Honoring Mothers: The Healing Power of Prenatal & Postpartum massage

Mother’s Day is more than a calendar date, it’s a moment to pause, honor, and reflect on the powerful transformation that is motherhood.

Whether you’re newly expecting or cradling your newborn in your arms, today is about you, your strength, your softness, your sacrifice, and your constant care.

At Touch of Cielo, I want to use this day not only to celebrate moms, but also to share knowledge about how massage therapy can support your body and mind during pregnancy and beyond.

Pregnancy: A Time of Growth, And Discomfort

Pregnancy is miraculous, but let’s be honest, it’s not always comfortable. Your body is shifting daily: from joint pain and backaches to swollen feet and restless sleep.

A prenatal massage isn’t just about relaxation (though that’s important, too). It’s about offering relief, restoring balance, and helping you feel at home in your body as it changes.

Benefits of Prenatal Massage:

• Reduces back, hip, and pelvic pain

• Improves sleep and calms anxiety

• Supports lymphatic drainage and reduces swelling

• Promotes hormonal balance (lowering stress, boosting feel-good hormones)

• Helps you reconnect to your body in a nurturing, gentle way

  
  

Is prenatal massage safe?

Yes, when performed by a certified prenatal massage therapist, it is both safe and highly beneficial. That said, there are important precautions to ensure the safety of both you and your baby:

First trimester: While massage is generally safe, some practitioners prefer to wait until after the 12th week. I always adapt to your comfort and needs.

Sensitive pressure points: Certain areas, like the ankles, wrists, and lower back, are either avoided or treated with extra care.

Medical conditions: If you have a high-risk pregnancy or conditions like preeclampsia or a history of blood clots, I recommend getting clearance from your healthcare provider first.

Proper positioning: At Touch of Cielo, I never place clients flat on their back from the second trimester onward. I use side-lying techniques with full pillow support and a specialized prenatal massage table designed for your safety and comfort.

How Often Should You Get a Prenatal Massage?

Every woman is different, but here’s a general guide:

• 1st Trimester: Once a month (if no complications)

• 2nd & 3rd Trimester: Every 2–3 weeks, and weekly as the due date approaches

• Postpartum: As early as 1–2 weeks after birth, then every 2–4 weeks as part of your recovery

  
  

Regular at-home massage therapy  helps reduce cumulative stress and supports your body as it changes. My goal is to create a deeply relaxing experience without ever compromising your well-being !

Why Proper Positioning Matters in Prenatal Massage?

One of the most important (and often overlooked) aspects of pregnancy massage is how your body is positioned during the session. I use a specialized prenatal massage table or carefully supported side-lying setup designed specifically for pregnant bodies.

Why is this important?

As your pregnancy progresses:

• Lying flat on your back can compress major blood vessels, reduce circulation, and lead to dizziness or nausea.

• Unsupported belly pressure can increase strain on your spine and abdominal muscles.

• Poor alignment can worsen hip and back pain rather than relieve it.

  
  

A proper prenatal table offers:

• Cut-outs for belly and chest (if appropriate for your stage of pregnancy)

• Full cushioning and adjustable support

• Safe, side-lying options with bolsters and pillows

• Reduced pressure on joints and improved relaxation

  
  

Your comfort and your baby’s safety always come first.

Postpartum: A Season of Healing

After giving birth, you’re not only caring for a new life, you’re recovering emotionally, physically, and mentally.

Postpartum massage can help you restore circulation, ease muscular tension (especially in the shoulders, back, and neck from feeding or holding baby), and create space for deep rest in a time that rarely allows it.

It’s not indulgent. It’s essential care.

Postpartum massage supports:

• Recovery from birth-related strain

• Emotional balance and nervous system reset

• Improved sleep and circulation

• Relief from postpartum swelling

• Time to just be, without expectation

  
  

Postpartum is just as important as pregnancy. After giving birth, your body and emotions are still adjusting, and massage can play a big role in healing.

Aromatherapy & Scents During Pregnancy: What’s Safe?

Scent can be powerful, calming, grounding, even energizing. I offer a curated selection of massage oils with different natural aromas to enhance your experience. But during pregnancy, your body is more sensitive, and not all scents or oils are appropriate.

Here’s what you need to know.

Scents and Massage Oils to Avoid During Pregnancy

Some aromas and ingredients, even if they’re natural, can be too stimulating or unsafe during pregnancy:

• Strong mint or menthol-based scents – May cause nausea or increase sensitivity

• Cinnamon or clove oils – Can increase circulation or trigger contractions

• Rosemary – May raise blood pressure

• Wintergreen – Contains salicylates, which are not recommended during pregnancy

• Basil or thyme – Stimulating oils that are best avoided until after birth

• Overly perfumed oils – Artificial fragrances can be irritating or overwhelming

Pregnancy-Safe Massage Oils & Gentle Scents

I offer a soothing menu of pregnancy-appropriate oils to create a calming and personalized experience:

• Grapeseed oil – Lightweight and non-greasy, ideal for sensitive skin

• Coconut oil (fractionated) – Naturally hydrating with a light, clean aroma

• Jojoba oil – Closest to the skin’s natural oils, hypoallergenic and safe

• Light lavender – Encourages rest and calm

• Vanilla-infused oils – Comforting, subtle, and often grounding

  
  

Each oil is carefully selected and used based on your preferences and how your body is feeling that day.

A Note from a Prenatal & Postnatal Specialist

As a certified massage therapist in Montreal specializing in at-home prenatal and postpartum care, I’ve seen firsthand how deeply transformative this support can be for mothers, especially when they don’t have to leave home to receive it !

Today, on Mother’s Day, my message is simple:

You deserve care, too.

Not only today, but every day !

From My Hands to Your Heart

If you’re pregnant or postpartum and seeking knowledgeable, respectful massage therapy at home, I’d be honoured to work with you.

Serving: Montreal, Laval, South Shore, West Island & surrounding areas (depending on your location, transportation fees may be applied)

Special Prenatal Massage Package

Because every mama deserves dedicated care, I’ve created a special prenatal package just for you:

4 Prenatal Massages (75 or 90 minutes)

Includes:

• Foot masks for relaxation

• Cooling eye mask during massage

• Gentle drainage to reduce swelling & tension

• Use of specialized pregnancy massage table for tummy comfort

• All transport fees included — I come to you

• Payment made in person, no stress

Only $500 (value of $650) Valid for use over 2 months

A perfect gift to yourself or someone expecting, because consistent care makes a difference!

BOOK NOW

You give so much. Let yourself receive, too.

With care,

Touch of Cielo

Gentle care for body, mind, and mama.