Body Freedom Urban Day Spa Retreat in South Melbourne specialises in pregnancy massage. One of the owners is a midwife and has studied under Suzanne Yates a UK pregnancy massage therapist. She brings this practice to a few key therapists at the Retreat. Many of our therapists have also attended Suzanne's pregnancy massage workshops both in Melbourne and the UK.
We conduct our pregnancy massage treatments on a futon. We have discovered that a futon with pregnancy pillows allows the mother to be to be comfortable with no strain on her back or tummy. This allows for a really good massage.
We do not recommend pregnancy massage in the first trimester unless you have been having regular massages prior to being pregnant. The reason is that muscles store toxins. If you have had regular massage, the muscles have released the toxins versus building up over a long period. Your first few massages can be performed on a table. Once you are sidelying we prefer to perform your massage on a futon mattress with pregnancy pillows.
During the various trimesters your pregnant body changes so that there are different strains and discomfort as her certain of gravity changes. The massage is tailored to how you are feeling on the day. There may be more work on lower back and hips and later working on legs and potential fluid build up.
Many of our spa treatments can be tailored for pregnancy, except the detox scrub and wrap. Ask at the time of booking and we will advise on the best spa treatments for some R&R.
Our therapists can advise you on techniques and positions to use during labour and how your partner can support and massage you during labour. Some of our therapists are remedial as well as pregnancy specialists and may be claimable through private health funds via HICAPS at the time of treatment.