Jaye Roberts Jaye Roberts is a practising Massage and Aromatherapist who specialises in Pre/Post Pregnancy Massage and teaches Infant Massage to new parents. Currently Jaye is working in private practice in Sydney, Australia. Website: www.essenture.com.au
Massage for Pregnancy and Beyond

Thinking about having a baby?
Then this is a great time to start getting a regular massage with someone who is qualified in this pre-natal treatment and that can care for you and your baby during such an amazing transition time in your life.

There is evidence to suggest that having regular massage during pregnancy leads to a shorter and easier delivery. Most people enjoy the relaxing, nurturing feeling of a massage and as you relax, releasing tension, your physical and energetic bodies become aligned.

While you are trying to conceive massage and aromatherapy can help you to relax and prepare your body to receive the new soul. Finding and consulting a therapist that you can trust is very important as is their subsequent choice of essential oil for use in the process. Certain aromatherapy oils are known to behave like hormones and can have a balancing effect on the endocrine system helping with problems like PMS, amenorrhea and irregular menstruation. For example:
• Yarrow
• Sage
• Clary Sage

What can you expect during a consultation?
All expectant mothers should check with their doctors prior to getting a massage. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure or are in the early stages of pregnancy, pre-natal massage may not be recommended. It is important to share information about any medical conditions and also any personal preferences with your massage therapist when you arrive for your appointment. The massage therapist will adjust your pre-natal massage to make it as soothing and as useful as possible based on your individual needs and preferences. It’s good to keep them informed as to the outcome of your visits to the Midwife or Obstetrician too.

When you become pregnant some essential oils need to be avoided during the first trimester however can be very helpful in the last few weeks and during the birthing process. The most common oils to be avoided in the first trimester are:
• Clary Sage
• Rose Otto
• Peppermint

As your child grows in the womb your organs get squashed, your back sways more and your legs can get swollen and easily tired as the circulation is increased. The weight of your baby adds pressure and you may experience irritating sciatic nerve pain as your entire body is put under strain. Massage can help with all of these problems and others such as constipation, cramps, headaches, hypertension emotional distress and more.

How will you lay on the table?
As your child grows your massage therapist may have a special table that allows you to lay face down with a hole that totally supports your growing tummy or you may lie on your side supported with pillows. It is not recommended to lie on your back after 5 months due to pressure on the blood flow to the placenta.

What can you expect during the treatment?
As with every massage your trained therapist will be able to identify and relieve sore spots whilst avoiding pressure points on the feet, hands, shoulders and particularly around the ankles.

Your massage therapist should be able to show you how you can support your body while sleeping and how to massage your own abdomen. They can also give your partner massage guidelines including perineal and birthing techniques. These should be practised in the last 4 to 6 weeks before you go into labour allowing your partner to gain a better understanding of your needs at this time and giving you some all important quality time together.

During the Birthing Process
Birth Massage techniques can be invaluable in alleviating lower back pain and also act as a point of distraction.

Of course during the birthing process you may not want to be touched at all as you are experiencing a vast array of inner feelings. Your partner needs to try to recognise this and respond accordingly. Aromatherapy oils can play their part in the birthing process as some oils offer pain relief and help lower levels of anxiety for example:
• Lavender for pain relief and stress
• Rose Otto for anxiety
• Clary Sage for contractions
• Neroli to facilitate easy breathing

They can be used in a variety of ways including inhalation on a flannel, electric oil burners or in a massage blend.

Overall most women find aromatherapy oils a highly effective birth assistant.

Post Natal Massage
When your baby is born you can continue to receive massage to help your body recover quicker. If your therapist allows another caregiver to attend the appointment and your baby needs feeding this can be done with very little disturbance to the massage. A massage will help you relax and breastfeeding can become easier as a result.

The symptoms of post-natal depression can be relieved as hormones become balanced and your body releases the tension and fatigue of handling your new born. This gives way to your whole being becoming lighter and brighter.

Aromatherapy oils can be used to assist with lactation, mastitis, cracked nipples and anxiety.

Infant Massage Massage and touch is the primary language for your baby. In Utero, babies can hear, smell, see and feel establishing bonds that will last forever. When your baby is born learning infant massage can enhance these bonds. This can be done as soon as you feel ready and can include both parents/partners and caregivers. Some of the benefits include: • Relief of gas, colic and constipation • Reduction of stress (helps with settling) • Better sleep routine

Massage helps babies and caregivers (mums, dads, grandparents or nannies) interact as the bonding is reinforced through eye and skin to skin contact. It is something you do with your baby not simply to see their enjoyment but also to be able to help settle their tummies and introduce them into a good routine.
Massage encourages trust, intimacy and respect. To be able to continue with massage through their growing up and school years allows children a time that they can share with you. The lessons of compassion, warmth and openness will be carried into adulthood.

Learning infant massage is easy and can be done in your own home on a one to one basis or you may like to learn with others, over a period of weekly visits, under instructor guidance. To find someone in your area see www.infantmassage.org.au where all the therapists are certified instructors.

Jaye Roberts
www.essenture.com.au

Testimonials:

“We’ve had a wild and wonderful new beginning so far. I’m still waking up with a heart full of joy! Thanks so much for your warm and caring energy along the way. Tom’s sacrum massage ended up being my main source of relief, so time well spent.”

“It’s been fantastic being massaged by you this year and I’m sure it helped me to have such a smooth birth.”

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