Find Serenity with Prenatal Massage – Columbia MD

Prenatal Massage Columbia MD Have you ever experienced a professional prenatal massage? Imagine having a relaxed and present state of mind, almost like when you fall asleep for a nap. But instead you are awake while having your sore back muscles feel better. Prenatal massage can be very soothing. This was so helpful for me during my own three pregnancies. Pregnancy massage therapists are trained to make sure the massage is safe and comfortable for their clients.

It’s been awhile since I was pregnant with my third baby, but I trusted my prenatal massage therapist at Massage Envy. As my belly grew, my back muscles needed some extra care. The body pillow was adjusted so that I could comfortably lie on my left side as my belly grew larger. I went for a prenatal massage once a month during my second and third trimesters. If the recommendation is still the same, you should wait until your second trimester to get massages.

There are pressure points that should be avoided during pregnancy, so it is important that the massage therapist is trained specifically for prenatal massage. You may notice that you’ll need a pillow support or wedge between your stacked knees for comfort. These are just some considerations for a comfortable massage.

Prenatal Massage locations near Columbia Maryland

There are many other places in the Columbia, Maryland area, that I’ve heard other pregnant women recommend. Some of these include, Body Logic, The Pearl, Ojas, Tocar Spa, Nava Health, Hand and Stone Massage, Looks Salon and Spa, Brightwater The Spa at Skin Care Institute, in and around the Columbia, Maryland area.

Massage for Athletes

As an athlete, massage is a great way to prevent knots, which can form over time from having an active lifestyle. I was always a runner, and I played lacrosse and field hockey. I started running races in middle school and continued to race throughout college and into my 20’s. At the height of my running “career,” I was running at least one race event a month and about 35 miles a week.

I also swam laps, participated in yoga classes, and strength trained to work on core and all muscle groups. So needless to say, I always had knots that needed to be worked out, especially in my back near my shoulders and scapula. It was important for me to stay active during my pregnancies to maintain my fitness, when running wasn’t comfortable for me as my belly grew. Prenatal massage helped to relax tense muscles from carrying the weight of pregnancy.

Looking back as a mother of 3, one thing that I can appreciate even more so now, is how relaxing prenatal massage can be. When you are in a room with soft instrumental music and don’t have to do anything but breathe and be in the moment, it is so good for your nervous system. It isn’t much different from meditating.

Meditation

If you can only get a prenatal massage once in awhile, but need some ways to maintain the benefits, I have another suggestion. For relaxation, use the Calm app. I have the Calm app on my phone and try to use it several days a week, if just for 10 minutes. You can select a breathing exercise for deep breathing or a meditation where a gentle voice talks you through the process. They have plenty of options on the app. Sometimes I just listen to nature sounds.

Even without the Calm app, you can just stream peaceful meditation music on your phone. Try to start your day with a morning meditation or prayer. Whatever works for you will create a daily habit that you’ll look forward to.

Back Massager at home

In addition to meditation at home, years ago we were gifted a neck/back massager that is so helpful for keeping the knots at bay. I recently upgraded to a new back massager that I really find helpful, a few days a week. The tightness that I usually have around my neck and shoulders has improved. The arm straps allow the massager to be more easily to anchored onto different muscle groups and keep it in place. This might be something you can try after your baby is born and are no longer having prenatal massages.

Prenatal Massage – Columbia MD

Self care is so important during pregnancy. There are many prenatal massage locations to choose from in the Columbia, Maryland area. When you make an appointment, make sure to ask for a certified prenatal massage therapist.

Maternity and Newborn Portraits

Pregnancy is such a special time, and if you want to document it with portraits before and after your baby arrives, get in touch! Both maternity and newborn photos will help you remember how you looked and felt while carrying your baby in your belly and then in your arms. Rebecca Leigh Photography offers a Membership option which includes 2-4 sessions within 18 months. We can design a gorgeous, velvet or linen album for you showcasing images from all of your sessions. Not only will you love having these memories, your children will appreciate them too. Children love to see photos of themselves as they grow.

The Membership can be started with Maternity portraits or you can begin with newborn. Then many clients will schedule a baby milestones portrait around 6 or 7 months when baby is starting to sit unassisted. Often this is closer to 7 months. Babies have such sweet personalities at this stage of development. They can be very engaging and smile for you when you play peek-a-boo or make funny sounds to make them laugh. Another popular time for baby portraits is around 9 months and then again at 1 year.

I’d recommend maternity, newborn, 6-7 months, and 1 year for your four membership sessions. But if you start the membership with a newborn session, you could potentially schedule 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year. Many clients will also use their last session for family portraits in the spring, summer, or fall outdoors before sunset. The choice is yours!

I am not affiliated with any of the products or places listed in this post.