I am often asked how a labor preparation massage is different from a standard prenatal massage and why it may be beneficial to receive weekly labor prep massages at the end of pregnancy. The standard Sage and Cedar prenatal massage focuses on comfort and symptom management. Toward the end of pregnancy, that focus shifts to helping your body and baby prepare for the best birth experience possible. I suggest that women with low-risk pregnancies who are hoping to go into labor spontaneously begin receiving labor prep massages weekly at 37 weeks gestation and until they deliver. For those anticipating an induction before 40 weeks, I suggest starting at 36 weeks gestation.
Will a Labor Prep massage cause me to go into labor?
No, nothing we do in your labor prep session will cause a body or baby that is not ready to instigate labor.
During a labor prep massage you will experience the following:
-The use of a special *topical* castor oil blend to help warm and relax abdominal muscles.
-Balancing techniques specific to the hips, abdomen and sacrum to eliminate tension that may translate to poor baby positioning or longer laboring.
-The *topical* use of Clary Sage essential oil to help stimulate uterine contraction.
-Acupressure and cupping over acupressure points to help stimulate uterine contraction.
-Massage focused on relaxing the jaw and diaphragm to help relax the pelvic floor.
-Red Raspberry Leaf tea when you leave to help stimulate the uterus and relax your soul.
What are the possible benefits?
-Better muscle and ligament balance in the abdomen, pelvis, and hips may promote better baby positioning and a shorter, more comfortable labor.
-Touch is the first sense that babies develop in the womb, beginning at about eight weeks of gestation. Abdominal massage performed on the pregnant human may help support sensory and proprioceptive development in your baby!
What else can I do to help prepare for labor?
-Apply S&C labor prep belly oil to your belly and low back two times a day.
-Have lots of sex. Sperm is a natural prostaglandin and can help ripen the cervix. (Please stop having lots of sex if your water has broken due to risk of infection!)
-Nipple stimulation. Pumping on each side twice a day for ten minutes helps stimulate Oxytocin production.
-Visit Vail Valley Wellness for preparatory acupuncture (contact them around 30 weeks to really get a head start!)
-Visit Be Well Barn for additional Webster Technique Certified chiropractic care!
-Eating up to six dates per day may help ripen the cervix. (Pro tip: Spread these out throughout the day and take a 10 minute walk after consuming them to help balance blood sugar!)
-Drinking up to four cups of Red Raspberry Leaf Tea or S&C Labor Prep Tea per day starting at 36 weeks.
Have questions?! Send me a Message!