Prenatal & Labor/Delivery Massage 

One of the most special and sacred times in a woman's life is when she is pregnant! Life is being created within her and the future will forever change. Medical science has come a long way in trying to help this process be the best it can be to ensure a healthy pregnancy and birth. However, one of the most effective "treatments" that can help this happen is actually a very old one...MASSAGE! Here is a list of some of its benefits:
1. Massage helps the body to eliminate waste products throught the lymph and circulatory systems, which helps relieve fatigue and the mother to feel more energetic.
2. Helps keep blood pressure in check.
3. Stimulates glandular secrections which helps stabilize hormone levels.
4. Relieves many of the normal discomforts such as backache, leg cramps, sinus congestion, headaches, and edema.
5. Soothes and relaxes nervous tension, which helps mother to sleep more deeply. Also, a happy, relaxed mother will possibly have an easier childbirth!
6. Relaxes tense muscles and tones loose ones.
7. Back labor will be relieved with massage properly applied to the sacrum.
8. Massage may be used after each contraction during labor and help to feel comfortable and safe.
9. Particularly during transition (or other anxious moments during labor, when you may feel upset or fearful) you may find that physical touch, or "laying on of hands" by a caring partner is especially calming and reassuring.

Studies have shown that the presence of a therapist reduces the overall cesarean rate by at least 50%...the lenth of labor by 25%....the use of Oxytocin by 40%....use of pain medicine by 30%....the need of forceps by 40%...and the requests for epidurals by 60%!