Pregnancy Pampering
Turn the last month of pregnancy into the best month!
The final month of pregnancy is one of anticipation, expectation and always a challenge on the body.
After many years of experience working with our wonderful expectant mothers we have created a program of specialist practices that they say have turned their last month of pregnancy into pure bliss.
Our pregnancy pampering program is the perfect gift for your wife, employee, boss, daughter or friend as they start their maternity leave!
Being cared for in these last weeks can prepare a mother both physically and emotionally and give her some special moments of peace, tranquility and relaxation to prepare for the demands ahead.
Related Topics
Physical symptoms in the last month of pregnancy
In the last month of pregnancy most women may experience one or more of these symptoms.
- Backache
- Itchy skin
- Pelvic pressure
- Swelling of ankles and feet
- Headaches
- Trouble holding urine
- Constipation
- Heartburn
- Trouble sleeping
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Emotional ups and downs
Here is a menu of 10 natural holistic and safe therapies especially popular with expecting Mum’s in that ninth month because they can be adapted to suit their needs and relieve their symptoms.
Practices to make the last month the best month!
10 natural therapies to care for very pregnant expectant mothers
1. Pregnancy Pilates
Even if the woman has not done Pilates previously we are able to empower her with the essentials of this intelligent method of exercise in just a few sessions.
Pilates is a recommended form of exercise that is very safe for pregnant women.
Advantages of doing Pilates during pregnancy include:
- stretching tight muscles
- correcting the postural imbalance caused by a very big tummy
- strengthening the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles in preparation for birth and to reduce the occurrence of incontinence
- maintaining fitness
- deep and controlled breathing to relax the body and mind and improve blood flow
- exercises to assist in the turning of breech babies
Pilates Menu
Introductory Pilates Classes – private 90 minutes
Studio Sessions – 60 minutes
Private Session – 60 minutes
2. HypnoBirthing
The technique of HypnoBirthing uses a series of deep relaxation, visualisation and meditation techniques to connect expectant mothers with their innate birthing knowledge.
We offer a one day HypnoBirthing Essentials course that couples to take control of the labour process and plan the way their babies will be born, whether at home or in hospital, a natural birth or a cesarean.
Our HypnoBirthing practitioner is a specialist in the Mongan Method and has helped more that 150 women and their birthing partners rediscover their instinctive trust in the process of childbirth and bring their babies into the world with calmness and love.
One day HypnoBirthing Essentials Course dates can be found here at the bottom of the link.
3. Couples birth preparation
A 60 minutes couples session with the focus on the birthing partner.
During the couples birth preparation session you will be taught a combination of western (physical therapy) and oriental (Traditional Chinese Medicine) therapeutic treatment practices that can best support the mother during the birth.
Some of the techniques will include learning relaxation strategies, the best ‘positioning’ for each stage of labor, acupressure of specific points to relax and relieve pain, visualisation and psychological preparation for the couple preparing for the birth they desire.
4. Pregnancy Massage
Most pregnant women do not get the opportunity to lay on their stomaches past the 1st trimester!
At our centre we have a special massage table that is designed to allows the pregnant mum to lay on her front with her tummy in a sling that supports her. This allows her to feel safe, comfortable and secure while receiving the treatment in an easy and practical way.
Our specialist pregnancy massage therapists will spend an entire massage releasing muscle tension, relieving pain and alleviating tension and stress so that the pregnant Mum can be completely relaxed and revitalised at this time when she needs it most.
60 minute sessions recommended
5. Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Fluid retention is a common issue during pregnancy.
Lymphatic drainage massage is a very gentle technique to stimulate the body’s natural ability to detox and remove the toxins. It is a gentle, safe and relaxing treatment that can have a focus on one area or the entire body.
Lymphatic drainage massage can help pregnant women with:
- swollen feet, ankles and legs
- tiredness and fatigue
- boost immunity
- detoxification of their blood
- healing after birth
This treatment is very beneficial in the last trimester of pregnancy and the best results are regular weekly visits.
6. Acupuncture
Pre-birth treatment
Pre-birth acupuncture is a series of treatments in the final weeks of pregnancy to prepare women for childbirth.
Acupuncture can be used in 2 main ways in the later stages of pregnancy:
i. Pre-birth – It is a safe and effective treatment to promote natural labour, with an emphasis on preparing the cervix and pelvis for labour.
ii. Acupuncture can also deal with other medical conditions such as pregnancy induced hypertension and other symptoms such as heart burn and hemorrhoids, insomnia or emotional problems,
It is also good to know that women who received regular pre-birth treatment either go into spontaneous labour around their due dates or, if induction is required, respond well to acupuncture specifically for induction and progress efficiently to a natural birth.
Recommended once a week from week 37
7. Foot Reflexology
The prefect treat for a pregnant woman!
Foot reflexology, especially in the final stages of pregnancy, is great for relaxation and reducing stress levels, improving quality of sleep, helping blood and oxygen circulation, reducing pain in the lower back and pelvic area due to heaviness and helping even reduce the length of time for the first stage of labour.
Another safe and enjoyable treatment especially if you feel like you need a little pampering ‘me’ time and pick me up!
60 or 90 minutes treatments recommended
8. Trigger Point and Myofascial Release
Once you are in those last months of pregnancy weight gain, hormonal changes, stress and muscle separation can cause back pain and postural issues.
The natural release of the hormone relaxin needed to relax the pelvic and muscles and joints also contributes to the body’s muscles working harder to maintain their position which can also result in pain.
Trigger point and myofascial release techniques specifically target the muscle groups that are shortening due to this compensation. Releasing the tight muscles manually can bring relief and sooth tired muscles.
60 minutes muscle release is recommended
9. Turning breech babies
Moxibustion combined with acupuncture can be used to help women with babies in breech position. In a study of 260 women using moxa at 33 weeks 75.4% turned vs 47.7% and it has been shown to improve the probability of a baby turning by 58%**.
Combined with simple Pilates exercises we can provide an optimal opportunity for the babies to turn.
Studies have shown that the optimum time for turning a breech baby with moxa is at 34, although some women present themselves at a later date since 50% of babies will turn spontaneously.
The application of a moxa cone (mugwort is an herb) in specific acupuncture points in the abdomen region and lumber sacral area gives warmth and gentle stimulation that encourages the baby to turn.
We recommend 4 – 5 sessions in a short period to achieve results
10. Combination Postpartum Treatment Pack for the Golden Month
Although this treatment is specifically for the second week postpartum it’s a wonderful addition to the choices on the menu for expectant mothers to have something to look forward to once their babies have arrived and they can bring them with them to the session.
Toning Massage with Acupuncture and Moxa
More than a luxury, this treatment should be seen as a necessity as it reduces exhaustion, relieves muscle aches and restores metabolic balance.
The course of treatments also helps the uterus to return to normal, prevents and treats postpartum complications and stimulates the body’s natural recovery process.
In addition to acupuncture the specialist practitioner will give an application of Moxa. This in the “Golden Month” phase helps to recharges the new mother’s batteries and encourages with the production of breast milk.
4 x 60 minutes sessions for 1 week
If you would like to book a session or know more about our pregnancy pampering packages and treatments do not hesitate to contact us!
References Pre-birth Acupuncture:
* Kubista E, Kucera H, 1974 “Uber die Anwendung der Akupunktur zur Geburtsvorbereitung” Geburtshilfe Perinatol
** Cardini F, Weixin H 1998 – Moxibustion for correction of breech presentation” Journal of the American Medical Association
