Healthy Pregnancy
Beginning early on in pregnancy, parents have to make decisions that will affect their child forever.
Healthy Parents + Healthy Pregnancy = Healthy Baby
At the Natural Health Improvement Center, we are passionate about the health of mom and baby, and this starts before conception. We know when it comes to health and nutrition, we set the example for our children and it starts with what we feed them in utero. We work with wonderful Midwives and Obstetricians in the area that support a mother’s right to have the birth experience they choose. And we believe as mothers, our greatest gift is to give our children the best health right from the start. Beginning early on in pregnancy, parents have to make decisions that will affect their child forever. Our purpose is to support you on this journey, and to provide education and a wealth of resources including Whole Food prenatal supplement programs, Acupuncture, Certified Webster Technique physicians (for the alleviation of back and joint paint due to pregnancy, and for optimal fetal positioning), and Certified Prenatal massage therapists. We’re also happy to share our birth experiences and great professionals in the area—just ask!
The Benefits of Pre and Post Natal Massage
One of the most beneficial times to receive massage therapy is during pregnancy!
A prenatal massage has numerous benefits for both mom and baby including:
- Calms nervous system
- Relieves sciatica pain
- Reduces joint and back pain
- Improves circulation
- Relieves swelling
- Supports good sleep quality
- Reduces stress, tension, and feelings of anxiety
- Can support healthy blood pressure readings
Postnatal massage is the best way to care for yourself after childbirth. It will help sore spots and relax muscle tension. The whole process of childbirth has been a strain on your body, particularly your abdomen, lower back, and hips. Your upper back might also be sore if you are breastfeeding and is not using a suitable position.
Important Benefits of Postnatal Massage include:
- Provides deep relaxation. This is very important when you become exhausted after night feedings.
- Relieves shoulder and neck pain from carrying and breastfeeding a baby.
- Helps to eliminate swelling and reduce fluid retention
- Improves circulation and supports the return of blood pressure to normal range.
- Decreases stress hormones and improve the overall feeling of well being which can help combat postpartum depression and hormonal fluctuations.
When you feel good about yourself, it is easier to meet the needs of your newborn.
It’s important to work with a practitioner whom you feel comfortable with, trust, and someone who is well-trained in giving a prenatal massage. Women can begin massage therapy at any point in their pregnancy – during the first, second, or third trimester. You may start receiving postnatal massages as soon as you feel comfortable. I recommend receiving consistent massages throughout your pregnancy. Try scheduling a massage once every two weeks up to your third trimester and every week afterward.