Massage Therapy Questions and Answers

Labor Doula Questions and Answers

Why should I receive massage therapy?

Massage can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.

What is a doula?

The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning, "a woman who serves," and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.

How often should I receive massage?

Every client is different and this will be something that we discuss after the initial massage. Some people need to come more often than others and we can tailor this to your personal needs.

Is a doula the same as a midwife?

A doula does not perform any medical tests or exams. A doula provides continuous support while a midwife may have other clients or duties to attend to during your labor. Both will be present at time of birth, but the doula will be there to coach you while the midwife will actually deliver the baby and attend to any other situations that may arise during the delivery.

Do I need to get completely undressed for a massage?

Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. You should undress to your level of comfort. You will be properly draped during the entire session. The practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet. You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.

What are some of the benefits of having a doula?

Numerous studies have revealed a very high number of positive birth outcomes when a doula was present. When a doula was present, women were less likely to have pain relief medications administered, less likely to have a cesarean birth, and reported having a more positive childbirth experience. Other studies have shown that having a doula as part of the birth team decreased the overall cesarean rate by 50%, the length of the labor by 25%, the use of oxytocin by 40% and request for an epidural by 60%. Doulas also often use the power of touch and massage to reduce stress and anxiety during labor which can help the pituitary gland secrete natural oxytocin into the blood stream.

Where will my massage take place?

Your massage session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a massage table especially designed for your comfort.

If I have my partner with me why would I need a doula?

The role of the doula is never to take the place of the husband or partner in labor, but to complement and enhance their experience. Today, many husbands are taking a more active role in the birth process, but some partners feel that this is a huge expectation and would rather be able to enjoy the delivery without having to stand in as labor coach. With a doula as a part of the birth team, a father can do whatever he feels comfortable with at each moment. Doulas can encourage the father to use comfort measures and can step in when he needs a break. Having a doula allows the father to be able to support his partner emotionally during labor and birth and also enjoy it himself without the pressure to remember everything he learned in childbirth class!

Do I need to get completely undressed for a massage?

Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. You should undress to your level of comfort. You will be properly draped during the entire session. The practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet. You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.

What will a doula do for me during my labor and birth?

Stays with the woman throughout the labor to provide emotional support, physical comfort measures (such as massage) and an objective viewpoint, as well as ehlping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decisions. A doula will facilitate communication between the laboring woman, her partner and her clinical care providers.

What parts of my body will be massaged?

A typical full body session will include work on your face (if desired), head, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, legs, feet, and back.

Do I have to want an all natural childbirth to have a doula by my side?

The presence of a doula can be beneficial no matter what type of birth you are planning. Many women do report needing fewer interventions when they have a doula, but the role of the doula is to help you have a safe and pleasant birth, not to choose your type of birth.

Are there any medical conditions that should make massage or bodywork inadvisable?

Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, the practitioner asks general health questions. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required. Monarch Massage & Doula Care has various forms which may be required to be filled out prior to your first session. You can see our forms in our client forms section of this website.

Will the doula make decisions on my behalf?

No, a doula does not make decisions on your behalf. A doula will sit down with you and your partner prior to going into labor to discuss your wishes and to supply you with any iniformation you request in order to make those decisions. When in labor, the doula will be there for you to help you achieve your wishes but if things change where you may need to make a different decision than originally planned, it would be up to you and your partner to make those decisions. And the doula will be by your side no matter what decisions you make.

How is a prenatal massage performed?

Prenatal massage is done in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of the pregnancy only. The massage will start with a semi-inclined position with the client on her back. Once the face, head, neck, arms and front of the legs are worked on then the client will be asked to lie on their side. A pillow will be placed under their head, one or two between their knees and any additional pillows in order to make her comfortable. You can read more about our prenatal/pregnancy massages on our massage benefits and services page.

Will a prenatal massage induce labor?

A typical prenatal massage therapy will NOT induce labor. There are however a couple of pressure points on the body that can be worked more vigorously if the client is at full term and wants to try a natural approach to inducing labor. These points will NEVER be worked during a typical prenatal massage.

Will my health insurance cover my massage visits?

While health insurance has come a long way, most still do not cover therapeutic massage. Monarch Massage & Doula Care does not submit claims to insurance and the client would need to pay directly.

Will my massage be tailored to my specific needs?

Before all massage appointments, we take time to discuss with the client their specific needs which can change from session to session. We will then tailor the massage to be as specific as possible in order to make the massage not only to address the these specific needs but to also be enjoyable.