WIN: Prenatal Massage with Suite Zen in Bowling Green, Kentucky
Yesterday, I visited the Suite Zen Medical Massage & Spa in Bowling Green, Kentucky to treat myself and baby to a prenatal massage with Tania, LMT (Licensed Massage Therapist). Before my massage experience, I wanted to learn more about the health benefits for mom and baby. I also asked them to answer some questions I had and those my followers had sent in (see them below). Lacey Hutchison, LMT, MMP and the owner of Suite Zen, Cassie Henry, LMT, MMP were kind enough to take the time to describe what it's like to get a prenatal massage at Suite Zen, the numerous health benefits and to answer all our questions.
Benefits of Prenatal Massage
Some of the benefits I learned about today included:
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Decreases levels of cortisol (beneficial for baby's health)
- Reduced insomnia (we need all the sleep we can get during pregnancy)
- Promotes relaxation
- Relief from sciatic pain
- Relieves muscle cramps
- Reduces spasms
- Releases myofascial pain
- Relieves pain in your lower back, neck, hips and legs that often plague pregnant women.
- Reduces stress on your weight bearing joints
- Improved circulation of blood and lymph which reduces swelling and fluid retention
- Reduces toxins in the lymphatic and circulatory systems
- Prepares your body for labor and birth (Studies show less complications during birth, shorter hospital stays, shorter labors and less incidence of post-natal depression. This likely has to do with the increase in oxytocin, relaxation and overall health of the mother.)
Frequently Asked Questions
The most frequently asked questions I received were:
(click each question to see the answer)
Q) How frequently should I get a massage during pregnancy? {+}
A) Each client is different. For some, every 2-3 weeks may be needed, while once a month may work for others. Around 37-38 weeks, as you approach your estimated due date, you will likely pick up in frequency, coming every week until baby arrives. Your frequency will be tailored to your needs based on if pain is present, your specific issues, if you are a first time mom, pregnancy & birth history,
Q) How do I choose a spa that is safe and comfortable for a pregnant patient? {+}
A) First, make sure they provide a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) and ask about memberships to professional associations like AMTA or ABMP. Ask specifically if they have any certifications or experience with prenatal massage outside of the training they received in massage school. If you aren't comfortable inquiring about these certifications, credentials and memberships, ask your Doctor, Midwife, Doula or Childbirth Educator for referrals. Also check reviews and ask how many prenatal clients their practice serves each month. The last tip she gave to me is the most important one: When you stop in and ask about prenatal care listen for any hesitance in their response. If a practice is confident in their abilities to care for pregnant women that will show in their response.
Q) Can I get a massage in the first trimester? {+}
A) At Suite Zen, they do not provide prenatal massages during the first trimester (even with a doctor or midwives note). This is not because they believe massage is inherently dangerous in the first trimester, but for insurance purposes.
My Personal Experience
I was intrigued by the variety of props they had to make women comfortable during all stages of pregnancy. One was a system from The bodyCushion that allows the patient to lie safely on their belly up to 20 weeks and in a side lying position throughout pregnancy. I got a chance to use The bodyCushion for the first time during my massage today, and I was very impressed. By using it, I was able to rest on my side with my spine aligned and without resting my weight on my shoulder. It was a game changer...and I may have asked if I could rent it for the rest of my pregnancy!
Another prop they had was a simple wedge pillow and bolster that they use to get mom in a comfortable position to support her on her back for neck, shoulder and scalp massage. I will admit from the moment they first told me they'd have me on my back I was concerned I wouldn't find that comfortable. However, with the right props, it ended up being one of the most enjoyable parts of my massage.
They were very considerate of my privacy and comfort, by first explaining that I could get undressed to my own comfort level and that I would be covered strategically by a sheet throughout the massage. The room environment was so calming, that it was obvious everything from wall colors, to noise machines to lighting had been purposefully chosen to provide the best space for relaxation. Before my massage, they asked me if I wanted essential oils (instead of assuming it was ok) and then helped me pick out the best oil for my treatment. I NEVER would have chosen lemon for my scent, but after my massage therapist had me close my eyes and blindly smell 3 oils...I chose lemon! When I said, "I'm surprised I liked that so much" she explained that is exactly why they do it that way. It was a fun, brief, yet memorable moment in my overall prenatal massage experience.
After these brief preparations, the massage began. I started on my left side, later turned to my right side and ended with my back on the wedge. I specifically want to note the immense relief I felt during the final few minutes of my massage. She was focusing on my chest, neck, scalp, brow and jaw. I was dealing with some anxiety (it felt like an elephant on my chest) that was likely caused by pregnancy hormones. As she was massaging these areas, I felt as though she was wiping away my anxiety. So much relief! While the rest of my massage felt physically beneficial this felt mentally and emotionally beneficial. It was my favorite and most surprising part of the massage.
I truly enjoyed spending time with them as they walked me through what it is like to get a prenatal massage at Suite Zen. To experience it first hand was incredibly lovely! Today, I feel so much more calm, focused and peaceful. Physically, I feel relief from the weight of baby on my joints and feel motivation to move, stretch and be active. I want to thank the ladies and Suite Zen for their time and expertise that made my experience so enjoyable.
Enter to Win: Suite Zen $70 Giftcard Giveaway!
Would you like to enjoy the relaxing experience and health benefits of a prenatal massage...for free? My Sunshine Birth Services and Suite Zen are giving one lucky lady a 60 minute ($70 value!!) gift-card for a prenatal massage at Suite Zen in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The gift card will be sent to the winner by prepaid postal mail. Enter to win for yourself or as a gift for someone else.
From Suite Zen: "Prenatal Massage: Pregnancy massage focuses on addressing the special needs of expecting women. Specially-designed massage tables, cushions, and side-lying postures are used to prevent putting pressure on the abdomen." Learn more: http://suitezen.com
How to Enter
Subscribe to my newsletter so I will be able to keep track of entries and can notify the winner. You may unsubscribe after the winner is announced, but I hope you'll stay with me. The rest of the entries are optional and increase your chances of winning. Return each day of the giveaway for more entries. Good luck!
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- Multiple Entries: Register using the form below. Complete a few simple tasks for bonus entries and return each day for more entries.
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UPDATE: Winner Announcement
☀️☀️AND THE WINNER IS...☀️☀️
Heather Wade!! Congratulations to Heather. I know she will really appreciate this gift. She is a very deserving mom, expecting her 2nd baby later this summer. Heather, I can’t wait to hear about your massage.
Thanks again to Suite Zen Medical Massage & Spa for partnering up with My Sunshine Birth Services for this promotion.
A big thank you to everyone who took the time to participate. Your participation makes it easier for us to have more promotions like this in the future. Even if you didn’t win, I hope you will see the many benefits of prenatal massage and make it a priority in your prenatal care.
Giveaway Terms and Conditions
By entering, you accept and agree to the following terms & conditions.
This Giveaway will run from June 1st, 2018 until June 8th, 2018 at 11:59 AM. The prize is a $70 value giftcard and is not transferable for cash. No purchase is necessary. Void where prohibited by law and subject to all federal, state, and local laws. Open to US residents who are 18 or older at the date of entry. Odds of winning are dependent on the number of entries submitted. One winner will be selected from verified entries and announced on the original giveaway blog post. Winner will have 14 days to claim or a new winner will be drawn. The prize will be sent to the winner by prepaid mail courtesy of My Sunshine Birth Services. Winner is responsible for scheduling their massage and any related taxes and/or fees if applicable. This giveaway is hosted by My Sunshine Birth Services and Suite Zen, and is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or YouTube or Rafflecopter. Information submitted with an entry is subject to the Privacy Policy posted on this website. Hosts are not responsible for technical or human issues with giveaway entries, winner selection and verification or in connection with winning the giveaway.