prenatal massage

[sligoman]

Has anyone tried the Prego Pillow?  I'm trying to decide whether I should purchase it or the body cushions.

 

[tannysyd89]

prenatal massage

Hi.I haven't worked with either as a therapist, but my personal massage therapist uses the Body Cushion system on me for my prenatal massage (I'm six months & g-r-o-w-i-n-g!) It's very comfortable. As a therapist, I have always used side-lying protocols for my pregnant clients. honestly, that's what my OB/GYN recommends, and I will be switching to side-lying myself for my next massage treatment. The doc says that although the baby is well protected in the amniotic sac, the ligaments are so flexible right now that even when properly cradled in the Body Cushion, he feels it is the safest thing to do by recommending side-lying massage, with the emphasis of time spent lying on the left side.Hope this one perspective helps.Jill/Sagetherapist

 

[Colorado]

prenatal massage

I've used the PregoPillow, and I loved it. Unfortunately, I don't have access to one now, and I need it. No money! The problem with the pillow is the storage. It's big and when you're not using it, it's bulkier than the BodyCusion, but it gives better support. I've used it untill the last week of pregnancy, but some clients are still not comfortable being face down. Gravity pulling on the abdomen can relieve low back tension, but Mommy can feel too vulnerable and unnatural while prone. It's her preference.

 

[Ellie Hello]

Most pregnancy massage instructors I've talked to or read material from seem to agree that the prone position, even when using the Prego Pillow or a table with a cut-out is not a real good idea.  The ligaments holding the uterus are very vulnerable  and the weight of a pregnant abdomen with gravity is generally too much to be considered 100% safe.  Unless you have a client that is considered "low risk" and you've got some pretty great client/therapist agreement forms signed...I'd say it wasn't worth the risk to put a pregnant woman in the prone position.  Body Cusions are great for sidelying...and awesome for general massage use.  I'd definitely go that route.

 

[Dean]

Lorilee is right.  I am a prenatal massage therapist and would never position a client prone after the first trimester.  While the prego pillow may provide a safe and comfortable resting position, the uterine ligaments will become strained by the dangling uterus and once you apply pressure to address the structures of the back you are increasing uterine pressure.   The sidelying position is extremely comfortable.  A couple of things to keep in mind:  place a small pillow or wedge under her belly to provide support, place a folded or rolled towel at her lowback/hip area to keep the spine straight, and make sure when you bolster her leg that her hip, knee and ankle are all in the same plane. I hope this helps.

 

[Sudeep King of Scorn]

Your question is a very important one.I can tell you from personal experience that in the 9 years that the "Prego Pillow" has been available that there hasn't been one incident related to the postioning or use of the pillow. We do find that in some cases a pregnant woman will be apprehensive about lying in the prone position which will make it very difficult for her to relax and enjoy the relief and comfort of the pillow.  Just so you know....It is not recommended that you do any massage on a pregnant woman until she reaches the second tri-mester. By that time it's considered a viable pregnancy  In most cases we find that the miss-information being spread about lying in the prone position is not based on medical fact or from anyone who has personally used the "Prego Pillow".  I would appreciate your comments.....  Prego1

 

[Jon R]

Prego1So, are you affiliated with the company that sells the "Prego Pillow".  How do you know that there are no incidents of injury from it's use?  I'm not trying to say that there have been...I'm certainly not an expert in the field.  I am merely relaying information presented in the workshops that Carole Osborne-Sheets teaches.  If you want to read a little blurb about her background, read on:Carole Osborne-Sheets has been an integrative body therapist since 1974. In addition to private practice, she has worked in osteopathic, women's medical clinic, and psychological practices. Her work focuses on facilitating somato-emotional and neuromuscular integration. She is a specialist in family issues, including pregnancy, sexual and emotional trauma, substance and eating disorders, self-image, and nurturing. Her earliest bodywork studies were with the Arica Institute, Milton Trager, and Tai chi with Master Abraham Liu, and in an apprenticeship in the teachings of Ida P. Rolf with Edward Maupin, Ph.D. More recent studies have included osteopathic soft tissue therapies. Carole cofounded IPSB, in San Diego, in 1977, where she continues to teach. She is also an original faculty member at Big Sky Somatic Institute, Helena, Montana. She has taught throughout North America and in Europe. Sparked by personal and clinical experiences, Carole began researching and developing infant and prenatal massage therapy programs in 1980. With collaboration with perinatal professionals and colleagues, she trained parents and hospital and association staffs, and she co-created the original Bodywork for the Childbearing Yearآ® training. In 1997, she independently expanded and refined that former course to create her Pre- and Perinatal Massage Therapy programs and publications. She has taught maternity massage therapy to over 2,000 massage and perinatal specialists. She is mother of Josh and Elizabeth whose gestations, births, and lives inspired and continue to guide her work. Carole has published two textbooks, Pre- and Perinatal Massage Therapy and Deep Tissue Sculpting, and articles in both Massage and Massage Therapy Journal.She provided consultation on several videos, and for other prenatal and infant massage media items, including an upcoming book on pregnancy and sexual abuse survivors. She is a professional member of AMTA and the National Association for Pregnancy Massage Therapists, and is Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.

 

[Ron]

Yes, my company created the "Prego Pillow" and for the people who have been willing to try it they have found an easier and more comfortable way to work with not only Pregnancy, but also the overweight, women with larger breasts, heart bypass patients and many others who are sensitive to lying on a flat surface. I'm not sure what your association is with Carole Osborne-Sheets, but you should ask her if she has any first hand experience using the "Prego Pillow" and what she bases her opinions on. We have found that in most cases, the people who protest the most have the least amount of experience with the product. From what I have read from her in regards to this subject.... in a nutshell..... She seems to feel that if a Therapist uses improper technique and excessive pressure in sensitive areas that it can cause problems to the pregnant client. She doesn't go as far as to say that the equipment or the positioning is at issue. So in essence, it is more of a case of improper technique from the Therapist then the equipment used.  I would be appreciate you comments......  Prego1

 

[Patrick]

Prego1,I'm not going to try to change your mind.  You believe in your product and I have no experience with the prego pillow.  However, experts in the field of pregnancy, midwives and Ob/Gyns, recommend the sidelying position for massage.  If they don't even recommend women sleeping prone why should we do massage in the prone position. For everyone else out there, exercise caution.  If you want to work with pregnant clients get some advanced training.  Pregnancy is a natural and healthy state but there are some cautions and contraindications to bodywork.  I also want to add that it is safe to work on women in the first trimester as long as abdominal work is avoided.  Due to fatigue and naseau most women in early pregnancy don't seek massage but that doesn't mean it isn't safe.

 

[Jojoe]

I think it's very interesting to see how many well respected people in the Massage Therapy Industry are resistant to progress. I think it says alot about people who can judge something without ever trying it. It's easier to keep doing the same things that you've always done, rather than try something new that has proven to be easier and more comfortable for the Client and the Therapist. I thought that the goal was to make the client as comfortable as possible.  If you asked 20 pregnant women which position they would prefer, I think you would find it overwhelming toward the prone position. I appreciate your comments. Prego1

 

[Worldemperor]

prenatal massage

After switching to the side-lying position for my personal massage treatments (every two weeks), I am glad that I did. The body cushioning systems were very comfortable up to a certain point. Right now as an actively working mom-to-be, I need to be massaged with firm, yet appropriate pressure. In the side-lying position , I don't feel any pressure on the abdomen, as I did with my last two massages lying prone on the cushion system. I have to also say that 'psychologically', I am able to relax better in the side-lying position right now (27 weeks). My OB/GYN agrees that I did the right thing in asking my therapist to change. Incidentally, my therapist was very willing to change, but still couldn't help but say that maybe my doc should watch the product video to help change his mind. To me, it sounds like we ALL are resistant to differing attitudes. BUT... that's what this forum is for, right? As far as being supportive of massage as a supporting therapy and healthful part of perinatal care, my doc is a huge fan of both massage and yoga. I don't think that sounds closed-minded or resistant at all. Here's my conclusion: get a prego or body cushioning system if you like. Yes, you can use it for much more than just massaging pregnant clients. Personally, I feel very comfortable using strategically placed bolsters and side-lying (or other!) positionings to remain flexible to my clients' needs. As a massage client who happens to be pregnant, I feel that I will continue with side-lying positioning.... whether or not my therapist utilises the cushion system for that purpose or not.Jill/Sagetherapist

 

[nomorebuffalo]

Sage, Congrats on the pregnancy!  Awwww....

 

[Short_and_Sweet]

Congratulations on your pregnancy!  Do you plan on getting massage to help through labor or have you thought that far ahead yet?  Things must be so very exciting.  I hope you have a wonderful pregnancy! Melissa

 

[Bubbly]

prenatal massage

Thanks you guys, that was nice.I don't know what I'll do as far as my delivery plan, just yet. we are right at that seforum.xxxe just now.... making various decisions.Jill/Sagetherapist

 

[Greek God AKA Greekman]

prenatal massage

How's the pregnancy going?

 

[NM-47]

prenatal massage

Jill/SagetherapistYou should consider getting a Doula ( labor support ) that is a massage therapist. A doula can help make your birthing experience a better one. If she is a massage therapist, she can work with you now and after the baby is born both as a massage therapist and a support person.Love,Liz

 

[Pompal 09.]

prenatal massage

The statement that the prone position for a pregnant woman would pose an increased risk to pregnacy is completely without merit.  If that were the case then any activity providing that same posturing to the abdomen would be ill advised.  It would certainly show up in anecdotal warnings from folk medicine and midwifery if activities such as hand and knee floor scrubbing, rice harvesting, coitus, etc. were to be avoided due to increased risk.  The reason "experts" in Prenatal Massage don't advocate such use of prenatal tables and other prone position support systems is that those appliances enable the "untrained and uncertified in Prenatal Massage" to provide therapy without paying for training and certification.  Just follow the money trail.There certainly is a psychological consideration of the expectant mother's comfort.  Many don't want to feel like the abdomen is just hanging there.  That is why I use the ProNatal Mattress on top of my table.  Never had a complaint!

 

[erika:)]

prenatal massage

What are your supporting credentials, etc for saying that prone positioning concerns are "completely without merit?" Since this thread began (and the ensuing banter with the person who is in the sales business for the Prego Pillow, etc), I've asked some docs (OB/GYNs), NPs and CNMs their opinions. I would say that their expertise in field indeed holds merit and credibility. They have all stated that they have concerns with firm pressure massage while the pregnant client lies prone after (on average) 26 weeks.I'm not saying that there is only one way to approach this, but your saying that erring on the side of caution is completely without merit is a strong blanket statement. Not every pregnant woman can handle the same activities (housework, sex, otherwise), and each pregnancy is uniquely different.I would strongly advise any massage therapist who works with pregnant clients to take the time to understand their clients' wishes, their clients' doctors wishes and not to hold static beliefs regarding which way works best. Jill/Sagetherapist

 

[bluesclues]

prenatal massage

My supporting credentials exist in the thousands of years that anecdotal evidence has been passed on from midwife to midwife and healer to healer.  If there were reason for concern over a woman maintaining a prone posture it would be common knowledge within the human community.  There is no such knowledge.  World wide, for generation upon generation, women have maintained such postures while working at various tasks.  Much of modern physical medicine is based upon the same anecdotal source.

Current health care professionals have no formal study data to rely upon and of course they will advise to err on the side of caution. They have no credentials to support their view.  It is not addressed in med school.    

Did they put it in writing?

See: http://www.pronate.com/testimony.html  

Dr. Peveto

I too have asked may OBs and midwives.  They agree that if no weight is born by the fetus there is no need for additional concern in a typical pregnancy.  Notice I say typical.  I agree that prenatal massage should be in accordance with individual needs and interface with the OB or Midwife is needed.

Further: There are enough of these types of prone prenatal massage appliances and prone maternity sleeping mattresses that have been patented and used that, in this litigious society, we certainly would have seen lawsuits against the manufactures brought by distraught parents and their greedy lawyers if there were any conceivable connection between product use and pregnancy, birthing or birth defect problems.

I do not advocate an unsupported abdomen during prone prenatal massage.  The prenatal massage appliance should provide support for the mother's prone body with no weight being born by the abdomen / uterus / child.  Further, such appliance should provide some "stretchable" upward support for the abdomen.  However,  I don't believe such support is needed in a typical pregnancy for any other purpose than the emotional concern of the mother.

 

[Zephyr - That Skate Kid]

I have given several prenatal massages, using the Body Cushion system, and will definitely state that "firm" pressure on the lower to mid back may/would not be good, but a lighter touch would be relaxing.  A good flushing with the hands around the iliac crest would be helpful to the attachment sites of the low back muscles.  I see nothing wrong with going a "bit" firmer around the upper back and shoulders, for it's not applying any pressure around their abdomen, and the relief is greatly appreciated.We will all have differences of opinions until everyone is educated on how the Prego and Body Cushion systems work.  If you haven't used them, then I would suggest trying one of them yourself.