What is Pregnancy Massage?
Pregnancy or prenatal massage is a type of massage therapy that supports the physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing of an expectant mum and the child in her womb. By employing a combination of different massage techniques, the massage therapist can help relieve pain and discomfort associated with pregnancy, help a pregnant woman maintain good posture and ease labour pain.
Studies show that receiving massage therapy after the first trimester can help reduce pain in the hips and lower back, leg cramps, as well as prevent swollen feet, legs and arms. It also improves blood circulation, promotes positive thoughts, alleviates stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia. Apart from an experienced masseuse or masseur, a pregnancy massage session requires specialised cushions to ensure the comfort of a pregnant woman.
Why Study Pregnancy Massage?
Whether you're a massage therapist or practising another modality, taking formal training in pregnancy massage will propel your career in natural health because the demand for prenatal massage continues to rise. A study conducted on 100 massage therapists in Australia showed that more than 70% of them are confident in their profession as they have been trained in prenatal massage.
What Does It Take to Study Pregnancy Massage or Become a Practitioner of It?
If anatomy and physiology are your favourite subjects, then you're in luck because a course in prenatal massage covers these. Your learning journey will also include a walk through a variety of tactile massage techniques that aim to alleviate pain and discomfort in pregnant women, as well as promote relaxation.
However, pregnancy massage requires more than strong hands and proper body mechanics. Empathy, compassion and good listening skills will enable you to gain insight into the physical, emotional and psychological needs of a pregnant woman, and carry out appropriate massage styles to provide them with that much-needed comfort.
Course and Study Options for Pregnancy Massage
In order to become a qualified pregnancy massage therapist, you have to complete a Certificate of Pregnancy Massage, which is the minimum qualification required for the job. From there, you can proceed to practise in a professional capacity or work towards a diploma-level qualification or bachelor's degree.
A prenatal massage course consists of theoretical and practical components that explain the relationship between the specialised massage techniques used and the physiological changes which occur in a woman's body during pregnancy.
You may study on-campus, online, or even enrol in evening classes if your hands are full during the day. Several course providers in Australia give students the flexibility to study wherever―and however―they want to so that they can maximise their learning experience.
How to Choose a School or Course in Pregnancy Massage
Prenatal massage is one of those manual therapies where a deep understanding of the client's needs and proficiency in massage therapy go hand in hand. That is why it is extremely important to study at an accredited school whose curriculum is recognised by Australia's peak bodies for massage therapists, particularly those that specialise in pregnancy massage.
Scrolling to the top of this page, you'll find a comprehensive list of qualified course providers who have been vetted and approved by the relevant organisations. Take the time to compare their offerings and narrow down your list until you're down to the finest one that aligns perfectly with your needs and goals. To find out more about their syllabus, course fees, learning platform and duration, you may directly contact the provider of your choice.
