PreNatal and Post Partum Massage

Pregnancy is an amazing time in a woman's life, and it can come with quite a collections of aches, pains, and concerns. Many of these issues are relieved with massage. At Alchemy, we use a comfortable, secure, side-lying position.
The American Pregnancy Association states “Women can begin massage therapy at any point in their pregnancy – during the first, second, or third trimester.”
We combine calming Swedish massage, gentle range-of-motion work, stretching, targeted deep tissue, CranioSacral Therapy, acupressure, and reflexology. Alchemy's therapists use the modalities and techniques most appropriate for their client that day, one pregnant Mom may need relief from sciatic pain, while another may need relaxation and stress relief.
At Alchemy, all therapists providing PreNatal massage are certified in the techniques to assure that our pregnant clients receive work that is both effective and safe. Our PreNatal team was recently voted Best of Annapolis!
The American Pregnancy Association states “Women can begin massage therapy at any point in their pregnancy – during the first, second, or third trimester.”
We combine calming Swedish massage, gentle range-of-motion work, stretching, targeted deep tissue, CranioSacral Therapy, acupressure, and reflexology. Alchemy's therapists use the modalities and techniques most appropriate for their client that day, one pregnant Mom may need relief from sciatic pain, while another may need relaxation and stress relief.
At Alchemy, all therapists providing PreNatal massage are certified in the techniques to assure that our pregnant clients receive work that is both effective and safe. Our PreNatal team was recently voted Best of Annapolis!

Nurturing the Mother®
At Alchemy our pregnancy massage utilizes a comfortable, secure, side-lying position to avoid undue pressure on a growing abdomen and the lower back. Mothers are completely supported by pillows, keeping the top hip, knee and ankle on the same level to avoid pulling on the sacroiliac joint and to maximize blood and lymph circulation.
Sessions often combine the following techniques and modalities.
At Alchemy our pregnancy massage utilizes a comfortable, secure, side-lying position to avoid undue pressure on a growing abdomen and the lower back. Mothers are completely supported by pillows, keeping the top hip, knee and ankle on the same level to avoid pulling on the sacroiliac joint and to maximize blood and lymph circulation.
Sessions often combine the following techniques and modalities.
- Calming Swedish massage strokes for deep muscle relaxation, tension release and increased circulation.
- Gentle range-of-motion and stretching movements to relieve pressure through neck, shoulders, rib cage, lower back and hips and to promote greater strength, flexibility and balance.
- Deep tissue work in the hip and gluteal area to help alleviate chronic lower back and hip pain.
- Abdominal massage to relieve round ligament pain, support digestion and increase circulation to the placenta and baby. Also increases awareness of the baby. The baby will feel and benefit from the massage.
- Lymph Drainage Therapy to reduce pregnancy-induced edema (swelling).
- CranioSacral Therapy for balance and centering.
- Acupressure and reflexology techniques shown to be effective in treating many common pregnancy related complaints.
PRENATAL MASSAGE SPECIALISTS
Yes, many massage schools to give their students an introduction to prenatal massage. At Alchemy we require our therapists providing this service to be certified, because there is a lot more to learn about safely and effectively providing massage during pregnancy and post partum.
Elizabeth Sanders, LMT
Elizabeth Sanders, LMT is certified in Clinical Massage Therapy and is a certified Nurturing the Mother® therapist. She received her Prenatal and PostPartum massage training with with Claire Marie Miller. Elizabeth is an experienced therapist with training in Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Myofascial Release. Elizabeth received her massage education in Hawaii at Hawaii Healing Arts College on the island of Oahu.
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Erin Kennedy, RMP
Erin Kennedy, RMP has been practicing massage in the Annapolis area for over 20 years. She has a wonderful intuitive touch, knows how to find and help areas that are challenged, and is effective with myofascial release and deeper work when needed.
Erin is certified in Nurturing The Mother® PreNatal massage and has worked with countless women to bring a comfort and ease to their pregnancies and post partum. She is also certified in Nurturing The Mother® Fertility Massage, expanding her offerings and support for women and families during the family building season. Erin has had the privilege of attending more than ten births as an amateur doula. |
Amelia Mitchell, LMT, LLCC, BCTMB
Owner Amelia is certified in PreNatal and Fertility Massage with many years of experience. Currently her practice is limited to Lymph Drainage Therapy. She does consult with clients and works with Alchemy's therapists to provide parents to be with the best support we can offer at Alchemy.
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"Our culture tends to place nearly all of the focus on the new baby, often overlooking the vital needs of the woman who is becoming a mother. I feel very strongly about the importance of supporting women and their partners throughout this remarkable journey, thereby empowering them to be better caregivers and role models.."
"Our culture tends to place nearly all of the focus on the new baby, often overlooking the vital needs of the woman who is becoming a mother. I feel very strongly about the importance of supporting women and their partners throughout this remarkable journey, thereby empowering them to be better caregivers and role models.."
- ERIN KENNEDY, RMP
Reduce Discomfort during Pregnancy
All of Alchemy's therapists who do PreNatal work are certified and fully trained in precautions/contraindications during pregnancy. We will refer to the mother's healthcare provider when necessary. |
ResearchResearch from the The Touch Research Institute of Miami has shown that pregnancy massage:
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Postpartum - Baby is Always Welcome
Massage in the postpartum period helps bring the body into its pre-pregnancy alignment. A massage within the first week of postpartum also simply feels wonderful.
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Labor Support
Massage is a wonderful support to labor and may be performed by a massage therapist, a birth partner or a Doula. Techniques include relaxation strokes, jaw release techniques, lower back compression to reduce the pain of back labor, as well as movement with massage and pressure points.
Massage has been shown to reduce labor time, labor pain and even technical intervention. At times, Alchemy therapists are available to provide Labor Support massage for established clients. Please discuss this at your next session. Amelia highly recommends that families have a Doula for labor support, and she will happily provide referrals. |