Labor Prep Masage, Does it Work?
Labor Prep Massage. Will it send you into labor?
Yes and No.
I call it Labor Prep instead of Induction Massage for a reason. I do not want people to book it thinking it is the answer and it will send them into labor. Your body will not go into labor if you and the baby are not ready. But could it help nudge you over the edge into labor, absolutely!
I have endless stories of women coming to me and going on to have their baby that night or the next day. The massage was just what they needed, so let's learn why. What is the massage doing?
My Labor Prep massage has a few key elements that encourage labor.
I use Reflexology to stimulate certain pressure points associated with labor, along with an essential oil blend that includes Clary Sage.
I give extra emphasis to the hips. Helping release tension in the pelvis and opening up the inlet (top) to help the baby get lower into the pelvis. This also promotes space to help the baby rotate.
Belly massage. Yes it feels good but it is more than that. At the end of pregnancy people often say the belly feels tight and there is no room. While nurturing the belly I am also creating space under the ribcage, working the broad and round ligaments to relieve tension but also create space for good positioning and rotation in labor.
As a Spinning Babies Aware Practitioner, I also incorporate that training and utilize stretches and techniques to support the body.
Relaxation. Yep sometimes we just need to relax and our body will go into labor. It is not uncommon for many emotions to flow through us at the end of pregnancy. The anticipation of labor. The anticipation of becoming a mom for the first time or bringing another baby into our home. Taking the time to pause, relax and let go can send signals to the baby and our body that we are ready.
The big takeaway is whether or not the massage sends you into labor that day, the next day or the next week. Everything that we are doing in that session is helping your mind and body prepare. Don’t underestimate the power of the mind-body connection. If we are too much in our head our body could be holding on until we are mentally and emotionally ready.
A few fun stories…
Women go into early labor on the day their Labor Prep Massage is booked. They have their partner bring them and the massage encourages the labor to continue. What better way to start labor!
After the massage a woman used the bathroom and came out and said, I think my water broke.
As I am working I see little signs of labor coming into the body. The way she breathes or shifts.
Countless times as I talk with the woman after her session I see labor written all over them and she goes on to have her baby that night.
I am not magic and cannot promise anything but let me tell you it is awesome to be part of my clients birth experience!
~Caroline, Owner of the BBBC and Massage Therapist