For thousands of year’s pregnancy, labour and childbirth was a female centred and tactile experience. What are now considered routine aspects of pregnancy and labour, were then potentially life threatening and led particularly this century to a gradual increase in a culture of medical management.
This trend has been changing for some years with individuals and couples being actively encouraged to learn more about and become more involved in, the whole pregnancy and birthing experience.
The medical profession provides a valuable and indispensable framework of technical care, however as therapists we can bring comfort and pleasure through touch. Touch in its many forms brings solace relief of aches, pain and stiffness and gives emotional support and reassurance. With a knowledgeable and well-guided hand, massage during pregnancy adds to the enjoyment of the birthing experience.
Hydrotherm offers a unique potential for comfort and in a combination with a sound underpinning knowledge of the physiological changes of pregnancy.
Pregnancy is often listed as a contra-indication to massage, but rarely with any justification. It is certainly important to consider treatment carefully, but correctly administered massage is not only potentially free of risk, but also extremely beneficial, comfortable and reassuring treatment during all stages of pregnancy.