In Home Prenatal Bodywork in Portland Oregon

As a doula, I have seen time again that receiving consistent, ongoing, therapeutic bodywork in pre conception and pregnancy makes for better birth outcomes.

My form of prenatal bodywork is a blend of Deep Tissue, Abdominal Therapy, and CranioSacral Therapy (CST). I recommend 90 minutes for these sessions to allow time to integrate the breadth and depth of these three techniques. I begin with slow deep tissue work on your back, hips, neck, arms and legs to ease aches and pains, release musculoskeletal constriction, promote circulation and encourage baby in utero to move into the optimal fetal position for birth. I weave in Abdominal Therapy techniques — focus on the belly, sacrum, and coccyx, that further increases circulation of blood, lymph, and nerves, frees up adhesions in the pelvic bowl, and improves uterine alignment. Then we move into the subtle work of addressing the CranioSacral system— the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and nourish the brain and spinal cord— to release deep-seated tension in the nervous system and restore the body’s natural rhythmic intelligence for self-repair.

Prenatal bodywork in this way helps regulate the nervous system, improve lymph and cardiovascular circulation, digestive function, free up space for optimal movement, and decrease stress; all of which in turn is felt by the baby in the womb.

Recommended Visits in Pregnancy:

• Once a month or more from 13-26 weeks

• Every 2 weeks or more 27-36 weeks

• Weekly 37-42 weeks

Preparing For Birth

Labor encouraging bodywork can begin at 38 weeks and can incorporate specific acupressure and CranioSacral techniques and specific herbal massage oils. These open and encourage the energies of birth.

In Home Postpartum Bodywork

Massage in the Postpartum time is beneficial for breastmilk production, getting rid of toxins from your body, helping your internal abdominal organs find their pre-pregnancy places, checking in on uterine involution, and for overall physical healing after birth. It can also be a space for the emotions and stories held in the body from the birth process to surface and release. Depending on what your body needs at that moment, a session with me in the Postpartum time can include Deep Tissue Massage, CranioSacral Therapy, Abdominal Therapy, Acupressure. Always listening and in conversation with your body as it heals in the tender 4th trimester time.
​If you are a new parent who is having hesitations about being away from your baby or if childcare is unavailable, please feel free to bring them to your session. Having your baby on the massage table with you can be a wonderful bonding experience, especially if you've been receiving consistent treatment throughout pregnancy.