Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy Massage Diploma New Zealand

support pregnant women and their babies in their pregnancy journey: physically, emotionally and spiritually

A Well Mother Course with Suzanne Yates, UK. Click here for more course details on the Well Mother website.

Massage and touch are powerful tools in supporting women to contact the wisdom of their bodies in pregnancy and birth, and for parents to bond early with their developing child. Their full potential is only beginning to be explored. This course enables you to become familiar with their use both in practical ways and in understanding a different approach to pregnancy and birth that can enhance your practice.There will be time to explore your own attitudes, as well as developing your touch sensitivity skills. You will learn to work in an holistic way, combining Eastern and Western philosophies and supporting your own personal growth.

This is an advanced course for qualified therapists looking to develop more skills and expertise in working with clients in pregnancy, birth and postnatally. This Course was developed by the tutor, Suzanne Yates, in 1998. Suzanne began studying Massage in 1982, & Shiatsu in 1984. In 1990 she established her business - Well Mother - to support the wisdom of women and their partners with Shiatsu, Massage, exercise, breathwork, and relaxation. She runs courses for Massage Therapists, Midwives and Shiatsu Practitioners internationally and in the UK, where she lives.

Suzanne is the author of the following books:
Shiatsu for Midwives
Beautiful Birth
Pregnancy and Childbirth: A Holistic Approach to Massage and Bodywork

Aims of the Course

1. To develop an in-depth knowledge of techniques and positions for massage in pregnancy, birth and postnatally.
2. To provide an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of pregnancy, particularly in relation to Massage and exercise.
3. Developing an holistic model of pregnancy and birth and the postpartum period.
4. To provide practical tools for self-development and for supporting massage therapists work in this field.

What You Will Learn:

• A and P of pregnancy and birth in an engaging and practical way
• How to work at all stages of pregnancy, birth and into the postnatal period
• How to support common complaints of pregnancy
• New massage techniques for the back and spine
• How to work with the pregnant abdomen safely and creatively
• Massage techniques for preparing for birth and for use during birth
• How to massage in the side, seated and all fours position on the table and floor and adapt to different clients’ needs
• Shiatsu/acupressure points and connections relevant for maternity
• How the eastern model of the body as a garden, supports the pregnant woman on all levels
• How to include key postural exercises to reduce common complaints of pregnancy
• How to support the mother’s connection with her baby and partner and be aware of the emotional changes as well as the physical, helping prepare her for birth and motherhood
• How to tailor treatments to the individual needs of clients
• To develop your own style, building on your current skills
• How to work safely with higher risk clients
• Breathing and visualisations
• What is your role as a maternity therapist and your relationship with midwives and obstetricians
• Creating a relevant pregnancy consultation form.

Practical Assessment:

• A Practical assessment, working on pregnant mums, is scheduled on the last day of the course.

Written Assessment and Case Studies:

Written assessment and case study work (sent by students directly to Suzanne in the UK). You have 6 months after completion of the course to complete these tasks. The aim is to consolidate your knowledge by gaining practical experience of working with pregnant mums. There will be time given during the course to discuss these assignments further and you will have supervision and support after the course to help you to complete these tasks.

• Case studies - present 4 case studies, of a minimum of 4 massages per person (up to 6 if that is appropriate). You will find it helpful to have at least one or two women lined up so you can begin working on them immediately after the course. If you do not know anyone, try active birth, aquanatal classes or local midwives, if they are sympathetic.

• Written assignment of 3-5,000 words – (guideline only –if your project is a leaflet/handout the word count can be less). Engage in a project of your choosing on the theme of: “Working as a massage therapist during pregnancy”. It can be anything (eg a discussion of your role as a massage therapist working with pregnant women, or based around leaflets (these must be informational not promotional) you develop for your pregnant clients. There are examples of students’ projects on the Well Mother website; remember these are excellent ones!

Eligibility: Those eligible for this training include RMTs (or similar), and those working professionally in the industry who have completed Anatomy & Physiology training. Contact the School if you would like to discuss your eligibility.

Required Text: Pregnancy and Childbirth: a Holistic Approach to Massage and Bodywork, Suzanne Yates.  This book is available online from Amazon UK (there is a link from the Well Mother website); and also from Book Depository UK  

Assessment Day: Students will be required to organise a pregnant mum for the Practical Assessment on the Sun 9 September.