Prenatal Massage
Pregnancy Massage
Receiving regular massage during your pregnancy can relieve muscle tension, cultivate physical flexibility, enhance mind-body awareness, and support emotional well-being, helping prepare you for an active, engaged, and empowered birth experience.
Studies show that prenatal massage can help to:
Relieve muscle tension and joint pain
Reduce swelling
Promote relaxation
Support better sleep.
Decrease stress and anxiety
I incorporate my training and experience as a birth doula and my knowledge of pelvic biomechanics and Spinning Babies into my prenatal massage sessions, offering clients tips and techniques to carry with them beyond the treatment room.
Prenatal massage sessions are available both in-home and in-office.
“ Emma knows how to accommodate pregnancies and still uses a firm touch if you want it, which felt so great on my sore pregnant body!”
— Jessica W.
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.
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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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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.
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No! Every body deserves care, and I am happy to offer therapeutic massage to family, friends, partners, etc.