pregnancy, fertility
& postpartum massage
Amelia Mitchell, LMT is a state licensed and nationally certified massage therapist with a private practice in Annapolis, Maryland.
Amelia has also completed the advanced training to become a certified Nurturing the Mother® pregnancy/pre-natal massage therapist trained in fertility, pregnancy, labor, and postpartum massage.
Nurturing the Mother® is a Body, Mind, Spirit Approach to Pregnancy Massage, Fertility, Postpartum and Infant Massage
"By nurturing the mother, we nurture the foundation that builds our future."
Claire Marie Miller
Creator of Nurturing the Mother® 1990
nurturing the mother®
Nurturing the Mother® pregnancy massage utilizes a comfortable, secure, side-lying position to avoid undue pressure on a growing abdomen and the lower back. Mothers are completely supported by pillows, keeping the top hip, knee and ankle on the same level to avoid pulling on the sacroiliac joint and to maximize blood and lymph circulation.
Nurturing the Mother®, with Amelia, combines the following methods:
- Calming Swedish massage strokes for deep muscle relaxation, tension release and increased circulation.
- Gentle range-of-motion and stretching movements to relieve pressure through neck, shoulders, rib cage, lower back and hips and to promote greater strength, flexibility and balance.
- Deep tissue work in the hip and gluteal area to help alleviate chronic lower back and hip pain.
- Abdominal massage to relieve round ligament pain, support digestion and increase circulation to the placenta and baby. Also increases awareness of the baby. The baby will feel and benefit from the massage.
- Lymph Drainage Therapy to reduce pregnancy-induced edema (swelling).
- CranioSacral Therapy for balance and centering.
- Acupressure and reflexology techniques shown to be effective in treating many common pregnancy related complaints.
Additional details about scheduling your session, office location, session rates and office hours can be found here on the home page.
"I saw Amelia for massage during my pregnancy. I loved those sessions; I knew I was in good hands because she had training specifically for pregnancy massage. Amelia knew how to support my aching body, provide comfort and much needed relaxation." - KK, Reiki Master and Reflexologist
reduce discomfort
- Pregnancy Massage helps reduce the following discomforts:
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Lower back and abdominopelvic pain
- Swelling and edema
- Leg pain and cramps
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Indigestion
As a Nurturing the Mother® certified massage therapist, Amelia is trained in precautions/contraindications, and will refer to the mother's healthcare provider when necessary.
Additional details about scheduling your session, office location, session rates and office hours can be found here on the home page.
"During my pregnancy massage sessions Amelia is in tune with what my body needs. I just go along for a wonderful ride." - KP, Bowie
research
- Research has shown that pregnancy massage*
- Helps control blood pressure
- Strengthens the immune system
- Directly effects the sympathetic/parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and its consequences for mother and baby
- Alleviates anxiety and depression
- Strengthens muscles in preparation for labor and delivery
- Allows for deeper breathing and a better night's sleep
- Helps keep skin supple to prevent stretch marks
- Maintains body posture and balance
- Enhances self-image
- Shortens hospital stay
- Reduces postpartum depression
*The Touch Research Institute of Miami
"Each time I have visited Amelia, I have felt well cared for, physically and emotionally. She is an expert in her field as well as a warm and genuine person to interact with." - A, licensed clinical social worker
fertility
Amelia uses a multi-disciplinary approach to fertility work. With a foundation in Nurturing the Mother® Fertility massage, she adds a depth of experience in Lymph Drainage Therapy, Healing from the Core techniques, as well as basic CranioSacral Therapy.
- Benefits of Fertility sessions:
- Detoxification and increased lymph flow
- Enhanced immune function
- Centering and Calming
- Cleansing of the large intestine with massage and reflexology
- Pelvic friction massage breaks up adhesions in the pelvic area
- Stimulation of meridian points, pelvic rocking, jaw release
- All techniques are focused to support conception and healthy pregnancy
"I truly believe that taking the time to receive massages and the lymphatic work contributed to me getting pregnant with my second child." - KG
postpartum
Massage in the postpartum period helps bring the body into its pre-pregnancy alignment. A massage within the first week of postpartum feels wonderful.
- Flushes lactic acid out of the tissues to relieve sore and achy muscles
- Supports and enhances the realignment process, with a focus on the pelvis and ribs
- Assists breast feeding, alleviating tightness, helps with some breast feeding difficulties
- Aids in the process of the uterus returning to normal size
- Releases shoulder, neck and arm tension from the care and feeding of infant
- Helps relieve tension from the birth process
- Helps the mother regain vital energy (chi) to reduce fatigue
- Supports fluid balancing
- Encourages pelvic and abdominal organs to return to pre-pregnant positions
"I saw Amelia for massage during my pregnancy, and it was even better when she came to my home for my postpartum massage. Once I was home with the twins, not only did I not have to leave my home and babies to see Amelia, but she made me feel as though she were helping my body remember where everything belonged. I believe my time with Amelia enhanced the joy of those days." - KK
labor support
Massage is a wonderful support to labor and may be performed by a massage therapist, a birth partner or a Doula. Techniques include relaxation strokes, jaw release techniques, lower back compression to reduce the pain of back labor, as well as movement with massage and pressure points.
Massage has been shown to reduce labor time, labor pain and even technical intervention.
Due to Amelia's schedule and responsibilities as a mother, she is rarely able to provide Labor Support massage, although she will do her best for established clients. Amelia highly recommends that families have a Doula for labor support, and she will happily provide referrals.
"I look forward to my get away visits to Amelia's haven for a massage ... her TLC is far more than I have received from many other massage therapists over the last 25 years." - MH, Davidsonville
newsletter
Amelia regularly publishes an informative newsletter that often includes useful tips or a monthly special.
Click to Visit the Newsletter Archive
Tight Bra Syndrome
This 2008 newsletter article has gotten a lot of attention. Click here to go to a .pdf file, so you can read it yourself.
contact
You can reach Amelia at 410-570-8927, or via email connect at ameliamitchell.com.
Amelia Mitchell, LMT
owner, Ease, Joy &, Alchemy, LLC
our offices are located at the
Chesapeake Holistic Health Center
528C College Parkway
Annapolis, MD 21409