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Common Questions

Topics:   Prenatal, Induction & Postnatal Massage

How do I prepare for my session?

  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing.

  • Arrive 10 min. before your appointment time.

  • Drink plenty of water starting 24 hrs. prior to your session.

  • review our cancellation policy.

What is the difference between therapeutic massage and prenatal massage?

One of the primary differences between the two is positioning & pressure.  Depending on where you're on your pregnancy journey, I offer different positioning with pillows, towels & special bolsters.  For facedown positioning I  have a belly bolster that fully supports a pregnant mom’s belly up to 30-33 weeks.  Any clients who are further along their pregnancy are supported with bolsters under their back & legs then the session is complete with side-lying for the final 20 min of the session.  

Is it safe for me to get a massage during my first trimester?

Yes, it is safe to receive a massage in your first trimester.  That being said, it is wise to get approval from your physician.  My main goal is to assist in stress reduction.  

What are the Benefits of Prenatal Massage?

  • reduces tension, stress & anxiety

  • elevates mood, encourages loving maternal care

  • normalizes blood pressure

  • improves circulation

  • aids lymphatic flow

  • removes toxins

  • promotes relaxation

  • raises endorphin levels

  • eases neck, back, and joint pain

  • relieves muscle spasms and cramps

How often should I receive a prenatal massage?

Pregnancy allows for a time of self-nurturing and with just like any other therapeutic practice it is best if done on a regular basis.
Each woman and each pregnancy is different, so there is no standard answer for this question. If you are planning to use massage therapy as an integral part of your prenatal care we suggest once a month in the first trimester, twice a month in the second, and weekly or bi-weekly into your third.

When should a client NOT receive any massage & see her care provider?

When any of the following symptoms occur:

  • Any bleeding or staining

  • pitting edema

  • spike in blood pressure

  • Placenta previa (occlusion of the placenta over the cervix)

  • Placenta abruptia (tearing away of the placenta from the uterus)

  • She hasn't felt fetal movement for 8-10 hours

  • Ectopic pregnancy 

  • severe abdominal or back pain

  • throbbing migraine headache

What essential oils are safe to use during pregnancy?

The following is a list of some of the Young Living essential oil blends & single oils that are recognized as safe to use during pregnancy. 


  • Lavender

  • Frankincense

  • Valor

  • Joy

  • Gentle Baby

  • Peppermint

  • Lemon

  • PanAway

  • Lime

  • Orange

  • Grapefruit

  • Peace & Calming

  • Myrrh

  • Tangerine

  • Eucalyptus or RC

  • Roman Chamomile

  • Helichrysum

  • Ylang ylang

  • Geranium

  • Melaleuca

extra notes on the effects of stress & pregnancy

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  • elevated maternal heart rate & blood pressure

  • maternal depression and/or anxiety

  • low fetal birth weight & premature labor

  • higher incidences of miscarriage

  • uterine vasoconstriction (reduced blood flow to the baby)

  • negatively impacts the mother's immune system

  • reduced quality of sleep

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​In addition to relieving the physical aches & pains, it is imperative for the massage to provide a safe have of comfort, nurturing, respect, and stress reduction which will impact both mama & baby.

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extra notes on postpartum

Postpartum can bring many changes, including:


  • Loss of sense of identity

  • Lack of sleep

  • Hormone fluctuations

  • Physical aches of recovering and caring for an infant

  • "New Mother's Neck"

  • Pelvic pain

  • Wrist and forearm pain


Having someone tend to you physically and emotionally through regular massage appointments can help reduce these symptoms, and assist in adapting to the new demands of motherhood.


Recommendation for Postpartum Massage:  Come as often as you can! It takes a full year to recover from pregnancy and birth physically. As a minimum, three visits within the first 4 months can aid recovery tremendously. We are here to support you through that first year and beyond.

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