When it comes to prenatal massage in Singapore, we are often inundated with queries from our readers. Women are now spoilt for choice, with many freelance masseurs now offering door-to-door services. But are all these massage services reliable? What are the precautions one needs to take?
We decided to ask Theraply, a 20-year-long pioneer in the beauty and pregnancy massage industry, to see if we got any answers.
What is a Prenatal Massage
Prenatal massage is a safe and beneficial therapy that can provide relief and relaxation for pregnant women. It involves the gentle manipulation of muscles and joints to alleviate discomfort and promote overall well-being. Here are five key benefits of prenatal massage that can positively impact expectant mothers during their pregnancy journey.
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Alleviates Pregnancy Discomfort
Prenatal massage helps relieve common discomforts associated with pregnancy, such as backaches, joint pain, and muscle tension. By targeting specific areas of the body, massage therapy can reduce swelling, improve circulation, and ease the strain on weight-bearing joints, providing much-needed relief for expectant mothers.
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Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Pregnancy can bring about heightened stress and anxiety. Prenatal massage promotes relaxation by stimulating the release of endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good" hormones. This can help reduce stress levels, improve mood, and enhance overall mental well-being, creating a more positive pregnancy experience.
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Improves Sleep Quality
Sleep disturbances are common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and physical discomfort. Prenatal massage promotes better sleep by inducing relaxation and relieving muscle tension. It can also help regulate hormones, leading to improved sleep quality and duration, allowing expectant mothers to feel more rested and rejuvenated.
Image Source: iStock
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Enhances Circulation
During pregnancy, blood and fluid volume increase, putting additional strain on the cardiovascular system. Prenatal massage improves blood and lymph circulation, aiding in the removal of toxins and reducing fluid retention. Enhanced circulation can also contribute to healthier skin and reduced swelling in the hands, feet, and ankles.
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Supports Emotional Well-being
The emotional well-being of expectant mothers is crucial for a healthy pregnancy. Prenatal massage provides a nurturing and comforting experience, offering dedicated time for self-care and relaxation. It can help alleviate mood swings, promote a sense of connection with the baby, and foster a positive outlook during the transformative journey of pregnancy.
Can Prenatal Massage Help in Labour and Delivery?
Prenatal massage has been shown to have potential benefits that can positively impact labour and delivery. Regular prenatal massages throughout pregnancy can help prepare the body by promoting relaxation, reducing muscle tension, and improving blood circulation. These benefits may contribute to a smoother labour experience.
Prenatal massage techniques, such as acupressure and certain massage strokes, can target specific areas to help alleviate pain and discomfort during labour. Moreover, the relaxation induced by prenatal massage can help reduce stress and anxiety, creating a more favourable environment for the progression of labour.
While prenatal massage cannot guarantee specific outcomes during labour and delivery, it can be a valuable complementary therapy to support expectant mothers in their birthing journey.
According to Valerie De Costa, the founder of Theraply, previously known as Nouri Face & Body Concepts, a good prenatal massage improves your overall health and prepares you physically and emotionally for labour.
“They would have an easier delivery because the massages help the ligaments to loosen up," she affirms.
It is important to consult with a qualified prenatal massage therapist and discuss any specific concerns or medical conditions related to labour and delivery.
Why Choose a Professional Massage Centre for Your Prenatal Massage in Singapore?
Valerie tells us that certified therapists are more informed to assess the mummy’s condition and decide what the appropriate massage would be for her. Most freelancers just want to make some quick money and, “will not take the effort to educate mummies."
“When we meet clients during pregnancy, we are able to advise them on diet and tips on detoxifying treatments, so that you don’t have all these backlogs eating into your postnatal period.
Most of our clients who take the pregnancy package have far less problems during confinement, because the toxins, water retention and stress have been removed. They actually look forward to the delivery," said Valerie.
Personalised Advice During Your Prenatal Massage in Singapore
We learn that a certified therapist from a professional centre takes notes of your progress and any irregularities. She can make recommendations based on what stage of pregnancy you are in.
Valerie tells us about the personalised advice she gives mummies, “We advise them constantly. For example, remember now you are in week 34, you must take coconut water. You need to do simple exercises."
“When we handle clients during pregnancy, I meet them personally. I assure them they can reach me if they have any queries about their diet. If they have health concerns like gestational diabetes, I can tweak the treatment and advise them on food that they can cut off during pregnancy.
We also advise them when we feel they are putting on too much weight," she adds.
It is also important to base your expectations on your culture and genes. Valerie says,
“Chinese clientele, have different structural problems than Indian and Malay women. From pregnancy, we preempt them on what they are likely to expect, so we customise our packages according to race and body type too."
Is prenatal massage painful?
Many of our readers get turned off by prenatal massage in Singapore because they fear it might end up being painful. Certain positions and techniques are not recommended during pregnancy because they may endanger the baby or mother. If the massage is not done using the right technique, it may cause extreme pain and even lead to a miscarriage.
Valerie clarifies, “None of our customers have pain because of the technique that we use, which is designed especially for pregnant women. They actually feel relaxed and rejuvenated."
“I feel that most home masseurs are better trained in postnatal massage, so they tend to be too hard when doing prenatal. Or sometimes when they see a pregnant lady, they get frightened and end up being too soft.
There needs to be good rhythm and flow and they need to be in tune with the customer’s body. She needs to feel refreshed and not in pain.
In special cases, we do inform the client that she might feel pain. For example, if she is not doing regular office work and needs to be on her toes all the time, like a dance teacher or someone in F & B, and has asked for the achy parts to be really worked on.
Then we tell her that over the next 3 days, you might feel sore and achy, but just apply our pregnancy oils as usual, and you will be fine in 3 days," shared Valerie.
“We give our clients a kit of compression shape wear and aromatherapy blend which I hand make on my own, with 13 different essential oils inside. After delivery, mummies apply these oils and once the doctor gives them clearance to go home, they start wearing the shape wear."
“They feel good, they feel warm and they feel the support."
For pregnant women seeking relief from muscle tightness and discomfort, the Snailax Shiatsu Vibrating Neck and Back Massage could be a great option. With adjustable neck massage nodes and optional heating function, it provides a soothing massage to relieve tired muscles and enhance blood circulation. Additionally, the back massager features shiatsu nodes that travel up and down the back, offering relaxation and comfort. With adjustable intensity levels and spot massage function, it allows for personalized and targeted relief. The product also includes a rolling back massage with adjustable width and a vibration seat massage for added relaxation.
Postnatal Massage in Singapore
The Benefits
The chief reason mummies opt for postnatal massages is to regain body shape and lose weight after pregnancy. But that’s not all. Postnatal massages are instrumental in reducing postpartum depression, helping in increasing breast milk production and promoting faster healing after giving birth.
Valerie also informs us that it is better to get the postnatal massage as early as possible after delivery, “With mummies who have just delivered, their fats and bones are softer and more pliable, and can be moulded back into shape."
“Also, we give our clients the option that once you reach the last 30% of your postnatal package, you might want to come back to the centre to take advantage of the postnatal belly tightening facility that we have in here."
“We use a special machine, which gives waves for muscles to contract and release, as if you are doing tummy crunches. This will help regain the strength and confidence to do your own tummy crunches later."
“We also don’t promote anything to ingest. I give mummies a list of do’s and dont’s for food. All items are easily available in supermarkets. I don’t promote supplements at my centre, because supplements are all factory-made and artificial.
I suggest healthier options like flax seeds if clients are keen on increasing their omega-3 intake," shared the massage expert.
Postnatal Massage for C-section births
Most women who have had a C-section delivery have apprehensions when it comes to post-natal massages. Valerie assures them that they are in safe hands.
“I have a lot of experience with ladies who have had a C- section delivery. Most of the protocol is the same, but the technique is different, and more delicate care has to be exercised on the tummy area," she shared.
“Stitches are covered using a towel, with a 2 inch allowance. We work above that area and on the sides. Such mummies usually pass a lot of wind," she added.
“We usually start such packages 10-14 days after the C-section. However, if the doctor advises 30 days of rest, we still offer the postnatal package, but mummies will have to come to our centre, to avail of our machines here, for better results."
Postnatal Massage for Miscarriage
There are cases when things didn’t quite work out as planned and fate had other things in store. Is postnatal massage also beneficial for women who have had miscarriages or stillborn babies?
“Yes, in this case, we focus mostly on recovery and recuperation," shared Valerie.
“A different set of essential oils are blended to prevent depression in such ladies. We take care to be extra sensitive, loving and caring. Of course, if the customer feels that she has put on a lot of weight, she can still opt for our slimming package."
Why Do Trained Massage Therapists Matter?
Finally, do freelance masseurs lack training? How is it that they are much cheaper, we wonder?
Valerie believes that most freelancers would have some certificate based on a short subsidised course that they did. She stresses,
“We don’t hire such people. Such people cannot take the real pressure and real work required from a therapist.
A real course would entail 2 to 3 years, but I also look at the experience. After having employed so many people, I now know that some people may be highly educated, but they cannot handle the demands of this job."
Well, we sure were impressed by all the facilities, the relaxing atmosphere together with the fragrance of aromatherapy oils, that a professional centre offered. Valerie sums it up nicely when she says,
“Pregnancy is not the end of the world. At Nouri, when a client comes in, our vision is to have her looking healthy, radiant and toned during pregnancy. We want our mummies to feel good about themselves. When our clients give birth, our aim is for every mother to look trim on the day of her baby’s 1 month party."
For more personalised advice on prenatal massage in Singapore, you may contact:
Theraply (Pregnancy & Postpartum In-Home Service Massage)
Address: 44 Kallang Place, #1A-WPS213, Singapore 339172
Phone: +65 9199 4189
Email: hello@theraply.sg
Prenatal Massage in Singapore: Other Spas to Check Out
Prenatal and postnatal massage spas in Singapore offer specialised services to support the well-being of expectant and new mothers. These spas provide a tranquil environment where experienced therapists cater to the unique needs of pregnancy and postpartum.
Here are some reputable prenatal and postnatal massage spas in Singapore, along with their websites and contact numbers for your convenience.
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Adeva Spa
https://www.adevaspa.com/
Contact Number: +65 6836 9988
Adeva Spa offers a range of prenatal and postnatal massage treatments designed to promote relaxation, relieve muscle tension, and alleviate common discomforts associated with pregnancy. Their experienced therapists provide personalised care to enhance overall well-being during this special time.
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Mother & Child
https://www.motherandchild.com.sg/
Contact Number: +65 6836 0063
Mother & Child is a wellness centre that offers prenatal and postnatal massage services in a nurturing environment. Their trained therapists specialise in providing relief from pregnancy-related discomforts and assisting new mothers in their postpartum recovery journey.
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Baby Spa Singapore Website
https://www.babyspa.com.sg/
Contact Number: +65 6659 0292
Baby Spa Singapore specialises in providing prenatal and postnatal massage services for expectant and new mothers. Their therapists are trained to address specific concerns related to pregnancy and postpartum recovery, offering a soothing and rejuvenating experience for both mum and baby.
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Babies Bellies
https://babiesbellies.sg/
Contact Number: +65 6356 6623
Babies Bellies is a dedicated wellness centre that offers prenatal and postnatal massage services, specialising in pregnancy-related discomforts and postpartum recovery.
Their team of therapists provides personalised care and utilises safe and effective techniques to promote relaxation, relieve muscle tension, and enhance overall well-being for expectant and new mothers.
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Theresa Beauty
https://theresa.com.sg/
Contact Number: +65 6386 2322
Theresa Beauty provides a range of beauty and wellness services, including prenatal and postnatal massage treatments. Their skilled therapists cater to the unique needs of pregnant women, offering a combination of traditional techniques and modern approaches to alleviate pregnancy discomforts and enhance relaxation during this special time.
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Beauty Mums & Babies
https://beautymumsbabies.com/
Contact Numbers: +65 6235 0688 (Paragon) or +65 6518 9983 (Raffles Place)
Beauty Mums & Babies prides itself as the trusted leader in maternity and baby wellness in Singapore. As a one-stop centre for mums & babies, they are dedicated to caring for all their customers’ needs. Their team of certified professionals (specialised in both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Javanese methods) provide a comprehensive suite of services, ranging from prenatal and postnatal well-being services to prenatal and postnatal yoga.
But First, Consult Your Doctor
It is generally recommended to consult with your healthcare provider or obstetrician before getting a prenatal massage. While prenatal massage is considered safe for most expectant mothers, it is important to ensure that there are no specific contraindications or medical conditions that may require additional caution or adjustments during the massage.
Your healthcare provider can assess your individual situation, take into account any pregnancy-related complications, and provide personalised advice regarding the suitability and timing of prenatal massage.
Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.