Massage Therapy and Bodywork

The perinatal period, i.e. pregnancy and postnatal, is a time of high demand – physically, mentally, and emotionally. Massage therapy supports greater comfort and balance in all of these areas. Common wisdom has guided the use of massage during this time in life for decades. Today research proves the benefits:

  • Massage has been shown to enhance hormone regulation. Stress hormones decrease and hormones associated with short-term pleasure and long-lasting feelings of happiness increase. One side benefit of this balance includes better sleep.

  • Massage supports the function of the lymph system which helps reduce swelling in the joints, particularly the ankles and knees during pregnancy. During the postnatal period, lymphatic support through massage can help reduce engorgement of the breasts.

  • Massage alleviates low back pain which also supports the removal of tissue waste throughout the body. As babies and placentas grow and the uterus expands, their combined weight often creates tension in the lower back and thighs. Nerves, in particular the sciatic nerve, may become irritated and inflamed. There are specific techniques that can reduce or eliminate this common challenge.

  • Massage during labor has been shown to decrease pain and reduce the time spent in labor.

  • Postnatal massage carries many of the same benefits listed above and supports breastfeeding as it increases the lactation hormone prolactin and relaxation of the chest and shoulder muscles.

  • Breast massage can help relieve breast pain, decrease breast milk sodium levels, and improve newborn suckling.

Do you want to see a study? https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2870995/

Joanne Dahill LMBT NC#458

Joanne expertly tailors each massage to align with your specific needs, leveraging over 30 years of experience and ongoing education. Her massage and bodywork not only promote profound physical and emotional relaxation but also foster a deep connection with your body.

Andrea Denali, NC LMBT #18346

Andrea offers dynamic multi-dimensional support perinatal education and therapeutic massage and bodywork for folks who have enormous demands on their bodies and minds, are preparing for transformation, or need deep rest and reset.

Newborn and Infant Massage & Bodywork

Newborn and infant massage has a long history in regions as diverse as India, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, and the Caribbean. Three thousand years of history! We are a bit behind in the US. Our history begins in the early 70s. Vimala McClure spent time in India in the 70s, and, inspired by what she witnessed and learned, once she returned to the US, she began to instruct others in the art of infant massage. She founded the International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM) in 1986. A few years later, Tiffany Field, Ph.D., founded The Touch Research Institute and began to quantify what had been known in the hearts and minds of millions of people. Babies reap many benefits from massage, as do the parents and loved ones offering the massage.

Here are some of the proven positive effects of massage for a baby’s health and well-being:

  • Improves the quality of sleep

  • Improves digestion, including less constipation

  • Reduces cortisol levels (a stress hormone)

  • Increases production of dopamine and serotonin - improving pain tolerance

  • Supports healthy circulation and a stronger immune system

  • Encourages muscle relaxation for greater flexibility in arms and legs

  • Parents benefit who learn to massage their babies benefit as well:

  • Learn to read baby’s cues – discovering their likes and dislikes

  • Creates an opportunity for deeper bonding

  • Build a deeper sense of trust and security

  • Decrease stress

Joanne Dahill teaches Baby’s First Massage® – The Art of Listening Touch™ Newborn Massage to all her doula clients. One of the many perks of having Joanne as a doula. However, Joanne offers separately to any baby/family in need Bodywork4Babies™ sessions.

Bodywork4Babies™

Babies who experience difficulty with feeding or digestion or have developed restricted patterns of movement or posture will benefit from this individualized care. When working with babies, Joanne integrates a variety of modalities, including Craniosacral Therapy, Myofascial Release, The Feldenkrais Method®, and more. When working with families, Joanne shares tips and techniques that will allow them to continue helping their little one release restrictions, move more freely, and feel better.