Thai Massage, Pregnancy and Aftercare

During and after your pregnancy, your body is going through a lot of changes. Both pre-natal and post-natal massages focus on relaxing and nourishing, helping ease the aches and pains and giving you a chance to balance and reset.

Prenatal massage is done in a side-lying position once it is no longer possible to lie in prone or supine positions. Your body will be bolstered with whatever cushions are necessary to make you comfortable. Depending on your needs and comfort, we may also use a sitting position or bolster you into a reclining position.

Special herbal compresses are made just for you during this time instead of the usual warming compresses. These pre-natal compresses have fragrant dried flowers, gentler herbs, coconut and rice. They are heated cooler than the warming compresses as pregnancy usually makes your body run hotter than usual.

The massage in general is also gentler during this time, although what that means depends very much on the receiver. Some people's "gentle" is quite a bit firmer than other people's!

Instead of tea, you may be offered a sweet drink during or after your massage. Many people experience low blood sugar during this time. If you are in later stages of pregnancy, you may choose a shorter duration than I normally offer, or you may simply use the bathroom more frequently during your treatment.

As always, you are the boss. Every session always begins with a check-in on where you are at this moment, and we go from there.

In Thai culture, the month or so directly after the birth is called Yu Fai, the time of staying near the fire. In practice, that means keeping the body of the birth-giver warm and helping to dry extra fluids from the uterus. It includes warming massage once you are ready to leave the home (although you may certainly receive warming massage within your home during Yu Fai if you have a home massage therapist available to you).

The special herbal compresses made for use in this time are heating and drying, and incorporate rock salt and spices. They are primarily used on the abdomen to assist the tissues in releasing extra fluids that were needed to nourish the growing baby during pregnancy. The abdomen is treated with special care, especially in cases of diastasis recti or caesarean birth.

In addition to salt compresses, it is normal to also use the more standard warming compresses for your muscles. Most new mothers have new aches and pains that they are adjusting to, so it's important to help release tension all over the body.

Your baby is welcome on the mat! Depending on your situation, some mothers find it best to have their baby with them while it's so little. The mat is large, and we can always find ways to accommodate your needs, even if you need to breast-feed during your session.

Post-natal massage is not limited to new mothers. This treatment is appropriate even in cases of termination, miscarriage or still-birth. Every person's situation is different, and your needs will always be accommodated to the best of my ability.