with pregnant women will recognize that pregnant women connect easily and readily. Nowhere else in our population would two strangers make eye-contact (right after eye-belly contact) and start up an animated conversation, sharing information, tips, names and numbers. Likewise, throughout our birthing communities, we all hear about positive experiences with other practioners from our clients and share that information among ourselves and with our other clients.

Synergea Family Health Centre in Calgary, Alberta is a unique collaborative practice community for women and their families. It is home to a number of independent practitioners that includes midwifery, naturopathy, chiropractic and a full range of massage therapies including specialized pre and perinatal massage therapists.

So, while the western medical and scientific world unravels the mysteries of the power of touch, pregnant women are spreading the word among themselves that massage can help - both with their general well being and with some of the common challenges of pregnancy. And it feels soooo good too!

References