Prenatal & Postpartum Massage

The short answer is any time :) - I customize your massage to your needs.

If you have a high-risk pregnancy, significant swelling, a medical complication, or concerns about your recovery, we will discuss whether massage is appropriate and whether medical clearance is needed.

Your Session is always personalized for you.

Every appointment begins with a brief conversation about how you're feeling, your health history, and what you most need from our time together.

During Pregnancy: Prenatal massage can often be enjoyed throughout pregnancy, provided there are no medical contraindications. Sessions are adjusted according to your trimester, comfort, and individual health considerations.

After Vaginal Birth: Postpartum massage is appropriate soon after birth, depending on how you're feeling and recovering. Positioning, pressure, and treatments are adapted accordingly.

After Cesarean Birth: Gentle massage may be possible during early recovery with appropriate precautions. Direct abdominal and scar work is introduced only after sufficient healing (minimum 6 weeks postpartum or more).

Beyond the First 40 Days: Postpartum recovery does not end after six weeks. Your body continues adapting for many months, and therapeutic massage can remain a valuable source of support throughout the first year and beyond.

Postpartum massage is not simply a return to regular massage.

It is a specialized approach that takes into consideration the profound changes of childbirth, the healing process, breastfeeding, abdominal and pelvic recovery, emotional well-being, and the physical demands of early motherhood.

Sessions are adapted to your stage of recovery, birth experience, comfort, and individual needs.

Treatments may focus on:

• Releasing tension in the neck, shoulders, upper back, and arms from feeding and holding your baby.

• Easing lower back, hip, and pelvic discomfort.

• Supporting relaxation and nervous system regulation.

• Gentle abdominal and pelvic-area bodywork when appropriate.

• Supporting comfort and mobility following Cesarean birth, including scar work once healing permits.

• Gentle lymphatic techniques to support fluid movement and relieve inflammation and swelling.

• Restoring a sense of connection, ease, and comfort in your body.

Above all, postpartum massage creates space for the mother to be deeply nurtured and cared for.

Unlike a conventional massage, prenatal massage requires specialized knowledge of pregnancy anatomy, positioning, circulation, and the physical changes occurring throughout each trimester.

Your comfort and safety guide every aspect of the session.

Depending on your stage of pregnancy and individual needs, I use a recess table for laying face down, as well as supportive cushions and bolsters for semi-reclined positioning, and carefully selected techniques to ensure you can fully relax.

Particular attention may be given to areas that commonly carry tension during pregnancy, including the lower back, sacrum, hips, glutes, shoulders, neck, and legs.

Prenatal massage may help with:

• Lower back, hip, and pelvic discomfort.

• Neck and shoulder tension.

• Muscular fatigue and postural changes.

• Stress, anxiety, and difficulty relaxing.

• Leg discomfort and ordinary pregnancy-related swelling.

• Preparing for birth through relaxation, breath awareness, and greater connection with your body.

A prenatal massage is also an opportunity to turn your attention inward—to slow down, connect with your baby, and receive the nurturing care you deserve.

Massage Therapy primarily focuses on the body's soft tissue, using techniques such as flowing strokes, kneading, compression, and gentle stretching to release tension and promote relaxation.

Therapeutic Bodywork is a broader term including massage alongside specialized techniques drawn from various healing traditions. Depending on your needs, a bodywork session may include acupressure, myofascial techniques, rebozo rocking and wrapping, assisted stretching, lymphatic drainage, or traditional warm-oil treatments.

With decades of experience and training in both Eastern and Western healing modalities, I draw upon a wide range of techniques to create a treatment that responds to your body rather than following a predetermined routine.

Every session is uniquely yours.

I offer massage both in my private office in Live Oak neighborhood, Santa Cruz, as well as offer home visits within Santa Cruz county.

Sessions are booked as a two hours appointment. Massages are 90 minutes on the table plus about 15 minutes consultation time before and after.

Fee is $225 per session paid via Venmo / Zelle / cash / check

Let me know what type of massage you would like and your preferred date and time and I’ll reply within 24 hours. EMAIL HERE.