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This advanced prenatal course offers a comprehensive guide to all aspects of prenatal, labor and postpartum care. Through the course text and DVD by Elaine Stillerman, LMT, a detailed review of the anatomy and physiology of childbirth is provided as well as common complaints and serious health conditions that often present during gestation and childbirth. Massage therapists benefit from a complete understanding of the dynamic and miraculous changes the pregnant client's body goes through as she progresses in her pregnancy. In addition to detailed positioning and draping methods, this course discusses Swedish massage and acupressure points, myofascial release, lymphatic drainage and reflexology that can assist you in working with the pregnant client.
Through this program you will review various topics related to pregnancy massage, such as:
- The historical relevance of prenatal massage and childbirth practices.
- How miscarriages occur and their causes.
- Stresses on mother and unborn child and how massage therapy can reduce those stresses for both mother and fetus and beneficial physiological effects of prenatal massage in reducing pain.
- Comfortable and safe positioning for the pregnant client during each trimester as well as proper draping.
- The differences between working with non-pregnant and pregnant clients - set-up of treatment room, practitioner body mechanics, time allocation per treatment, safe use of essential oils and massage oils, additional supplies needed for a prenatal practice.
- Signs and significance of spousal abuse or domestic violence during pregnancy.
- Stages of fetal development and the physiological adaptations during pregnancy to the musculoskeletal system, including the core muscles, the cardiovascular system which supports the maternal metabolism, and the respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary, reproductive, endocrine, neurological and integumentary systems.
- Assessments for the symptoms of thromboembolism, preeclampsia, and other pregnancy related conditions.
- Contraindications of acupressure and reflex points.
- Factors contributing to low-, moderate-, and high-risk pregnancies and how that impacts massage therapy treatments.
- Protocols relating to treatment of clients confined to bed rest.
- Physiological changes to mother and fetus during the three trimesters as well as common complaints and massage therapy considerations by trimester.
- Bodywork techniques for the common discomforts of pregnancy: backaches, breast soreness, headaches, leg cramps, sciatica, symphysis pubis separation, abdominal pressure, constipation, esophageal reflux, fatigue, heartburn, hemorrhoids, insomnia, morning sickness and varicose veins.
- Techniques to start or speed up a prolonged labor.
- Appropriate massage therapy techniques to be used during each stage of labor.
- The dynamic physiological processes that occur after labor; within the first few hours, within days, and within weeks of postpartum recovery.
- Massage techniques that are appropriate during each stage of the postpartum recovery time period.
- The grief and bereavement process of women who suffered miscarriages or stillbirths.
- Examples of effective marketing techniques to use in building a prenatal massage practice.
Course Reviews
Jeanne Oak, LMP
This was an outstanding course. I was able to refer to (and feel confident about) this material right away as I'm allowing more pregnant women in my practice. The presentation was truly excellent. While I still remain respectful of this particular scope of practice I'm much more confident to really help and treat these women during this special and trying time.
Tracy Gallup
As a birth doula of 15 years I was very impressed with the comprehensive information about labor, birth, and immediate postpartum. I also appreciate that Postpartum Depression was discussed and allows massage therapist taking this course to be aware of this potential in their clients. Wonderful course!
Jennifer Alvarez, LMT, NCTMB
Very interesting material! I've been studying for my birth education and doula certifications so this course material really enhanced my knowledge of the entire birth process. Thank you for the opportunity to learn all this material on my own time!
Jody Janus, LMP, NCTMB
The book was very informative and easy to read. I enjoyed the layout of the content and was impressed by the vast amount of information that was given in each chapter. This book is a great resource and full of wonderful information on pregnancy and massage. Super!!! I will be referring to it again and again.
Heidi Brooks, LMT
I found [the course] very informative and thorough. I appreciate the video demonstrating the proper draping, alignment, stance and stroke for the desired results. This course information would be very instrumental combined with a Lamaze or Natural Childbirth class.
Materials
- Text - 461 pages
- Video - 45 minutes
- Reference Guide - Prenatal Guide for Massage Therapists
- Multiple-choice test
- Certificate upon completion
Display Certificates suitable for framing are available for $10 in addition to the certificate included with your tuition. Click here to order a Display Certificate.
Approvals
The Institute is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education Approved Provider. Approved Provider 049478-00.
Credits also accepted by the AMTA, ABMP as well as most state boards.
For information regarding your specific state massage license requirements and approvals, visit our Massage Therapy Continuing Education Requirements page by clicking here.
