Pregnancy Massage?

[Anonymous]

I had a pregnancy massage the last time I was having a baby but later learned that some places have special tables with a hole for the belly to pop through so you can lay on your belly. Does anyone have a place like that to recommend? I'm in Arlington but am willing to go wherever there is a good massage. I think I went to Nusta in Dupont last time. It was nice but I never felt totally good from it.

[Anonymous]

I went to Roxsan Day Spa at White Flint mall and one of the massage therapists I used there uses a belly pillow (Terri). However, I usually go to Stephanie there who uses the side lying position, but I absolutely LOVE her and highly recommend her.

[Anonymous]

Hi there
I am a massage therapist and specialize in pregnancy/infant massage. However, I am expecting a baby in four weeks and will not be massaging until about April. I will say that I do not reccommend the table with the cut out hole for preganant women. These tables allow gravity to put too much pressure on and pull on the groin muscles. I would reccommend prego pillows or side lying. A good therapist should be able to hit all the points w/ side lying.
I wish I could reccommmend someone, my favorite therapist has moved away and I have spent 8 months looking for someone...
Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I usually use the Teal Center in Ballston for massages. And they are really good. However, today, I am off for my first pregnancy massage. My back is killing me! Will let you guys know how it goes. I imagine their therapists are really well-trained for prenatal massages as well.
http://www.tealcenter.com/

[Anonymous]

Hi, ladies....my prenatal massage at the teal center was fabulous! I highly recommend Allison Tilluma
http://www.tealcenter.com/practitioners.shtml#Allison

She massaged me lying on my side and knew exactly what to do and which pressure points (i.e. "ejector buttons" that would uh, "empty the contents of the uterus!") to avoid. My spine feels so much better now, as do my ankles. If you like, she will also, at the end, work on your tummy. I wasn't sure if I wanted that, but I decided to go for it in the end. She gently massaged the abdomen to create more room in the stomach (as a result , I didn't get any heartburn yesterday!) and also to move the babies feet out of the liver area. I am in my 34th week and officially running out of space in the tummy. My baby is head down, so I constantly have a foot jammed in my rib cage. I'm feeling much better after the massage for sure.

Allison is available at the Teal Center on weekends and Thursdays. She has an infant of her own and is really knowledgeable about birthing techniques, breastfeeding etc.

I am sure the other prenatal therapists at the Teal Center are equally good.

Nothing like a massage during the Holidays!!!

[Anonymous]

I went to Sugar Hill Day Spa (Old Town Alexandria) and they had one of those pillows. It felt wonderful to be on my stomach again if only for a short time!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I usually use the Teal Center in Ballston for massages. And they are really good. However, today, I am off for my first pregnancy massage. My back is killing me! Will let you guys know how it goes. I imagine their therapists are really well-trained for prenatal massages as well.
http://www.tealcenter.com/

OP here. Thank you for recommending the Teal Center. I feel GREAT! I had Lauren. She is great!!

[Anonymous]

I recently had a fantastic pre-natal massage from Sonia Shultis. She is a licensed massage therapist who specializes in pre-natal/post-natal massages and works out of a studio in her home on Capitol Hill.

Her site is www.mommymassagestudio.com

I have had many massages at different spas across the country and I can honestly say, this was one of the best I have ever received. The studio is nothing fancy but the prices are extremely reasonable and it was a very relaxing experience.

P.S. She doesn't use the belly table-- instead, you are fully supported on your side by various pillows and wedges. Personally, I found this a lot easier on my neck and forehead compared to a traditional massage table.

[Anonymous]

I second the recommendation for Mommy Massage Studio on the Hill. I had one a couple weeks ago and by far one of the best massages I have had in a long time. I had one earlier in my pregnancy at Solaris day spa in Arlington. Neither had the special table, but both used body pillows and I was very comfortable the whole time.