Prenatal Massage

let's work together to create length & space in your body

Chelsey is certified in Maternity Massage (prenatal, labor/birth, and postpartum) through Leslie Stager’s program, Touch For Birth. She comes with over a decade of experience in pregnancy and birth and combines delicious massage, client education, and therapeutic techniques from multiple modalities to provide a thorough treatment at each session.

Have you had prenatal massage in the past that does not hit the spot or is too light? How about a prenatal massage with position support that left you wanting? Chelsey’s clients complain that other therapists or clinics they tried gave feathery light prenatal massage, that the practitioner seemed afraid or unsure, or that they were only given one single pillow to prop themselves up in the sidelying position. Pregnancy is full of myth and misinformation. Please choose a massage therapist who specializes in caring for you during this specific and special time. Chelsey is extremely knowledgeable about pregnancy and postpartum, offers unbiased information, and provides a firm, intuitive, and nourishing touch through her muscle-specific deep tissue work.

Throughout pregnancy, the body undergoes a variety of physiological changes that are necessary for the healthy development of the baby and preparation for birth. These changes can create discomfort or strain.

massage has been shown to:

• Reduce stress, anxiety, and depression

• Decrease nausea and improve sleep

• Improve immune system function

• Decrease strain on joints and muscles

• Increase sense of well-being and reduce stress and fears surrounding birth

• Reduce swelling, muscle spasms and soft tissue pain

• Decrease obstetrical complications

• Improve birth outcomes and bonding

• Improve lactation and balance hormones

• Connect mother and baby with abdominal massage

Preconception Massage: set your body and mind up for success

Touch is instrumental in creating nurturing pathways and flow in the body. When you are getting ready to conceive, no matter the method, think about ways in which you can re-balance your body and mind. Massage is shown to decrease the anxiety and stress hormones of the sympathetic nervous system, both of which can reduce the ability to become pregnant. It is shown to increase love and sex hormones like oxytocin and serotonin, both which provide a general sense of happiness, relaxation, and contentment. When the body is able to enter the relaxing parasympathetic state, it is better able to perform functions such as digestion and conception.  Massage therapy has even been shown to increase positive pregnancy outcomes in IVF treatments. Chelsey would love to help you on your path to becoming pregnant!

massage has been shown to:

• Decrease stress hormones that keep us in "fight or flight" mode

• Increase hormones that promote relaxation, love, and happiness

• Bring fresh blood to the abdominal area, including the uterus

massage for LABOR PREPARATION

Labor and birth is a powerful force that is transformative and unpredictable. Nurturing and supportive touch can alleviate fears and empower you to go into labor with trust in your own body’s wisdom. Massage itself will not induce labor but will help prepare the body and mind to encourage the birthing process. Specific massage techniques, acupressure points, breathing, affirmations, and visualizations are used in labor preparation massage to get you ready for your labor experience.

Massage has been shown to:

• Decrease emotional tension that delays labor

• Release muscles to create length and space vital to the birthing process

• Increase trust in your own body wisdom

• Decrease fear surrounding labor and birth

Breast massage can be integrated into any session.

Breasts tend to receive little attention until there is a problem. Breast massage, like massage anywhere else on the body, may improve circulation and drainage, reduce pain or discomfort, reduce swelling, and reduce congestion. It also may improve and support lactation as well as reduce the chances of mastitis or clogged ducts. In Japan, breast massage is a vital part of postpartum care. It aids in enhancing respiration, allowing deeper, fuller and more satisfying breaths of air. Why not provide our breasts with the same care that we provide the rest of our body?

In addition to the physical benefits, there are many emotional benefits to breast massage. Many people attach negative emotions to their breasts such as guilt, shame, and anger. This could be due to breastfeeding issues, body image, pain, cancer, sex, sexual assault, or gender identification. Intentional and safe therapeutic touch on breast tissue can help reintegrate and connect the physical form with the emotional one in a positive way.

For female-bodied clients, having your breasts included in a massage session can be extremely empowering. Regular breast massage increases breast health awareness and can help create a positive connection.

Massage has been shown to:

• Reduce pain/soreness (mastalgia)

• Improve lactation

• Decrease likelihood of clogged ducts and mastitis

• Decrease congestion and improve circulation

• Improve texture (fibrocystic breasts)

• Reduce adhesions and scar tissue

• Increase breast health awareness

• Improve respiration

If you would like to read more about breast massage, click here.

covid-19 STATEMENT:

https://www.swanperinatalservices.com/blog/massageandcovid-19

rates: In-office

90-minute massage - $225

120-minute massage - $275

rates: Home visit/outcall

90-minute massage - $350

120-minute massage - $395

***The standard "outcall" fee is included in these rates. An additional outcall fee may be added if you live more than 20 miles from the office. Please email Chelsey directly at cswan.lmt@gmail.com for details.

*Chelsey offers massage in-office in Kirkland as well as provides home-visits to families in the greater Seattle area, Eastside, and South Snohomish county.