One of my favorite things to tell my prenatal clients is to “let that belly hang!” Any opportunity to point your belly button toward the floor is a good one, leaning on counters, the back of the couch, your significant other- the options are endless. This can also be helpful in getting the baby into the best position for birth!
So it seems a little odd when I tell my clients that I do exclusively side lying and modified supine positions for my massages as opposed to using prenatal bolsters with a cut out that allows for laying prone.
A large part of my practice revolves around balance and mobility. As a pregnant belly grows and shifts, the muscles and ligaments that support it also change. They stretch and can become weakened or painful. Prenatal bolsters that allow the belly to point down can inhibit mobility in the hips and pelvis, and restrict blood flow to these essential tissues. This is especially true with pressure applied to the back for an extended period as in massage.
Using side-lying and modified supine positioning allows me to effectively work back and hip muscles while maintaining the balance needed for optimal fetal positioning as well as maximum comfort for the birthing person.