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Delivering You to Wellness
Questions on Prenatal Massage:
Is it safe to get a massage during the first trimester of pregnancy?
Yes. Massage can help reduce fatigue, help relieve headaches and lessen morning sickness, which is lmited to niether the morning or the first trimester. Appropriate massage poses no danger during any point in a typical preganncy. There are conditions that make prenatal massage and relaxation massage not appropriate, anyone getting a prenatal massage, or any massage, should be given and an intake form from the provider that reviews current and past health issues.
My pregnancy is too far along for my to lie on my belly or flat on my back, how can I get a massage?
You can get a massage in a side-lying position. You can lie on either side (or just one side if that is what your body will allow) with support under your head and legs. This give the massage therapist access to all areas in need of some relaxation, swelling reduction and pressure eleviation. Oh, and your FEET!!! Who doesn't love a foot rub?
Questions on Birth Doulas:
What effects does the presence of a doula have on birth outcomes?
Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula’s presence at birth:
- tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications
- reduces negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience
- reduces the need for pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction
- reduces the requests for pain medication and epidurals, as well as the incidence of cesareans
What effects does the presence of a doula have on the mother? Does a doula make decisions on my behalf?
When a doula is present during and after childbirth, women report greater satisfaction with their birth experience, make more positive assessments of their babies, have fewer cesareans and requests for medical intervention, and less postpartum depression.
Does a doula replace nursing staff?
No. Doulas do not replace nurses or other medical staff. Doulas do not perform clinical or medical tasks such as taking blood pressure or temperature, monitoring fetal heart rate, doing vaginal examinations or providing postpartum clinical care. They are there to comfort and support the mother and to enhance communication between the mother and medical professionals.
NO, A doula does not make decisions for clients or intervene in their clinical care. She provides informational and emotional support, while respecting a woman’s decisions.
Will a doula make my partner feel unnecessary?
No, a doula is supportive to both the mother and her partner, and plays a crucial role in helping a partner become involved in the birth to the extent he/she feels comfortable.
