Learn how to perform a therapeutic pregnancy massage as part of a comprehensive Bali International Spa Academy (BISA) or CIBTAC Endorsed program or on its own for 5 days. This is an excellent way to become a maternity care expert in spas, wellness centres, medical spas or hospitals.

Historically, touch and massage were central components of maternity care across all cultures. In the absence of obstetrical tools, gadgets and modern medicine, a maternity carer had only their eyes, ears and hands to diagnose and assist women during pregnancy and childbirth. This hands-on approach to care is just as valid today as it is easy to implement, and very complementary to any medical considerations and required treatments.

During pregnancy, women suffer from all sorts of ailments, including heartburn, backaches, swollen ankles, aching muscles, breast soreness and fatigue. Traditional medicine offers few means of alleviating these problems. Also, women may feel increased stress due to the psychological effects of pregnancy, which include changes in body image, concerns about the baby’s health, and the challenge associated with this life-changing event.

Through simple techniques, including nerve stroke, effleurage, Petri sage, friction and tapotement most of these symptoms can be alleviated. You will learn how massage can relieve tension during pregnancy, help prepare for labour and make the postpartum period less difficult. During pregnancy, massage can safely, comfortably and effectively relieve the stress and discomforts of pregnancy.

The skills taught at Bali BISA Spa and massage school are becoming more and more in demand as women are looking for natural pre-natal health care.

• Relaxes and calms
• Enhances comfort and well-being and mood
• Increases circulation
• Releases muscles, tendons and joints
• Decreases pain/discomfort, especially back pain
• Decreases stress and tension, both physical and mental
• Increases mobility
• Decreases blood pressure and anxiety
• Increases lymph flow
• Increases endorphins
• Facilitates digestion and elimination
• Helps prepare for an easier delivery with fewer complications
• Self-massage to the perineum (area between the vagina and anus) increases flexibility and elasticity.
• Massage stimulates glandular secretions, stabilizing hormonal levels and making their side effects less severe.
• Massage on the legs can control varicose veins and the draining effect of massage helps reduction of oedema (swelling) of the arms and legs.
• Increasing the general circulation increases blood flow to all areas of the body, including the placenta. This brings greater nutrition to the tissues of the body and enhances waste product removal.
• ‘Lazy’ red blood cells lining the vessel walls are reintroduced into circulation, thus increasing the red blood cell count. This is especially important to women with anaemia. The increase in the red blood cell count also helps to eliminate fatigue, as more oxygen-carrying haemoglobin is released into the bloodstream.
• The strain on the muscles of the lower back, abdomen and shoulders can be greatly reduced through massage. This is especially helpful in the last trimester.
• Muscle tone can increase with regular massage. Muscle spasms and knots are easily released, and muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints enjoy greater flexibility. This is especially helpful during labour.
• Massage sedates the nervous system, producing much-needed rest and relaxation. In the uterus, the baby feels the same way. Nerves are soothed and insomnia can be relieved.

• Health and Safety
• Knowledge of Ayurveda
• Client care, communication and preparation
• Contra-Indications
• Product and equipment required
• Massage techniques and application
• Aftercare