Frequently Asked Questions about Massage
Is prenatal massage safe?
Yes, Everything we do is safe. We would never doing something that was not. Pregnancy massage can be relaxing and therapeutic.
I've heard it's not safe to get a massage in the 1st trimester.
At Maternal Massage and More we can see you from the 1st trimester to the last and beyond. Our massage therapists are certified in prenatal massage and understand the pregnant body in every trimester. We are the only pregnancy care facility in NYC and Brooklyn that specifically works on the pregnant and postpartum body, even in the 1st trimester.
Will I be able to lie on my belly during the massage?
Yes, we use the bodysupport system which allows you to lie comfortably and safely on your belly. We use a lot of wedges to prop you in the correct position and the cushions grow with you as you grow, most are very comfortable on it throughout their entire pregnancy. Even at 40 weeks and beyond, you will be extremely comfortable.
Do I have to fill out an intake form?
You must fill out an intake form to reserve the appointment. We do ask a lot of questions but that it so we can cater the treatment to you. The more you let us know about what's going on, the better we can serve you. Many come in and say I have "the usual" pregnancy aches. This treatment is not a once size fits all, so please let us know if you, for example have swelling, sciatica, back pain, rib pain, calf cramps and the list goes on. We are here to cater the treatment to you
What other services do you provide?
In addition to doing prenatal massage and postnatal massage we do maya abdominal massage for fertility, lymphatic drainage during and after your pregnancy, labor support massage, lactation support, infant craniosacral and baby massage. We also do sports massage and deep tissue massage.
How often should I come in for a massage?
We see clients many clients weekly, every other week, or once a month. The more you come in the better you will feel and maintain feeling good. Towards the end of your pregnancy we often see clients twice a week, it also helps with body awareness.
What kind of oil or lotion do you use?
We use an oil that is an ayurvedic blend. It has a slight scent and it very light and not greasy. Everyone loves it! If you have allergies or prefer a lotion, please bring your favorite one with you and we will use that.
Do I need to get fully undressed?
We will leave that up to you. You can leave your panties on or take off. It makes no difference to us. If you leave them on, we may push them down slightly so we can get into your gluts. We can also work through your clothes if you prefer.
Do I need to put my hair up?
Some oil may get in your hair during the treatment. We recommend bringing something to keep your hair off your neck if you prefer no oil in your hair.
Do I need to take off my jewelry?
The only thing we ask you to take off are necklaces.
I heard getting a foot massage will make me go into labor, Is that true?
A foot massage during pregnancy is AMAZING!! There are points on the feet and ankles that can prep the body for labor. They need to be hit specifically and often.
Can you help me go into labor?
We can start prepping the body for labor at 37.5 weeks. We do acupressure and massage to help move things in the right direction. You will not spontaneous go into labor. The baby will come when the baby is ready.
How soon can I get a postnatal massage?
We literally get phone calls and texts on the uber ride home from the hospital. We can see you as soon as you're ready. Even after a c-section. You can come to the office for a postnatal visit or we can do a home visit.
We can also come to the hospital for a postnatal massage or prenatal if you are on bedrest.
If I'm in labor should I still come in?
Yes, we can help move things that much more along, relax you and your muscles before your baby arrives.
At what age can I learn how to massage my baby?
You can start right away. My daughter was massaged since the day she was born. Most wait until the baby is one month old. By then you know your baby's cues for feeding and comfort.
Can you help with my milk supply?
Yes, we do breast massage and lactation services.
Do you see men and family members?
Yes we do! Whether you are a dad, dad to be, athlete, partner, lover, boyfriend, girlfriend, we can see you and take care of you. The treatment will be catered to you. We can see your entire family. We’ve been fortunate enough to meet your sisters, mothers, grandparents, partners. We are an inclusive practice.
What happens if I am late for my appointment?
We encourage you to be on time and even come in a few minutes earlier to use the restroom and get settled. The massage will begin and end at the time it was scheduled. You are not going to want to miss a second of your treatment.
What forms of payment do you take and can I leave a gratuity for my therapist?
We accept Zelle, Credit Card, Venmo, Paypal and cash. A gratuity is a wonderful way to show your therapist you enjoyed the treatment and so appreciated. You can add it to your credit card, Venmo or leave cash
Do you sell packages and gift certificates?
Yes, we sell packages of 3, 5 and 10 one hour sessions for prenatal and postnatal massage. Please inquire about pricing. We can email you a gift certificate that looks great. We will need to know who it's for, who we should say it's from and, if you would like to buy a package, dollar value or 60 or 90 minute session.
Do you offer home visits?
Yes, we can arrange a house call. This is a premier service and we will bring literally everything to you. We offer home visits for prenatal massage, postnatal massage and lactation consultations.
FAQ about Lactation Services
Are you an IBCLC?
Yes, I am an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. The highest level and the gold standard in breastfeeding help.
How long is a lactation visit ?
It is a very thorough visit and lasts approximately 1.5 hours.
What happens during a lactation visit?
We will look at a full feed, the latch, your breasts, access your baby's oral function, and your milk production, positioning, to name a few things. We can review pumping and proper flange fitting and bottle feeding. We always want to make sure you are comfortable. We will do a weighted feed. Teach some exercises along with some baby massage and craniosacral. We will put together a care plan that works for you and your family. We will look at short term and long term goals. You can also add-on a postnatal massage and lymphatic breast massage.
Why do you ask so many questions?
We will send you an extensive intake form to fill out to reserve the visit. We will ask about your pregnancy, breast changes, how your delivery went, if you are on medications to name a few. The more information you give the more we can cater to you.
Do you take insurance?
We are out of network but will provide you with a super bill that you can submit for reimbursement
Do you do prenatal lactation consults?
Yes, we can see you for a prenatal lactation consult at your home or in our office. Your partner is welcome to join.
Should breastfeeding hurt ?
Nursing your baby should not hurt.
We will work towards a deep latch that does not hurt
I'm terrified of getting mastitis, will you advise on that?
Of course! We will look into everything to prevent mastitis. As a massage therapist we also do lymphatic drainage massage before it gets to that point
I only want to pump and bottle feed, can you help ?
We are here to support whatever it is you would like to do. We will go over proper flange fitting and teach you how to use your pump optimally.
My baby will not take a bottle, what should I do?
We do bottle help and refusal consults. Sometimes the issue is not breastfeeding, but that your baby will not take a bottle. We can help.
Do you do bodywork on babies?
During every consult, we will do some infant craniosacral and bodywork. We will also show you specific exercises to be proactive in your babies journey.
Here are some common things that we hear all the time that we can help with
My baby is so squirmy and takes forever to feed.
I feel like I'm breastfeeding all day long
My baby’s hands get in the way of breastfeeding
Baby twisting and pulling while breastfeeding
Refusing bottle half way through feeding making noises while breastfeeding
Using Haaka
overactive letdown / oversupply
Shallow Latch
Latching and unlatching repeatedly
Feeling like a failure Cant breastfeed
Arching back while nursing
Baby won’t open wide enough for deep latch
Breast engorgement and pain
Baby refuses a bottle
breastfeeding positions and comfort