Forum Index
»
Expectant and Postpartum Moms
Anyone know where to get a good prenatal massage?
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
| I could really use a good massage. Does anyone know a place that has the tables that have the belly opening so that you don't have to be on your side? Thanks! |
Anonymous
| There was a posting on this a few days back with lots of great recommendations. You may want to search for that. |
Anonymous
| I too am dying for one on a belly table, but I must say, I had an excellent deep tissue type massage last night while lying on my side. The massage therapist did a very good job with pillows - I was propped far enough over that she got very good access to my poor, achy sciatic lower back (I'm 33 wks). I wouldn't necessarily recommend her if you're looking for a relaxing light rubdown, but if you want someone to get in there and work on sore or tight muscles, I definitely would - her name is Jessica White - jwmassage@gmail.com. She works in Tenley and I think somewhere else in Dupont, too. She is certified in prenatal. |
Anonymous
| I had a nice prenatal massage at Tranquil Space in Dupont. No belly opening on table, but the therapist had me change positions several times to get my whole back and neck. I have heard that the belly cutouts can actually be quite uncomfortable--they can put a lot of pressure on your back and may cause lots of blood to collect in your belly. |
Anonymous
| Christine Davis is terrific, but I have no idea if she's still in DC. |
Anonymous
| I went to Red Door as well. The therapist I had yammered on and on about his wife's pregnancy and birthing experience and wouldn't allow me a moment's peace. I realize I should have told him to clam it so it is partially my fault, but it turned me off on the spa - that they don't tell their staff to keep their thoughts to themselves. Also, no belly cut out there and very pricey as previous poster noted. |
Anonymous
| I second Spa on the Hill with Sonia. She uses the pillow props, so the massage is on your side. As a PP mentioned, the belly cutout massages actually aren't recommended. |
Anonymous
| Perez Spas in Rockville is great. Ask for Claire |
Anonymous
| how early do they make you go on your side? im 15 weeks and not showing yet. Is it recommended to be on my side? If that's the case, I don't think I'd bother. I'd prefer a belly cutout or just lie on belly with pillows. |
Anonymous
| You can't get a massage until 2nd tri (13w3d) and at that point they will make you go on your side. You won't want to lay on your tummy even if you feel comfortable sleeping that way now. The pressure that is put on your during the massage would be extremely uncomfortable. |
Anonymous
Well, I am in my second trimester now, but I'm curious why you can't get a massage earlier than that. Is this a policy at one spa or at all spas? My doctor said I could get a massage whenever I felt like doing it. Spa on the hill, I believe, has literature that says their massage can help with morning sickness in early pregnancy. Wonder where you got this info and if it's accurate. (Not trying to be rude, just asking you to explain more). Also, I've gotten massages from a friend on my tummy -- no discomfort, so I was asking here b/c it seemed to suggest that there is a problem of some sort. Again, doc told me that I'd know when it was time to stop being on my tummy and that the baby is well padded, so there isn't any danger. |
Anonymous
|
i am a massage therapist and have studied prenatal massage. there is no scientific proof that massage during the 1st trimester is dangerous or can cause miscarriages. usually health care providers recommend that you take it easy during the first trimester because of all the development and growth happening in your belly. but i have worked on marathon runners, triatheletes, rugby players who all got pregnant and continued to be active in their sport. i suppose the only caution is not to take on more than you're used to while pregnant.
most first time moms happen to miscarry during their very first pregnancy, but over half of those moms don't even know that they are pregnant and assume they are having a period. it's kind of your body's way of practicing for pregancy. most other spas do not massage in the 1st trimester for liability reasons. that's usually because their massage therapists are not properly trained. massage in the first trimester is perfectly safe, IF!!!!!!.....you are being massaged by someone properly trained to do so. not all massage therapists are equal. it can help alleviate headaches, morning sickness, leg cramps and enhance your sleep quality. it reduces your stress hormone levels, which is usually the culprit for miscarrying. so if anything is it beneficial. most important thing is to talk to your massage therapist and have them explain exactly what massage you're receiving. most massage therapists are eager to provide you with exactly the treatment you are looking for. by keeping an open line of communication, i'm sure you will find that most CERTIFIED prenatal massage therapists can give you want you want. hope this helps! |
Anonymous
|
Red Door was terrible!! The therapist chattered away to me as well all about post-partum depression and suicide! I am totally serious. Yuck!
I had a great massage with Barbara at Tranquil Space in Dupont. It was amazing. It was on my side as I was 32 weeks or so. FWIW, I had one on a belly cutout table (in Hawaii) when I was 19 weeks and it was ok in terms of comfort. I don't know that I would have felt the same at 32 weeks...lying on my side was great. |
Anonymous
|
VA Hospital Center has a branch of the Teal Center in the Women & Infant Health lobby: http://www.tealcenter.com/
|
Anonymous
|
If you can get to Capitol Hill, I just had a GREAT one yesterday at "Spa on the Hill." That's the Internet address, and/or you can Google it. They specialize in prenatal massage, and I had the "natural induction" one. The table had a cut-out. Mine was 60 minutes ($90). It was heavenly all around (and I've had a lot of massages before). I took the Orange Line there, and it was very easy.
Sonia is the owner, and she has been highly recommended on this site.. My prenatal massage was with Sandy, who has been doing prenatal massages for 12 years. I am 40 weeks, and just wish I had gone sooner. Have fun! |