Advanced Prenatal Massage

Course overview

This advanced prenatal course offers a comprehensive guide to all aspects of prenatal, labor and postpartum care. Through the course text and DVD by Elaine Stillerman, LMT, a detailed review of the anatomy and physiology of childbirth is provided as well as common complaints and serious health conditions that often present during gestation and childbirth. Massage therapists benefit from a complete understanding of the dynamic and miraculous changes the pregnant client's body goes through as she progresses in her pregnancy. In addition to detailed positioning and draping methods, this course discusses Swedish massage and acupressure points, myofascial release, lymphatic drainage and reflexology that can assist you in working with the pregnant client. Through this program you will review various topics related to pregnancy massage, such as: The historical relevance of prenatal massage and childbirth practices. How miscarriages occur and their causes. Stresses on mother and unborn child and how massage therapy can reduce those stresses for both mother and fetus and beneficial physiological effects of prenatal massage in reducing pain. Comfortable and safe positioning for the pregnant client during each trimester as well as proper draping. The differences between working with non-pregnant and pregnant clients - set-up of treatment room, practitioner body mechanics, time allocation per treatment, safe use of essential oils and massage oils, additional supplies needed for a prenatal practice. Signs and significance of spousal abuse or domestic violence during pregnancy. Stages of fetal development and the physiological adaptations during pregnancy to the musculoskeletal system, including the core muscles, the cardiovascular system which supports the maternal metabolism, and the respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary, reproductive, endocrine, neurological and integumentary systems. Assessments for the symptoms of thromboembolism, preeclampsia, and other pregnancy related conditions. Contraindications of acupressure and reflex points. Factors contributing to low-, moderate-, and high-risk pregnancies and how that impacts massage therapy treatments. Protocols relating to treatment of clients confined to bed rest. Pysicolocial changes to mother and fetus during the three trimesters as well as common complaints and massage therapy considerations by trimester. Bodywork techniques for the common discomforts of pregnancy: backaches, breast soreness, headaches, leg cramps, sciatica, symphysis pubis separation, abdominal pressure, constipation, esophageal reflux, fatigue, heartburn, hemorrhoids, insomnia, morning sickness and varicose veins. Techniques to start or speed up a prolonged labor. Appropriate massage therapy techniques to be used during each stage of labor. The dynamic physiological processes that occur after labor; within the first few hours, within days, and within weeks of postpartum recovery. Massage techniques that are appropriate during each stage of the postpartum recovery time period. The grief and bereavement process of women who suffered miscarriages or stillbirths. Examples of effective marketing techniques to use in building a prenatal massage practice.