Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQ
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All you need to do is provide a 6’ x 9’ minimum open area for me to set up my massage table - I’ll bring everything else!
Setting up in a quiet room away from playing kids or noisy activities will help you to have a more relaxed experience.
While I love meeting pets, they have a tendency to want to get involved (think: licking hands or jumping on the table!) so it can be a good idea to put them in a different room during the session if they are overly enthusiastic.
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I travel to clients located anywhere within Chittenden County, Vermont, including:
Burlington, VT
Charlotte, VT
Colchester, VT
Essex, VT
Hinesburg, VT
Jericho, VT
Milton, VT
Richmond, VT
Shelburne, VT
South Burlington, VT
Underhill, VT
Williston, VT
Winooski, VT
If you are located outside of Chittenden County, I may be able to travel to your home for an additional fee, but please contact me directly prior to booking.
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Yes! On Saturdays I am able to see clients in a studio in the Chace Mill Building, located at 1 Mill Street in Burlington, VT.
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No! Every body deserves care, and I am happy to offer therapeutic massage to family, friends, partners, etc.
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Yes! Gift certificates can be purchased here and can be redeemed for prenatal, postpartum, or therapeutic massage sessions in your home (in Chittenden County) or at Chace Mill in Burlington, VT.
Massage gift certificates make the perfect gift for baby showers, birthdays, and holidays, and can be included on baby registries!
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The time needed for your session is reserved especially for you. If you need to cancel or re-schedule your appointment, a minimum of 24 hour advanced notice is required. If you go into labor before your appointment or show signs of sickness you may reschedule your appointment to a later date at no added cost.
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Yes! I work in partnership with another experienced birth doula, Sarah Howe. to provide comprehensive birth support to a small number of clients birthing at UVMMC or at home in Chittenden County, VT. Together, we provide comprehensive care throughout pregnancy, labor, birth, and the early postpartum period.
Prenatal Massage FAQ
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I work in a combination of semi-reclining and side-lying positions using pillows and bolsters to keep you safe and comfortable.
Side-lying positioning is ideal for prenatal massages because it:
Supports uterine ligaments
Promotes optimal circulation to uterus
Takes pressure off tender breast tissue
Prevents sinus congestion
Fosters easy communication
Allows the entire body to be accessed
I never work with a pregnant client in a face-down pillow system.
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Yes! When performed by a qualified therapist who understands the changes in your body during pregnancy, it is perfectly safe to receive massage beginning in your first trimester and continuing up until you give birth.
There is no evidence that massage increases the likeliness of miscarriage, but because most miscarriages occur in the first trimester, many massage establishments avoid first trimester massage for liability reasons, which has the unfortunate result of unnecessarily depriving pregnant people of the healing touch they so need and deserve.
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Because massage yields its best results cumulatively over time, I strongly encourage regular sessions throughout your pregnancy, but am happy to serve you at any interval that your schedule and budget allows.
Many clients find that one to two sessions per month is ideal up to 37 weeks of pregnancy, with weekly appointments from 37 weeks until birth.
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I get it - birth is unexpected! If you need to cancel unexpectedly due to going into labor, you can roll your prenatal massage over to a postpartum massage at the time of your choosing.
Postpartum Massage FAQ
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If you had a vaginal birth, I can see you right away, even the day after birth.
If you had a surgical birth, please wait until you are 6 weeks postpartum or else confirm with your medical provider that you have clearance to receive massage sooner than 6 weeks postpartum.
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To maximize your relaxation, I encourage you to find someone to watch your baby so the focus can be 100% on you during your session.
If you’re having a hard time securing childcare, please reach out and I may be able to arrange postpartum doula support for you to coincide with the time of your massage.
I also know how to go with the flow and adapt to your baby’s needs, which means sometimes they end up on the massage table with you!
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I encourage breastfeeding clients to feed their baby as close as possible to the start time of the massage, which ensures that your breasts will be less full - and hopefully your baby will have a nice nap!
Leaking is no problem - I set up the table with added towels to absorb any spillage, and you’re also welcome to wear your nursing bra if you’d feel more comfortable.
If your breasts are sore, we can position you in side-lying or semi-reclining. If you’d prefer to lie face down, but are concerned about breast pressure, we can experiment with bolstering to take pressure off. It’s ok if you’re not sure what you’ll need - we’ll work as a team to ensure you’re comfortable!
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Yes! Mobile postpartum massage is a safe and supportive way to care for your body after a C-section - without having to leave your home!
Benefits of postpartum massage after a C-section include:
Reducing swelling and fluid retention, especially in the legs and feet
Easing tension in the shoulders, back, and neck from feeding or holding your baby
Promoting scar tissue mobility and reducing adhesions (once your doctor clears you for gentle abdominal work!)
Most clients can safely receive postpartum massage within the first few weeks after a surgical birth, depending on how their body is healing. It's important to get clearance from your provider if you are scheduling a session within the first 6 weeks after surgery, especially if you're considering abdominal or scar tissue work.
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I encourage clients to come at least once a month during the first three months postpartum to ensure regular support during the “fourth trimester.”