FAQs

What is prenatal massage?

Massage therapy for pregnant people. Prenatal massage aims to relax tense muscles, ease sore spots, improve circulation and mobility, and just make you feel good. But prenatal massage is also customized to the needs of pregnant individuals and their changing bodies, and therapists trained in prenatal massage adjust their techniques accordingly for every session.

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​What's the difference between getting prenatal massage at Free Spirit Massage & Doula Services vs. any other spa or place in Middle Georgia that offers pregnancy massage?   

A LOT.  Let's put it this way: A Dentist is a Doctor too... but not the kind of doctor you should choose to deliver your baby. A few highlights: I don't require you to lie on your side for the massage because I have advanced cushioning systems to ensure your safety and comfort at all stages of pregnancy, I will work with as deep of pressure as you want (I don't treat you like you are fragile), I’m not hesitant/afraid to work on you, I am a SPECIALIST in prenatal massage and have worked on countless numbers of pregnant people (most spa therapists have only worked on a handful), I am highly knowledgeable about pregnancy and birth and I don't perpetuate myths and misconceptions such as "I can induce your labor with foot massage" (which is hopeful... but false.) I have taken many prenatal massage classes over the entirety of my massage career and became certified. I went to school for massage planning on specializing in prenatal massage. It is my passion.
 

Is it ever too early or too late in pregnancy to get a massage? 

Absolutely not! The only difference is my cancellation policy for clients in labor is a bit more lenient (see below).
I can even provide massage treatment during labor if you want! It's never too late for a massage either. 
 

​Aren't there certain things you can't do on pregnant people during a massage? 

Rarely. But you may have heard a few myths: massage will stir up toxins and is dangerous, foot massage will put you in labor, you can only use light pressure massage, no deep work on your lower back, no massage in the first trimester, no face-down massage EVER, therapist can naturally induce labor or do things that will put you in labor..... these are all false. The main difference is that I don't do super deep sports-massage type techniques on your legs (but most clients don't want that), and I have to position you differently on the massage table as your belly grows. If you have any concerns about the safety and practice of pregnancy massage, please contact me for clarification.
 

​Is pregnancy massage dangerous? 

No. Massage during a normal pregnancy is not harmful at all. Massage supports a healthy pregnancy, and does not cause miscarriage or induce preterm labor. That being said...not all massage therapists or spas who offer prenatal massage have extensive training or experience doing it, and if you are the recipient of one of those massages, you might be left unsettled and disappointed. Specialization makes a BIG difference; a dental assistant knows a LOT about teeth, but s/he shouldn't be the one performing a root canal.
 

How often should I get pregnancy massage? 

Same as your prenatal care visits! Once every 4 weeks up to week 27; every other week up to week 36; weekly from week 36 on until you give birth. MANY of my clients come every other week or every week for the whole pregnancy, and for four months postpartum.
 

​Postpartum massage - What is it? 
Postpartum massage can be as important and beneficial as massage during pregnancy. Postpartum bodywork is an effective and holistic approach for the many adjustments to parenthood. It has been shown to be effective for a quicker recovery and better health. Unique postpartum benefits include hormone regulation, reduced swelling, better sleep, and improved breast/chest-feeding. More advanced therapy helps restore your body to its pre-pregnancy condition, speeds healing and assists with C-section recovery.

Postpartum massage - how soon, and how often? 

Come back in within the first 10 days (preferably 5 days) of giving birth. I can even come TO you so you can keep baby with you (Mobile massage does have an extra travel fee). But you can also bring baby to my office with you (Giant maxi pads and leaky boobs welcome.)  Then, every other week at least for the first 16 weeks postpartum. (I promise it will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Why? Because parents rarely prioritize self-care. Schedule being a parent around your massage appointments and you will be a better, happier parent.)
 

​How does prenatal massage help? 

It will help you feel good, hurt less, and sleep better. It helps relieve pain in the back, neck, shoulders, hips, arms and hands, legs and feet. It even helps with mood and hormone regulation, reduces swelling, stress and anxiety and improves circulation. Overall, you'll be happier... and who doesn't want THAT?
 

​Do I have to lie on my side the whole time? 

Only if you prefer to. I know how to do that very well. 
 

Do you have those special pregnancy tables with holes cut out for the belly?

oh, noooooo. (Do they still sell those??? ) While they are a novel idea, tables with removable "plugs" for breasts and belly do not adjust or support the body adequately. One size does NOT fit all when it comes to gestational bodies. I DO have an advanced orthopedic cushioning system that goes on top of a standard massage table and adjusts to your growing body, that enables you to lie face down (or on your side if you prefer) comfortably and safely.  
 

​Do I get to lie face-down during a pregnancy massage? 

Absolutely... every pregnant persons dream come true! I am masterful in the use of special orthopedic body support cushions that are fully adjustable to accommodate your growing belly and breasts during all stages of pregnancy. Most pregnant people find them so comfortable that they beg me to let them take the cushions home! If you are carrying twins, or have a larger belly at the start of your pregnancy, it may be more prudent and comfortable to lie you on your side after a certain point. Also, people that are petite (5'2" and under) may not fit well face-down on the cushions. But I will let you try them and decide for yourself! 
 

​Can I lie flat on my back during pregnancy massage? 

Only during the first trimester. After that, I prop you up like Royalty, reclining on your throne, with your head/neck/back supported, your knees and feet slightly elevated too. Magically, you'll also discover that this is a great position to sleep in for the rest of your pregnancy.
 

What length of appointment should I book? 

For "full-body massage" (where I say hello to every major muscle group), we need at least 60 minutes, especially if it is your first massage session. 90 minutes is even better, and 120 minutes is freakin' fantastic (but not recommended for massage first-timers). 

 

What is fertility massage?

Fertility massage is a unique and highly effective massage protocol, that includes fertility awareness, cleansing therapies and visualizations. Fertility massage can include massage of the abdomen with castor oil packs intended to increase circulation, which is thought by some practitioners to boost fertility. 

You can read more about fertility massage here. 

 

How often should someone get fertility massage?
This fertility massage treatment plan is a 3 session series. You'll come for treatment for 3 sessions to get a "tune-up" and then you can choose to come as often as you want once you are actively trying to conceive. Once a month is the minimum recommendation, but you will learn the basics of fertility massage in your sessions so you and your partner can do treatments on yourselves between your sessions in office.
 

​​Do you only work with pregnant individuals? 

Although prenatal massage is my passion and specialty, I also work on all ages of non-pregnant individuals and children.
 

Do you only work on biological moms? (or heterosexual moms, etc.) 

No, I serve all parents-to-be...as well as their husbands, wives and partners. I work with independent/single parents-to-be, birth parents, intended adoptive parents, surrogate parents, teen parents, young parents, old parents, and parents who have lost their babies too soon.
Even boyfriends, fiancés, aunts, uncles, grandparents and kids. Everyone is welcome here.
 

What is your cancellation/rescheduling policy?

Your appointment time has been reserved for you and nobody else. It is common courtesy, and in your agreement when you book your session and sign your intake form, to give no less than 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Though I may make exceptions on a case-by-case basis, by booking a session with me, you agree to my policies listed below.​

Find my cancellation policy HERE.

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I know we are dealing with pregnancy- and pregnancy-brain; therefore, I give you a lot of reminders to support you in honoring this window of time. Please double check your calendar and set adequate reminders yourself! 
 

What if I go into labor and have to cancel my appointment? 

I am much more lenient in my cancellation policies for individuals who go into labor; just ask when booking your appointment late in pregnancy!
 

​​Do I need a note from my doctor or midwife for a prenatal massage? 

Not unless you have certain high-risk conditions that could be complicated by promotion of blood flow throughout your body via massage. If you have any concerns in general about pregnancy massage, feel free to ask your prenatal care provider. I am totally confident working with you and will let you know after reviewing your intake form if there are any further concerns.
 

​What difference in qualifications or training do you have over a non-specialized massage therapist? 

I'll try to keep this relatively brief: All LMTs have a short crash course during massage school on how to do a (pretty lousy) pregnancy massage with the pregnant person propped on their side with a few pillows. (IF they even get that much!) Many myths are perpetuated out of fear of doing harm (ie, no 1st trimester massage, no foot/ankle massage, massage can induce labor, massage has to be light touch only, etc.)
Some take an elective course in Prenatal Massage that is far more in dept. In addition to common sense pregnancy massage practice, they learn what pregnant people want, need, and expect. Not only do they learn EVERYTHING they should know about pregnancy and birth, they also get over the pregnancy fears and myths they learned in massage school. They learn that while pregnant people require special handling, pregnancy is NOT a disease, and pregnant people are NOT fragile. They learn what to do and what not to do, when to worry and when not to worry, and also dive into the culture of birth in the USA and what pregnant people are really going through during pregnancy and the many choices they must face. They learn skills and mindsets required to be truly supportive, professional, caring, and helpful for all aspects of pregnancy. I have taken numerous Prenatal Massage courses over the years and became certified in fertility, pregnancy and postpartum massage as this type of bodywork is my passion.