Practicing Massage Technique during Pregnancy

It is important that you and your partner practice the massage techniques before you go into labor and learn how to do them in the different birth positions. That way, you can familiarize yourself with them and have some idea of the ones you may want to use during the birth.

It also can be fun for you to practice on your partner, who is not going to get any massage when the big day comes! When you practice massage on your birth partner, it can help him to understand what the massage can feel like and is a lovely way for you to connect with each other. It also could reveal whether your partner feels comfortable with massaging you. If the answer is no, you might want to consider getting someone else to be with you during labor to provide the massage aspect of support. You could contact local Shiatsu or massage practitioners about this, and find one who has specifically trained in labor work.

Make sure you have a few sessions with your chosen practitioner before the birth, to check that you feel comfortable with each other You should also ensure that your partner feels comfortable with having someone else there during the birth, and agree in advance how you are all going to work together.