"Pre- and Perinatal Massage Therapy explores techniques of therapeutic massage and bodywork that enable massage therapists to support mothers and their babies throughout the childbearing year. In this updated edition of her widely used and trusted text, noted maternity massage therapist and teacher Carole Osborne details the physiological, functional, and emotional developments of childbearing. The three Technique Manuals included in the text teach clinically refined techniques, conveniently woven around women's common needs." -- Back cover.

Authored by a well-known expert on prenatal massage, this comprehensive text helps you understand the intricate physiology of pregnancy so you can confidently apply appropriate massage techniques for each trimester, and throughout labor and postpartum. You'll find clear, colorfully illustrated explanations of a wide range of techniques and procedures, including Swedish massage, acupuncture points, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, lymphatic drainage, and reflexology. Contraindications and precautions are also provided where necessary to help you provide safe and effective care for every client. Comprehensive coverage guides you through all aspects of prenatal massage in a single book, addressing fundamentals, techniques, preparation, and prevention of potential problems. Many useful techniques are described in detail for prenatal through postpartum massage with step-by-step instructions so you can begin using these techniques with your clients immediately. Numerous boxes throughout the text highlight key information and provide clinical tips. Touch Points and In My Experience boxes share the author's personal observations about the chapter material with real-life examples from her years in practice. Over 350 detailed, full-color illustrations and photographs illuminate procedures, concepts, and techniques. Clear writing and organization addresses content in four main units: pregnancy massage, labor massage, postpartum massage, and marketing strategies. A companion DVD packaged with the book contains 45 minutes of video demonstrating different massage techniques presented in the book. DVD icons within the text encourage you to watch relevant video footage at appropriate points. Learning objectives and key terms at the beginning of each chapter clearly identify the concepts you should focus on in the chapter. Review questions at the end of each chapter enable you to assess your understanding and review important information presented in the book. A glossary of all key terms and definitions makes it easy to quickly look up a new term or to refresh your memory.

urturing Massage for Pregnancy is one of the most comprehensive books available for massage students and licensed massage therapists who treat pregnant, laboring, and postpartum clients. The author is a highly skilled perinatal massage instructor who is also a registered nurse, childbirth educator, and doula.

This is the third edition of a highly successful guide to using massage therapy through all stages of the birth process, from pregnancy, through labor and birth, and into the long postpartum period. It is primarily for massage therapists but is also intended for physical therapists, other manual therapists and bodyworkers, nurses and midwives, physicians and doulas - any professional who wants to integrate more therapeutic touch in their work. The text combines what anyone who works with pregnant people needs: an exhaustive distillation of current scientific knowledge, alongside hands-on recommendations, specific techniques and business success from almost a century of the authors' combined experience. The reader will gain a detailed understanding of what is happening to the body during pregnancy and beyond, how massage techniques can impact those changes, and very concrete, applicable strategies for how to work with maternity clients to make them feel better. Amidst this abundance of detail about what to do, the authors also explore the flipside - what therapists need to modify and avoid to ensure that their work with pregnant and postpartum clients is safe; how to recognize high-risk factors or other complications; how best to adjust treatment; and how to work with medical healthcare providers throughout the process.

A Handbook for Relieving the Discomforts of Pregnancy Massage is a sensuous, relaxing, and loving treatment that has the added bonus of being especially good for you. It’s the perfect way to reduce stress and promote general well-being. During pregnancy, your body is undergoing many changes, some of them stressful and discomforting. Mother Massage, by licensed massage therapist Elaine Stillerman, is a beautifully illustrated guide to help eliminate some of these adverse effects. Designed to be used either alone or with a partner, Mother Massage provides techniques for a variety of massages, including full body massage, preparation for labor and birthing massage, massage during the postpartum and nursing stages, and infant massage. These techniques are explained in step-by-step, illustrated detail. You’ll also learn special massages for treating such discomforts as: • Backaches • Breast Soreness • Charley Horse and Leg Cramps • Headaches • Heartburn • Fatigue • Morning Sickness • Sciatica • Stretch Marks • Varicose Veins • And Many Others Also included are sections on reflexology, herbal remedies, and nutritional requirements for pregnant and lactating women.

Use the healing power of touch for a healthier, happier pregnancy. Pregnancy is an exciting time full of promise, but most women could do without symptoms such as back pain, headaches, nausea, and swollen feet—luckily, many of these conditions can be treated with massage. Touch has the power to heal, calm, and nurture relationships. Christine Sutherland, co-founder of the Sutherland-Chan School and Teaching Clinic, teaches the basics of prenatal massage for healthy pregnancies. From the first trimester to postpartum recovery, Christine’s healing methods will help moms-to-be through every stage of pregnancy, including childbirth and breastfeeding. There’s even a chapter on the basics of baby massage, which new parents, grandparents, and siblings can use to relieve common infant conditions and bond with the new child. Hundreds of photos and illustrations clearly illustrate techniques that even beginners can master. Christine also includes real-life stories that showcase how the power of massage helped women through their own pregnancy journeys. If your partner or loved one is expecting, this book is for you.

urturing Massage for Pregnancy is one of the most comprehensive books available for massage students and licensed massage therapists who treat pregnant, laboring, and postpartum clients. The author is a highly skilled perinatal massage instructor who is also a registered nurse, childbirth educator, and doula.