Frequently Asked Questions
Pregnacy Massage
Not at all! Most of my clients are pregnant, but I am very knowledgeable in working with nonpregnant clients, athletes or overworked parents.
For a full-body massage, we need at least 60 minutes, 75 minutes is even better (we can do a full body massage with extra focus on another area of concern), and 90 minutes is THE BEST (a full body massage, with some extra time on 2-3 areas of choice)! Shorter sessions of 30 minutes usually focus on 1-2 areas.
Most of these "things" are myths that have been perpetuated over time. Like: pregnancy in the first trimester can cause a miscarriage, massage on the feet and ankles can induce labor, pregnant women must receive a gentle massage, and must lay on their left side the whole time. Naturally, mamas are positioned differently, and I do not do any deep tissue work on the legs, but for the most part, everything else is fair game.
85% of miscarriages occur in the first trimester of pregnancy but there is no research or evidence to prove a massage can cause a miscarriage. For liability reasons, many massage practitioners and most spas do not massage women in their first trimester. Unless otherwise advised by a doctor, massage during the first trimester is safe. I am specifically trained to assist you during any point of your pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Not true. Every woman deserves a good foot massage! But there are acupressure points around the ankles and feet that, when actively and aggressively worked, can bring on contractions. These points are only worked after 39 weeks and beyond during a natural labor stimulation massage, those specific places and techniques are carefully avoided until then. This is one of the many reasons to see a knowledgeable, pregnancy-certified therapist.
Each woman and each pregnancy are 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 third. If you are having a difficult pregnancy with back pain, sharp leg and hip pains or sleeplessness we recommend increasing your session to 1 1 /2 hour or coming once a week in the last trimester.
I use a special Body support system which is made specifically for pregnant women and it can be adjusted to each trimester, it can be used laying facedown with some exceptions, or it can be used for side lying position as well.
You may be relieved to know that in most cases it is safe (and beneficial!) to receive massage up to your due date and beyond. Many women schedule a session on their due date, so they have something to look forward to if they have not yet gone into labor. A massage is a great way to prepare your body for the experience of giving birth. Women on bed rest should receive modified massage, (very light pressure on extremities and no abdominal massage) and you should always consult your doctor if you have special circumstances.
Post-partum Massage
In most cases, as soon as you like. I have given massages as soon as one hour after the birth of the baby, and it seems to make a real difference in postpartum recovery. Massage soon after delivery can aid recovery by increasing your circulation and cleansing toxins like lactic acid from your muscles (after all, you’ve just run the marathon of all marathons!) We like to be able to help as soon as possible, but realistically there are issues surrounding the logistics of childcare and feeding times. Although I do not provide childcare, you are welcome to bring a caregiver with you. Then you can receive your massage without worry and feed your infant before or after your session. Women who have had a Cesarean-usually need to wait a few weeks and bring written approval from their physician.
General Question
I am the only person in my studio, so I don’t have a receptionist but please leave a voicemail and I promise to get back to you within 24 hours or less of your call or you can also email me at Saira@Gardencityprenatalmassage.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Pregnacy Massage
Not at all! Most of my clients are pregnant, but I am very knowledgeable in working with nonpregnant clients, athletes or overworked parents.
For a full-body massage, we need at least 60 minutes, 75 minutes is even better (we can do a full body massage with extra focus on another area of concern), and 90 minutes is THE BEST (a full body massage, with some extra time on 2-3 areas of choice)! Shorter sessions of 30 minutes usually focus on 1-2 areas.
Most of these "things" are myths that have been perpetuated over time. Like: pregnancy in the first trimester can cause a miscarriage, massage on the feet and ankles can induce labor, pregnant women must receive a gentle massage, and must lay on their left side the whole time. Naturally, mamas are positioned differently, and I do not do any deep tissue work on the legs, but for the most part, everything else is fair game.
85% of miscarriages occur in the first trimester of pregnancy but there is no research or evidence to prove a massage can cause a miscarriage. For liability reasons, many massage practitioners and most spas do not massage women in their first trimester. Unless otherwise advised by a doctor, massage during the first trimester is safe. I am specifically trained to assist you during any point of your pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Not true. Every woman deserves a good foot massage! But there are acupressure points around the ankles and feet that, when actively and aggressively worked, can bring on contractions. These points are only worked after 39 weeks and beyond during a natural labor stimulation massage, those specific places and techniques are carefully avoided until then. This is one of the many reasons to see a knowledgeable, pregnancy-certified therapist.
Each woman and each pregnancy are 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 third. If you are having a difficult pregnancy with back pain, sharp leg and hip pains or sleeplessness we recommend increasing your session to 1 1 /2 hour or coming once a week in the last trimester.
I use a special Body support system which is made specifically for pregnant women and it can be adjusted to each trimester, it can be used laying facedown with some exceptions, or it can be used for side lying position as well.
You may be relieved to know that in most cases it is safe (and beneficial!) to receive massage up to your due date and beyond. Many women schedule a session on their due date, so they have something to look forward to if they have not yet gone into labor. A massage is a great way to prepare your body for the experience of giving birth. Women on bed rest should receive modified massage, (very light pressure on extremities and no abdominal massage) and you should always consult your doctor if you have special circumstances.
Post-partum Massage
In most cases, as soon as you like. I have given massages as soon as one hour after the birth of the baby, and it seems to make a real difference in postpartum recovery. Massage soon after delivery can aid recovery by increasing your circulation and cleansing toxins like lactic acid from your muscles (after all, you’ve just run the marathon of all marathons!) We like to be able to help as soon as possible, but realistically there are issues surrounding the logistics of childcare and feeding times. Although I do not provide childcare, you are welcome to bring a caregiver with you. Then you can receive your massage without worry and feed your infant before or after your session. Women who have had a Cesarean-usually need to wait a few weeks and bring written approval from their physician.
General Question
I am the only person in my studio, so I don’t have a receptionist but please leave a voicemail and I promise to get back to you within 24 hours or less of your call or you can also email me at Saira@Gardencityprenatalmassage.com