Pregnancy Massage Training

Postural and body changes in carrying a baby can be very uncomfortable and stressful for the pregnant woman, physically and emotionally. Pregnancy massage or prenatal massage helps to relieve stress, muscle tension and other ailments that commonly occur. The peace and quiet of the massage session also serves to provide relaxation and reduce anxiety. A relaxed mother-to-be will have a better and easier time handling the challenges of her pregnancy and delivery stages.

Pregnancy massage is different from a regular massage, so it is advisable to meet with the pregnancy massage therapist before going through the session. The pregnancy massage therapist should have knowledge of the state and stage of the pregnant client, which helps her to determine the most appropriate massage techniques, position and pressure. Most pregnancy massage therapists are reluctant to work with pregnant clients during the first three months of pregnancy, due to the high risk of miscarriage. It is therefore advisable to check with your doctor before going for a massage session.

Many pregnancy massage schools offer various pregnancy massage programs and classes. They range from one-day pregnancy massage workshops to pregnancy massage certification courses, which are accredited by recognized bodies. The one-day courses usually cover the benefits of pregnancy massage therapy and provide the basic knowledge, skills and techniques to work safely and effectively with pregnant women. Pregnancy massage DVDs which demonstrate different techniques of pregnancy massage, are also available. Some pregnancy massage DVDs provide a reference list of the techniques to be used for different conditions that might arise in pregnancy.

The pregnancy massage certification courses cover more extensively on the anatomical and physiological changes of pregnancy, including the emotional aspect of the pregnant women. Students are taught advanced massage techniques and skills; they learn about customizing their massage therapies according to the needs of each individual client. Demonstration and hands-on practice of massage techniques are included in the training. Shorter courses and workshops are offered for qualified massage therapists who wish to add pregnancy massage therapy to their repertoire of massage skills.