Working as a Prenatal Massage Therapist
Posted on: January 10, 2014
Although there are a variety of interesting and rewarding careers that an individual could choose to pursue, opting to become a prenatal massage therapist can be particularly advantageous. This is the case for several reasons, including the fact that prenatal massage therapists play an important and profound role in facilitating the comfort of expectant mothers. By learning more about this field, individuals who are thinking about becoming a prenatal massage therapist can gain the information necessary to make an informed decision regarding whether this is the right vocational path for them. Prenatal Massage Therapist-A Brief Overview Although defined broadly, a prenatal massage therapist is basically an individual who uses prenatal massages as a mechanism through which to soothe nerves, promote relaxation, and relieve the leg muscles and/or strained backs of expectant mothers. This type of massage is particularly beneficial during an expectant mother's second and third trimesters. This is the period during which extra belly weight puts a strain on the mother's back. Understanding Pregnancy Massage If you are thinking about pursuing a career as a prenatal massage therapist, you should understand some basics regarding pregnancy massage. Firstly, pregnancy massages are distinct from traditional massages in several significant ways. For example, the pregnancy massage therapist will devote more attention to ensuring that the pregnant woman's body is adequately cushioned so that proper support is in place. To ensure that this happens, the pregnancy massage therapist will have the client lie on their back and have pillows placed underneath their shoulders and knees. If the client is far along in their pregnancy, she will likely be put in a semi-reclining position. In this case, the client would stare at a wall rather than the ceiling. In many cases, a pregnancy massage can be administered while the patient is lying on her side. In this position, pillows would be placed between her legs and under her head. In order to function effectively, the pregnancy massage must be administered in a relaxing, soothing manner. With pregnancy massage, abdominal kneading, certain acupressure points, and deep tissue work are to be avoided. Conclusion If you are thinking about becoming a prenatal massage therapist, you should know that doing so can be a very rewarding decision. By considering the information listed above, you can determine whether this is the right vocational path for you to pursue.