Prenatal massage and other therapies can ease the discomfort of
pregnancy and relieve the anxiety that goes along with it
By Julie Engelhardt Special to South Valley Newspapers
Ah, you’re pregnant! A variety of emotions flow through your mind and body when you hear those words, whether it’s for the first, second or third time. This is what you’ve been waiting for – to become a parent. Your heart’s filled with joy and happiness and you can’t wait to have your baby with you.
But as you anticipate the arrival of your son or daughter, it’s no secret that your body is going through many changes, both physical and emotional. One day you’re feeling terrific, the next day you’re feeling tired and sluggish, possibly antsy, uncomfortable and extremely stressed out.
Yet there are ways to help you wash away the tension and anxiety that accompanies pregnancy.
One way is by kicking back and treating yourself to a well-deserved massage. Darlene Cavazos with Tranquility Day Spa and Salon in Hollister has seen her fair share of pregnant clients during her 12 years as a certified prenatal massage therapist. She knows they feel much better after spending an hour on her massage table.
“My clients come in because they are experiencing aches and pains in the lower back as well as leg cramps,” said Cavazos. “The massages also have a calming effect on the baby.”
Yesenia Rivera of Hollister believes that prenatal massages are the best thing for pregnant women. Rivera already has three children, and baby number four was due Monday. Rivera visits Tranquility Day Spa and Salon once a week.
“I decided to begin prenatal massage because I have a busy schedule with so many children,” said Rivera. “By the end of the day I am so tired, so I thought I’d treat myself to a weekly massage.”
Rivera enjoys the feeling of being secluded and surrounded by the music Cavazos plays while being massaged. She comments that the aromatic oils used are also very relaxing.
“After receiving a massage, I do feel a lot more flexible,” Rivera comments. “My back, legs and arms feel much better.”
Hollister OB/GYN Sylvia Morgan agrees with Rivera and thinks that prenatal massage is a wonderful way to calm your body and mind.
“(Massage) releases a lot of endorphins and makes you feel better,” she said. “You just need to make sure you go to a therapist who has been trained with pregnancy because there is a big difference in how you position the patient. You don’t have them lie on the abdomen and the uterus. If that happens you can compress the vena cava and restrict blood flow.”
Another way to relax and prepare for the upcoming changes in your life is by sneaking away with your honey to go on a “Babymoon.”
The Belly Beautiful in Sacramento is one place that offers retreats for pregnant couples. They have two- and four-day getaways where couples can simply relax, as well as shut out the stresses and strains of daily life. The retreats take place at the peaceful Ojai Valley Inn and Spa located 35 miles south of Santa Barbara.
Or, if you really want to escape, Casa del Mar Beach Golf and Spa Resort, located at the tip of Baja, is the perfect place to escape for your babymoon. The hotel is designed to look like a 19th century classic Mexican hacienda, complete with adobe walls, red roofs, sun-kissed colors and graceful arches surrounding peaceful courtyards. Spa Chakra, an internationally known luxury spa, opened at Casa del Mar this month, offering comprehensive health and wellness care in an environment that integrates holistic and conventional therapies.
The spa provides massage therapies, facial therapies, reflexology and even pre- and postnatal massage. These massages help to increase energy levels, alleviate discomfort and increase circulation. They also aid in the prevention of stretch marks and stabilize hormonal activity.
Finding a way to relax may not always be easy, but with a little time and research, expectant mothers can discover different methods to bring peace into their hectic lives.
