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You are here: Home / Resources / Pregnancy Massage Therapy 101

Pregnancy Massage Therapy 101

We all know a massage can be a delightful treat- especially if you have the aches and pains of pregnancy, are recovering from labor, or are just tired, sore and worn out from life with a newborn. But, a massage and other forms of body work can often help moms be prepared for birth, recover from the labor and birth or postpartum. Many of our Portland Oregon postpartum doula clients let us know how much they think bodywork has helped them. 

So we wanted to share with you about Marissa Emery from Mama Needs Massage– a local massage therapist with a focus on supporting mothers with prenatal and postpartum massage. Our clients rave about her, so we asked her to share a bit more to get to know her even better. While Marissa has an office in Raleigh Hills, she also offers in-home massage within a 15 mile radius from her office. That means, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard, and some of Portland can take advantage of her skills- especially after baby comes! -Tiffany

What is your profession? Massage therapist and owner of Mama Needs Massage

Where do you find passion in your work? Being a new mom can be hard. I struggled through my first year of motherhood, trying to hold it all together and putting myself at the bottom of my own list of priorities. Only when I started to prioritize self-care was I able to recover, recharge, and be the person/wife/mother I wanted to be. A happy mama makes a happy home.

What do you want people to know about the service you offer? Mama Needs Massage is about more than just manual therapy for sore muscles. I bring an open heart and listening ear to every session, and combine a wide range of techniques to allow for physical, emotional, and energetic healing. The value of deep relaxation, an hour of peace, and nurturing touch — especially in the midst of new motherhood — cannot be underestimated.

How do you support new families? Helping new mamas get the nurturing and recharging they need so they can continue to take care of their families

What are some myths about your service or profession that you want people to understand?

Myth: Massage is just for pampering, and something I deserve just 1x/year.

Truth: Chronic stress is one of the most common underlying causes of disease today. Massage is a great tool for lowering stress levels, as well as improving restorative sleep, easing symptoms of depression and anxiety, and addressing and preventing muscle aches and tension (and much, much more). Receiving massage on a regular basis (for example, once a month) is perfect way to maintain low stress levels and a healthy body, mind, and spirit. Also, the benefits of massage are cumulative, so the more regular your sessions, the better you’ll feel and the longer that will last each time!

Myth: Massage isn’t effective unless it’s painful.

Truth: Pain can be an indicator of where the body is out of balance, but doesn’t have to be a part of the solution. There are so many styles of massage — talk to your massage therapist about what kind of work feels good to you. An ideal massage should allow the body to heal itself — not force it — which means doing whatever your body requires to facilitate relaxation and re-balancing.

Can you share  something you’ve learned from being a parent?

I can only control myself. I can’t make anyone else eat, sleep, or use the potty on command. And I’ve learned to be okay with that.

What’s your favorite place to go, or thing to do on vacation?  Big Island of Hawaii, my happy place 🙂

The most important thing you want us to know about you is? I do this work, and support new mamas in particular, because this is truly where my heart is.

Random fun fact: 

Random fun fact:

I enjoy spontaneous dance parties with my two boys. Mostly, to reggae music.

To contact Marissa about pregnancy massage:

phone/text: 503-384-8877

email: marissaLani@gmail.com

studio address: 4475 SW Scholls Ferry Rd, #201, Portland, OR 97225

website: www.mamaneedsmassage.com

twitter: @massage4mama

Links to research that supports your goal and mission:

Links to research that supports your goal and mission:

One of my most recent favorites: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kindness-blog/touch-as-nutrition_b_6530658.html

Marissa has offered prenatal and postpartum massages to many of our clients- always resulting in positive feedback. We hope you take advantage of her well priced packages and frequent specials to keep yourself healthy and happy!

 

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We're Giving You
The Scoop

The last thing we want to hear a new mom say is, "Why didn't anyone tell me?!' With our 'Tips From The Doula's' guide, you can use our experience and wisdom to create your unique and beautiful birth story with ease.

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