Become a pregnancy massage therapist
In ancient Egypt, India and China, manual therapy reduced pain and fatigue in pregnant women. The massage is used for therapeutic and relaxing purposes for expectant mothers and in our days. However, in a critical period, it has its own characteristics and limitations.
Some doctors are worried about their patients and do not recommend them to get a massage. There’re several reasons why they do this way. The first is the lack of standardization and certification in this area. The second is the significant differences in the techniques of performing massage. Therefore, it is important to have a therapist who knows how to properly massage. To do this, he must complete special training courses and understand all subtleties of execution techniques.
What Is Pregnancy Massage?
Maternity massage is called done during or after pregnancy. During pregnancy do prenatal massage and after giving birth, some are prescribed postnatal.
The absence of contraindications and the well-being of pregnant enables her to do procedure. It does not hurt and will be a good addition to prenatal care.
No matter in which trimester to start massage courses - first, second or third. It’s often helpful to undergo the procedure before and after pregnancy.
Many medical centers refuse to do it in first trimester. They are afraid that it will provoke a miscarriage. But there’s no cause for concern if there’re no physiological causes and a high degree of risk to the fetus.
In any case, a pregnant woman is obliged to consult with her doctor before receiving a massage. The best way to avoid negative consequences is to inform and choose a qualified therapist.
Body position during prenatal massage
Some experts use a special table. It has an abdominal opening that makes procedure comfortable. But such tables not always have the size of your abdomen and uterus. These causes pressure on the abdominal cavity or it will be poorly fixed creating discomfort. Consultation is required before beginning procedures to find out which table a practitioner is using.
Other masseurs use special pillows. It’s called a roller and helps to fix body lying on its side pregnant. This is excellent in late pregnancy. Many experts recommend doing maternity massage in the supine position. In this case, risk to health of the woman and the child is minimal.
Positive sides:
There’s little research at this time. Therefore, it’s difficult to establish its benefits. But the University of Miami School of Medicine offers several positive effects:
- Reducing anxiety.
- Elimination of pain in the legs and back.
- Healthy sleep.
- Decreased stress hormone levels in the body.
Another study was conducted with the participation of pregnant in a state of depression. Some results:
- Increasing the body's concentration of serotonin and dopamine hormones, affecting good mood.
- Reduced stress scores.
- General improvement of a woman’s condition.
Scientific studies prove the benefits of massage on the entire population. It relieves pain, boosts immunity and helps to struggle tumors.
Training and Education
- Deep. It’s carried out with firm movements for deep pressing of muscles.
- Swedish. This technique is based on long strokes in the muscles. Particular attention is paid to the compositions.
- Shiatsu. Concrete points are tapped on this by stimulating bodily energy.
What You’ll Study in Prenatal Massage Therapy School
The interest of the state in improving procedures among the population is increasing annually. This contributes to the development of manual therapy, including the career growth of doctors specializing in prenatal massage.
But there’re problems in the field of training. Getting a certificate takes time and practice.
What You’ll Study in Prenatal Massage Therapy School
Training is conducted in different forms. This may be optional classes, refresher courses or standard continuing education. All of this is available to you in special schools of massage therapy. You can expect from the following courses:
- Studying physiology and anatomy of the body of pregnant.
- Techniques.
- Precautionary measures.
- Contraindications for the procedure.
- Different problems that a pregnant face: physiological and emotional.
- Practice.
How Are Pregnancy Massage Therapists Trained?
There’re special certification programs for massage therapists. It’s includes several hours of classes (from 24 to 32) for 2-3 days. Some seminars include the practical part. After completing practice, you will receive a certificate of attendance.
Prenatal Massage Certification
Perinatal massage has many schools as part of their curriculum. But this doesn’t guarantee you a certificate. This is obtained only after passing special training at a certified seminar.
After graduation, you must confirm your qualifications through oral and written exam. Then practice and practical exam. This is done outside the school of massage therapy in special courses. It gives you the opportunity to receive a certificate of successful learning.
Pregnancy massage is special and can be considered a vocation. There’re challenges and the therapist must be able to respond to them on time. He should choose a qualified massage specialist. Thus, it will help to form the right education in the field of prenatal care. Undoubtedly, this will affect the future of all mankind.