FAQ'S

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What's the difference between getting prenatal massage at Magnolia Massage & Wellness vs. any other spa or place in our area that offers pregnancy massage? A LOT.  Let's put it this way: A Dentist is a Doctor too... but not the kind of doctor you should choose to deliver your baby. A few highlights: I support you with comfortable pillows to lie on your side for the massage to ensure your safety and comfort at all stages of pregnancy, I will work with as deep pressure as you want (I won't treat you like you are fragile), I am not hesitant/afraid to work on you, I am a SPECIALIST in prenatal massage and have worked on many many  pregnant women (most spa therapists have only worked on a handful), I am highly knowledgeable about pregnancy and birth and we don't perpetuate myths and misconceptions such as "I can induce your labor with foot massage" (which is hopeful... but false.)

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Is it ever too early or too late in pregnancy to get a massage? Nope! The only difference is our cancellation policy for women in labor is a bit more lenient (see below).

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Aren't there certain things you can't do on pregnant women during a massage? Rarely. But you may have heard a few myths: massage will stir up toxins and is dangerous, foot massage will put you in labor, you can only use light pressure massage, no deep work on your lower back, no massage in the first trimester, no face-down massage EVER, therapist can naturally induce labor or do things that will put you in labor..... these are all false. (We can tell you why, if you need further clarification). The main difference is that we don't do super deep sports-massage type techniques on your legs (but most women don't want that), and we have to position you differently on the massage table as your belly grows. If you have any concerns about the safety and practice of pregnancy massage, please contact us for clarification.

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Is pregnancy massage dangerous? No. Massage during a normal pregnancy is not harmful at all. Massage supports a healthy pregnancy, and does not cause miscarriage or induce preterm labor. That being said...not all massage therapists or spas who offer prenatal massage have extensive training or experience doing it, and if you are the recipient of one of those massages, you might be left unsettled and disappointed. Specialization makes a BIG difference; a dental assistant knows a LOT about teeth, but she shouldn't be the one performing a root canal.

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How often should I get pregnancy massage? Same as your prenatal care visits! Once every 4 weeks up to week 27; every other week up to week 36;  weekly from week 36 on until you give birth. MANY of our clients come every other week or every week for the whole pregnancy, and for four months postpartum.

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Postpartum massage - how soon, and how often? Come back in within the first 10 days of giving birth. Bring baby with you. (Giant maxi pads and leaky boobs welcome.)  Then, every other week at least for the first 16 weeks postpartum. (We promise it will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Why? Because women rarely prioritize self-care. Schedule motherhood around your massage appointments and you will be a better, happier mother.)

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How does prenatal massage help? It will help you feel good, hurt less, and sleep better. It helps relieve pain in the back, neck, shoulders, hips, arms and hands, legs and feet. Overall, you'll be a happier... and who doesn't want THAT?

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Can I lie flat on my back during pregnancy massage? Only during the first trimester. After that, we prop you up like the Queen that you are, reclining on her throne, with your head/neck/back supported, your knees and feet slightly elevated too. Magically, you'll also discover that this a great position to sleep in for the rest of your pregnancy.

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What do I need to wear? Come as you are. Once you get in the massage room I will introduce you to the massage table and explain how to get on it. I will ask you to get  undressed to your comfort-level after I step out for a moment, as we prefer not to have to work around anything. You are welcome to leave undies on if you have a good reason to. It is standard massage practice to leave you covered at all times with a sheet and a large blanketl, with one area at a time skillfully uncovered to be worked on, and re-covered securely when that area is finished. You will be comfortable and modest, and I will check in with you to make sure you are not too cold or too hot.

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What length of appointment should I book? For "full-body massage" (where we say hello to every major muscle group), we need at least 60 minutes. 75 minutes is ideal; 90 minutes is even better. Shorter sessions of 30- or 45-min in length are great for spot treatments on 1-3 areas.

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Do you only work on biological moms? No, I serve all mommies...and their husbands, wives, partners. I work with independent/single moms, birth moms, intended adoptive parents, surrogate moms, teen moms, young moms, old moms, and moms who have lost their babies too soon. Everyone is welcome here.

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What is your cancellation/rescheduling policy? Your appointment time has been reserved for you and nobody else. It is common courtesy, and in your agreement when you sign your intake form, to give no less than 48 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Though we may make exceptions on a case-by-case basis, cancellations/rescheduling for any reason, within 48 hours of your appointment, are subject to a cancellation fee, of 50% of the full cost of your session.. If we can re-book your vacancy with another client, you will not be charged at all. Cancellations/rescheduling with less than 2 hours notice are treated the same as no-shows  (missed appointments with no notice), and are charged at the full session rate, unless by some miracle we can fill your vacancy last-minute with another client. If you cancel because you are in labor, we ask for a minimum of 3 hours notice. Less than 3 hours notice will be charged $35 or 50% or the full cost of your session. 

I know we are dealing with pregnancy- and mommy-brain; therefore I give you a bunch of reminders and confirmation requests to support you in honoring this window of time. Please double check your calendar and set adequate reminders!

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What if I'm running late for my appointment? I ask all clients to ALWAYS plan on arriving 5-10 mins early for any massage session. Unlike the average doctor's office, we actually run on time! If you are late, we will get you on the massage table quickly, and you will get whatever time remains of the session you are paying for. Just communicate with us if you are going to be late, and we'll see what we can do, but please understand that we don't usually have wiggle room in our schedule. If you are so late that you have to cancel, see policy above for no-shows. (If you are early, and your therapist ends up taking you back a few minutes late, you'll still get the full time you booked and it's up to the therapist to make up time in her schedule.) 

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What if I go into labor and have to cancel my appt? I am much more lenient in our cancellation policies for women who go into labor; just ask us when booking your appointment late in pregnancy! 

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What is required in order to reserve my appointment? Your full name, email address, mobile number, a credit or debit card on file to guarantee your appointment, as well has how many weeks pregnant or postpartum you are, and whether your pregnancy is low- or high-risk (and if high risk, for what reason).  

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Do you take walk-ins? No. But I sometimes have same-day/last-minute appointments. Please call/text first, or book online. Appointment is required.

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Do I need a note from my doctor or midwife? Not unless you have certain high-risk conditions that could be complicated by promotion of blood flow throughout your body via massage. If you have any concerns in general about pregnancy massage, feel free to ask your prenatal provider. I am totally confident working with you and will let you know after I receive your intake form if there are any further concerns. Doctors may email the document to christine@magnoliamassageandwellness.com.​