39 weeks pregnant and feeling good!
During my fifteen years as a massage therapist people have often asked me, "What is a prenatal massage?" and "Should I get massage while I'm pregnant?" The answer is a resounding, "YES!" I am in the final weeks of my first pregnancy and am pain-free and feeling good! I know that every pregnancy is a unique journey, and I'm not a believer in "one-size-fits-all" care. I can, however, say with great confidence the the following things have made a huge difference for my overall well-being during my pregnancy: prenatal massage, Ayurvedic nutrition consulting, acupuncture, chiropractic care, amazing midwives, and community.
Prenatal Massage
Pregnancy is a sacred, wonderful, and often challenging time. I've personally felt both extremely empowered and deeply vulnerable at various times during my pregnancy, and I think that's true for most women. I've always found it a great honor and privilege to provide prenatal care to clients, and it's been amazing to be on the receiving end over the past few months. Prenatal massage addresses many of the common discomforts associated with pregnancy as well as the rapid shifts that both body and soul must undergo.
Relaxin is a hormone that, as its name implies, helps relax the ligaments of the mother's body to she can ultimately accommodate the baby's head through her pelvis and into the world. It is a wonderful thing! The downside is that it seems to act on all the joints, not just those of the pelvis. All that rapid shifting, in addition to the weight gain required during pregnancy, can cause pain and discomfort to the mama. Receiving massage regularly can support the body as it adapts to all the changes at each stage. Prenatal massage will help ease tight shoulders, sore and tender lower backs, sciatic pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, swollen/"heavy" legs, and achy feet.
Emotionally, receiving a prenatal massage gives the mama the opportunity to be nurtured and supported. I believe most, if not all, pregnant women would agree that it is a joy and honor to be growing our babies. We do it without hesitation or resentment. But the truth is we are always on. Always giving to the baby 24 hours a day. Having an opportunity to relax on a comfortable massage table in a room that smells like gorgeous essential oils, listen to soft music, and just receive care fills the well that is drawn on so profoundly during pregnancy and motherhood.
Ayurveda Nutrition Consulting
I began meeting regularly with Carrie Dickson, AWC (Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor) in my first trimester and have continued throughout the pregnancy. She was able to expertly asses my nutritional needs and help me put together a plan that I could actually follow. (I am pretty abysmal in the kitchen under the best of circumstances--being pregnant has not made it easier!) Even though I was very high risk for gestational diabetes I avoided it completely thanks to my nutritional choices!
Here's how Carrie explains Ayurveda in a nutshell:
Ayurveda is a 5,000 year-old holistic practice originating in India. Translated from ancient Sanskrit, the word Ayurveda quite simply means "the knowledge or science of life". The foundations of Ayurveda are sunk deep in the belief that our bodies, minds, spirits and environment are all inextricably connected and work together to bring full integration through balancing each person's unique Dosha, or constitution. Using the elements of ether, air, fire, water and earth, three Doshas emerge to form Vatta (ether and air), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (water and earth). By utilizing these five elements and three Doshas, Ayurveda reintegrates and restores the body's vital life force. Ayurveda relies on nutrition, digestion, proper rest, breath work, bodywork, and seasonal observations to support the body's self-healing mechanism.
During our sessions Carrie tailored an eating and stress management plan that took into account my general pre-pregnancy constitution, as well as the changes brought on by the changing seasons, and my pregnancy. She was always incredibly kind and supportive and has a wonderful ability to make the steps small enough to actually implement!
Other Helpful Modalities
In addition to prenatal massage and Ayurveda nutrition consulting, I was also fortunate enough to receive regular chiropractic care and acupuncture throughout my pregnancy. I will be delivering my baby at Canyon Medical Center sometime this month and have been thrilled with the quality of prenatal care I have received from the naturopathic midwives there. I feel that the final piece that has supported me deeply during my pregnancy is having and developing community. I'm much more comfortable offering help than asking for it…pregnancy has been a great opportunity to start shifting my mindset and allowing myself to receive care as well as offer it. I am deeply grateful for the discoveries I've made during my pregnancy, and for the tremendous support I have been blessed to receive.
Many Blessings,
Abby
Prenatal Massage
Pregnancy is a sacred, wonderful, and often challenging time. I've personally felt both extremely empowered and deeply vulnerable at various times during my pregnancy, and I think that's true for most women. I've always found it a great honor and privilege to provide prenatal care to clients, and it's been amazing to be on the receiving end over the past few months. Prenatal massage addresses many of the common discomforts associated with pregnancy as well as the rapid shifts that both body and soul must undergo.
Relaxin is a hormone that, as its name implies, helps relax the ligaments of the mother's body to she can ultimately accommodate the baby's head through her pelvis and into the world. It is a wonderful thing! The downside is that it seems to act on all the joints, not just those of the pelvis. All that rapid shifting, in addition to the weight gain required during pregnancy, can cause pain and discomfort to the mama. Receiving massage regularly can support the body as it adapts to all the changes at each stage. Prenatal massage will help ease tight shoulders, sore and tender lower backs, sciatic pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, swollen/"heavy" legs, and achy feet.
Emotionally, receiving a prenatal massage gives the mama the opportunity to be nurtured and supported. I believe most, if not all, pregnant women would agree that it is a joy and honor to be growing our babies. We do it without hesitation or resentment. But the truth is we are always on. Always giving to the baby 24 hours a day. Having an opportunity to relax on a comfortable massage table in a room that smells like gorgeous essential oils, listen to soft music, and just receive care fills the well that is drawn on so profoundly during pregnancy and motherhood.
Ayurveda Nutrition Consulting
I began meeting regularly with Carrie Dickson, AWC (Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor) in my first trimester and have continued throughout the pregnancy. She was able to expertly asses my nutritional needs and help me put together a plan that I could actually follow. (I am pretty abysmal in the kitchen under the best of circumstances--being pregnant has not made it easier!) Even though I was very high risk for gestational diabetes I avoided it completely thanks to my nutritional choices!
Here's how Carrie explains Ayurveda in a nutshell:
Ayurveda is a 5,000 year-old holistic practice originating in India. Translated from ancient Sanskrit, the word Ayurveda quite simply means "the knowledge or science of life". The foundations of Ayurveda are sunk deep in the belief that our bodies, minds, spirits and environment are all inextricably connected and work together to bring full integration through balancing each person's unique Dosha, or constitution. Using the elements of ether, air, fire, water and earth, three Doshas emerge to form Vatta (ether and air), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (water and earth). By utilizing these five elements and three Doshas, Ayurveda reintegrates and restores the body's vital life force. Ayurveda relies on nutrition, digestion, proper rest, breath work, bodywork, and seasonal observations to support the body's self-healing mechanism.
During our sessions Carrie tailored an eating and stress management plan that took into account my general pre-pregnancy constitution, as well as the changes brought on by the changing seasons, and my pregnancy. She was always incredibly kind and supportive and has a wonderful ability to make the steps small enough to actually implement!
Other Helpful Modalities
In addition to prenatal massage and Ayurveda nutrition consulting, I was also fortunate enough to receive regular chiropractic care and acupuncture throughout my pregnancy. I will be delivering my baby at Canyon Medical Center sometime this month and have been thrilled with the quality of prenatal care I have received from the naturopathic midwives there. I feel that the final piece that has supported me deeply during my pregnancy is having and developing community. I'm much more comfortable offering help than asking for it…pregnancy has been a great opportunity to start shifting my mindset and allowing myself to receive care as well as offer it. I am deeply grateful for the discoveries I've made during my pregnancy, and for the tremendous support I have been blessed to receive.
Many Blessings,
Abby
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