It’s two-fold: pregnancy can be a beautiful but uncomfortable
time for many women. With swelling, pain, exhaustion and headaches it can be hard
to find your zen. Enter Janet Markovits of Maternal Massage and More, a
business that specializes in pre and post-natal massaging designed to loosen
the body and alleviate the discomfort of pregnancy. Here, Janet discusses how she got into the
massage game and the vast benefits it can have on mommy (and baby!). —
What
inspired you to pursue maternal massage?
I started
out working with mostly athletes—the Northwestern Men’s Soccer Team, ironmen,
triathletes, and marathon runners. Then I started seeing more and more women
athletes and they became pregnant. I wanted them to still be able to get a
great, deep therapeutic massage that was safe.
What
are some of the differences between a maternal and a regular massage?
The
physiology of a pregnant body is constantly changing. Your center of gravity
changes and maternal massage focuses on all changes going on during this period.
Many women experience: hip pain, rib pain, back pain, carpel tunnel, swelling
in the legs and feet, constipation, headaches. Massage can help with all these
ailments safely. You always want to go to someone specifically trained in
prenatal massage so they can address all these issues properly. My clients who
have gone to spas where the therapists are untrained say they are barely
touched and it’s more like getting lotion applied to them than getting a great
massage.
How do
your massages conform to the needs of pregnant women differently than a general
massage would?
The
Maternal Massage and More offices use the bodyCushion where women are able to
lie comfortably and safely on their belly throughout their pregnancy. It is
amazing! Most women are beyond impressed by how comfortable it is and want
to take it home with them (along with me) for the wonderful massage. The
pressure to the legs is a bit lighter than when not pregnant and there are acupressure
and reflexology points that need to be avoided, until they are full-term. At
Maternal Massage and More we are also a huge resource and very knowledgeable on
many aspects relating to pregnancy and postpartum and can offer sound advice. I
get questions every day on every topic and can answer most, but also know a lot
of people to refer to if I cannot.
What’s
the most common feedback you get from moms-to-be after they receive a massage?
Most feel
great right away! The hip pain, back pain etc. is gone, they are relaxed,
more mobile, feel lighter. Afterwards I hear they slept great that night, were
able to take a deeper breath and had less digestive issues. They also couldn’t
wait to get back on the table and lie on their belly because it was so
comfortable. They are happy and have smiles on their face.
What
benefits are specific to massage that a woman would not be able to receive
through another avenue like exercise?
Any aches
and pains can be relieved with massage and some are too tired to work out or
are not exercising as often. Massage helps get the circulation going; you
feel lighter and more flexible and take a deeper breath after getting a
massage. It also helps with digestive issues and headaches and it’s
passive so you just lay back and enjoy. Even with stretching, a lot of
women cannot get to the places that need it where massage can.
What
about after the baby is born? Are massages as important postpartum? If so, what
are the benefits?
It is
just as important to get a postpartum massage and more for all different
reasons. I see women the same week as they have the baby. Labor is labor and
massage afterwards helps women relax and alleviate any muscle tension that went
on during labor. Also you are now looking down all the time at your beautiful
new baby so I see a lot of neck pain and from nursing I see a lot of upper back
pain. If you’ve had a c-section I also see a lot of fluid retention, which
massage can help with as well. It can also help with milk let-down.
For
infant massages, how old do you suggest they are before getting a massage, and
what are the pros?
I suggest
touch right away. The skin-to-skin contact is so important. You
automatically touch, hold and caress your baby. It is great to take a baby
massage class when the baby is a month old. This is when you have a better idea
of their schedule: when they are feeding, sleeping etc. Baby massage is also
a wonderful way to bond with your baby. It is as beneficial to you as it is to
them. It can help them sleep better, eat better, help with muscle tone and get
them prepared for crawling and walking. It can help with digestive issues
like colic, constipation and gas, sinus congestion, chest congestion, teething,
pressure in the ears. It is a win-win for both mother and baby. It’s
a great way to get the dad or partner involved if they are working all day.
Are
there any situations in which you suggest women don’t receive massages or any
restrictions you put on customers, such as times in pregnancy or pregnancy
complications when you won’t do massages?
Maternal
Massage and More sees women from the 1st trimester to the last and
if needed past their due date. We do not work on women if they are bleeding,
have a fever, or are vomiting. There are other instances but each situation and
person is different – it is not black and white so it’s important to always go
to someone that specializes in prenatal massage.
How
often during a pregnancy do you suggest women get a massage?
It’s up
to the women and what’s going on. I see many women every week. The more
you come, the better you will feel and sleep.
What
is the most rewarding aspect of your business?
I love seeing
women go through the process. I get to know my clients really well after seeing many
every week and also through multiple pregnancies. I also teach a labor support
class where I meet their partners and I teach baby massage classes where I get
to see the baby. Many send pictures and Christmas cards and keep me
updated for years to come even when they’ve moved out of town. And then when
their mothers and sisters and friends come into town, I see them as well. It’s like
being part of the family. I love it!
For more information on Maternal Massage
and More, visit here.
