♥   Has your OB/GYN or Midwife provided clearance for you to receive Mama Massage?

If clearance in writing has not yet been received prior to a scheduled massage, the session must be postponed. 

(Applies to first appointment only.)

 

♥   Have you completed the New Client Confidential Intake Form so we can review together?  This form helps gain understanding of your needs and serves as the foundation for a Massage Therapy treatment plan to address them.

(Applies to first appointment only.)

 

♥   Have you read the Policies?  Your signature on the New Client Information Form attests to having read the policies, please take a few moments to do so.
 

♥  If the appointment will be specially provided in-home, is there a space set up?  Do NOT move furniture on your own!  If need be, please have someone other than yourself move anything necessary to clear a temporary space of approximately 6×9 feet minimum floor space, for the massage table & room to move around it.  Any area of your home that's comfortable for you to be in for receipt of massage is typically good space to use, however please be aware that massage equipment is not light, so avoiding extra flights of stairs/difficult to access areas is greatly appreciated.  

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​♥  Are you feeling generally well?   If you are not feeling well or are experiencing any of the following symptoms on the day of your appointment, it's best to communicate symptoms to your medical care provider and reschedule massage.   Examples of same day contraindications:

 

• Abdominal pain

• Acute urinary tract infection

• Bloody vaginal discharge

• Blurred vision/spots

• Chills or Fever

• Diarrhea

• Decrease in fetal movement/none felt for 8-10hrs

• Extreme morning sickness/relentless vomiting

• Pitting edema (gentle thumb impression above ankles for count of 5. If impression does not disappear in 10-30seconds, massage is contraindicated as it's possible indication of preeclampsia having developed.)

• Severe or sudden swelling all over

• Sudden or severe headaches

• Spike in blood pressure/hypertension

• 1-week wait time after genetic testing performed

 

 

Get the most out of your massage:

 

Eat a light meal before, but not immediately before, receiving massage. 

 

Be well-hydrated. Drink water before and after your appointment.  (It's perfectly ok if you need a bathroom break.)

 

Wear a robe or button down shirt that will allow for easy undress/redress once on the table.

 

Remove jewelry.  Pull long hair back with a clip or ponytail holder.

 

Use the restroom just before getting onto the table.

 

For postnatal massage, aim to have massage just after you've fed and changed baby.

 

 

During a massage in session:

 

Be sure to communicate any needs (bathroom break, need a tissue, pressure or position adjustment, temperature modification, more work to a specific area, etc.) 

 

While typically unlikely, it is important to know that if at any time during a massage in session you do not feel well or anything feels "off" (pre or post birth massage) then it is important to honor your body and stop the massage. (i.e. suddenly just don't feel well, sharp pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, faintness/dizziness, cramping, nausea or increase to heavy bleeding postnatal)  

 

Pay attention to your breathing, making sure it is deep and relaxed.

 

Focus on the way massage feels or to the music to subdue mind-chatter.

 

Bask in the enjoyment of a great massage!

 

 

 

Post massage recommendations:

 

Be well-hydrated. Drink plenty of water before and after your appointment.

 

Avoid scheduling any obligations immediately following your massage session - you'll want to enjoy the state of relaxation.

 

Notice how much better your body feels as a direct result of Mama Massage.

 

Schedule your next massage so that you have the appointment to look forward to and can secure a time slot that is most desired.

 

ENJOY relief and relaxation!

 

Recommend Mama Massage to others and receive additional 15min of thank you time during your next appt. (details on policies page)