In building a level of comfort and connection with me as your doula, and also because of the tremendous physical and emotional benefits of massage through pregnancy, I do encourage you to use my pregnancy massage services in preparation for your birth. Here we will get you in a positive head space for labor and delivery and also prepare your body for the journey ahead. I always begin by gently addressing the baby, to say "hello" with my hands to allow baby to connect with this stranger who is touching mommy! I then gently stretch your hips and pelvis so that we can make room for baby to move down into the birth canal as well as focus on any swelling and general tension that expectant mothers tend to experience. From low back pain, aching feet, and pregnancy induced carpal tunnel, to shoulder, neck, and face tension... you name it~ we cover it. In the end I find that mothers who have had bodywork with me during pregnancy not only feel more connected and relaxed but have a "muscle memory" when I place my hands on them in labor. The body is then able to melt and fall out of it's own way to allow baby to do his/her job!
Many people ask what an induction massage really means. I like to refer to it more as a labor encouragement massage. This is a completely non-invasive, non-aggressive modality using accupressure points that help encourage elimination: ie. cervix softening, uterine contractions, and a release in general. These points won't work if baby is not ready to enter into the world, so really it is more of a suggestion to the body rather than a means of force.
These are the same points that I avoid throughout your pregnancy so I only utilize the "induction massage" when a mom is at term.
Some mom's feel anxious about a potential scheduled induction and start feeling that they are racing against the clock. This is one helpful way to relax your mind and body while also knowing that we're doing what we can to help bring baby along if he/she is meant to come sooner than your induction date.
I've had great success helping moms get that last little nudge to help bump them into labor. While I offer no guarantees, I can at least assure you that you'll leave feeling relaxed, refreshed, and ready to go when the time does arrive!
A common reaction to the onset of early labor is that of sheer excitement, high energy, and some anxiety. During this time moms and dads alike find themselves excitedly timing contractions, packing the car, and calling everyone to let them know "this is it!". I try to encourage my moms to really take this time to rest and relax because you're going to need all of that energy later on, especially since early labor tends to be the longest phase.
Some moms find that the perfect antidote to this adrenaline response is to have a labor massage. Here we concentrate on relaxing your mind and body while also stimulating certain physiological responses that help encourage labor. Massage releases oxytocin which is the hormone necessary for stimulating uterine contractions. I also utilize the accupressure points used in "induction massage" to help encourage labor progression. While there is a natural opening of the body that must occur, these effects may help shorten the length of early labor assisting the body to pick up the pace.
Labor massage is included in all of my doula services if desired, and is also offered to mom's who may already have another doula, but would like a massage in early labor; either at home, birth center, or hospital with Dr.'s approval.
"According to physicians Marshal Klaus and John Kennell, massage helps stimulate the production of natural oxytocin. The pituitary gland secretes natural oxytocin to the bloodstream which causes uterine contractions and also secretes it to the brain, which results in a feeling of well being, drowsiness and a raised pain threshold. Synthetic IV oxytocin cannot cross into the blood stream and brain, so it increases contractions without the positive psychological effects of natural oxytocin."-- American Pregnancy Association
