How early in my pregnancy can I begin prenatal massage?
As early as you would like. AIH Maya Prenatal massage is safe at all stages of pregnancy. The sooner Mom comes in, the better the benefits and the more comfortable the pregnancy can be. Pregnancy is a rapid change in the body. It helps support Mom through those rapid changes. Making her experience more comfortable and relaxed overall. A relaxed Mom helps create a calmer birth.

Do I need a note from my OB or Midwife to clear me for massage during pregnancy? Doctor’s notes are not required for prenatal massage. All that is needed is to fill out and complete the intake form before the appointment. Our intake forms are comprehensive and include medical history, family history, etc., to provide the practitioner with as much information as possible so that they can alleviate discomforts while supporting Mom and baby.

Can AIH Maya Prenatal Massage put me into labor?
No. The techniques used in AIH Maya Prenatal Massage of any kind are intended to loosen connective tissues, restore blood flow, boost the immune system, and lower the stress response. There are some misconceptions that things like acupressure or foot massages can induce labor. Sometimes, when Mom is “over,” massage therapy can help her lower her nervous system back to rest and reset. The body reacts to the mind. If the mind is stressed, the body will be restrictive. When we apply massage therapy techniques, a calming environment, and stretching as a way to encourage relaxation in a Mom who might be under stress from life or even just from being “overdue,” we can sometimes see labor begin as a response to bringing the nervous system back to rest.

How frequently should I come in for AIH Maya Prenatal Massage?
AIH Maya Prenatal Massage is most effective when used consistently throughout pregnancy. Therefore, it’s still recommended to schedule it as usual every 3-4 weeks. These sessions help prepare the body for labor through breath work to open up the diaphragms and stretching to alleviate swelling, bolster the immune system, lower the nervous system response, and remove general tension that can lead to common pregnancy discomforts later in the pregnancy. The more we do, the better the results will be.

How long are the appointments? I typically do 90-minute appointments. AIH Maya Prenatal Massage is an advanced bodywork created to help alleviate discomfort, improve mind-body connection, and support Mom in the birth experience she is after. These sessions are about slowing down and sinking into the parasympathetic nervous system. It is a moment for reconnection, breathing, and being present with the pregnancy experience amid our busy day.

How do I schedule an AIH Prenatal Massage? You can schedule through the “schedule now” tab on my website, email me at shawnapatton@mamabearmassagekc.com, or leave me a message at 816-509-4008. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can to answer any questions and/or schedule a meeting with you.

What if I go into labor the days leading up to or the day of my session?
Please have someone call me and leave a voice mail with your full name and stating that you are in labor. The cancellation policy only goes into effect if I have not heard from you by 3p the day of your missed session. The fee would be the full price of the missed session. No further sessions will be honored or scheduled until the missed session balance is paid in full.

Do you use pregnancy cushions or one of those pregnancy massage tables?
I use a pregnancy orthopedic cushion system that allows Mom to lay face down throughout her entire pregnancy. It is designed to be able to grow with Mom through all 3 trimesters. This allows her to have as normal of an experience as possible in her massage.