Pregnancy

Meet Simon Parmar and his partner Leslie, who is seven months pregnant. With the help of registered massage therapist Cindy McNeely, who specializes in pregnancy and labour massage and is co-owner of Trimesters in Toronto, Simon is learning some basic strokes that will be helpful during Leslie’s pregnancy and throughout labour.

“Massage is a wonderful nurturing way to relieve tired, achy muscles and stressed-out joints,” says McNeely. These soothing strokes can also promote good circulation, help alleviate the edema and swelling that is common in the latter stages of pregnancy, and relieve fatigue and insomnia. During labour, massage can also help a woman cope with the pain of contractions. In addition to the physical benefits, massage is a wonderful way for partners to connect throughout pregnancy and during labour with each other and their baby.

Massage Oil
For any skin-to-skin massage, it’s important to use oil, which allows your hands to glide without irrit-ating your partner’s skin. Warm the oil in your palms before beginning the massage.

Originally published in Today's Parent, Pregnancy & Birth, Spring 2004