The Pampered Pregnancy

Pandy Olmstead      Email me   Phone: (847) 528-9880
Visit my other website: www.touchalifeforce.com

 

The unique background I have adds considerably to my mothers' experience.  In addition to extensive medical education, I began assisting women through the childbirth process while living in California in the early '70's.  Now, I apply all my knowledge and experience to mothers delivering at Evanston, Highland Park, Lake Forest and other local hospitals.  I work frequently with "high-risk" pregnancies and multiples. Having delivered my own three sons using "natural" childbirth (as I'm highly allergic to medications), I learned every trick in the book to help me through my pregnancies and birthing process. Since I started out my education with pre-med classes, I have a better than average understanding of a woman's body and it's functions.

I believe the journey between conception and birth is heavily influenced by the mother's state of mind and comfort level. As I am a Touch therapist, I rely strongly on what a mother's body is telling me. It is not at all uncommon for me to know where a person is having stress prior to his or her own recognition. Because Touch is a very subtle, gentle modality, I can incorporate it into any massage. I am devoted to easing a mother into the best possible experience she can have, bringing her new baby into this world.

My daughter-in-law allowed only my son and me (and the medical team) in the labor and delivery room. Her first birth had been a Cesarean, and this was a VBAC. She was nervous and fearful at first, but I served as her doula and she did a magnificent job. For me, it  was the most incredible birth I had ever witnessed, as my grandson presented facing me, eyes wide open...and I could see creation. I hope to give that gift to new mothers and fathers and grandparents and siblings as often as I can. I would like my mothers to come away feeling pampered, appreciated and successful, knowing that their endeavors were well rewarded and their job was well done, and most importantly, that they are confident and capable of caring for the precious new life they have created.

Pandy Olmstead      Email me   Phone: (847) 528-9880
The Pampered Pregnancy
736 N. Western Avenue #319
Lake Forest, IL 60045

 

Massage During Pregnancy

During pregnancy a woman's body undergoes tremendous changes, and all in a relatively short space of time. These changes occur not only physically, but emotionally too. The overall goal of pregnancy massage is to help to minimize stress, promote relaxation and help prepare the muscles for childbirth.

Massage during pregnancy can help to relieve:

Birth Partner Preparation for Massage during Labor

Labor is both physically and emotionally demanding for the mother. Birth partners often feel at a loss as to how to help at this time. Learning the massage techniques specifically designed for use during labor not only gives the birth partner a positive role to play, but also helps the mother at the same time.

Massage Doula

"Doula" is an ancient Greek word for..."A woman who is experienced in childbirth, and who provides continuous physical, emotional and information support to a woman before, during and immediately after childbirth". A doula offers help and advice on comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation, movement and positioning. A massage doula also uses massage techniques which can help the mother to have a more positive birth experience.

To have a doula present at the birth can help to:

Postnatal Massage

Scheduling regular massages after delivery helps reduce the time your body needs to regain its former shape and return to its pre-pregnant state. Postnatal bodywork helps reposition the pelvis and spine after delivery. It also helps reprogram muscles to respond to the sudden loss of ten to fourteen pounds, and aids in realigning the posture to support the postpartum distribution of weight.

Special massage techniques restore muscles tone to abdominal muscles stretched by pregnancy. Massage therapy helps relieve upper back muscles which must support fuller breasts and the added weight of carrying an infant. Regular massage therapy can also alleviate neck and shoulder pain associated with breastfeeding and bottle feeding.

Finally, massage can help speed the healing of a Cesarean incision.

Infant Massage

Infant massage has been practiced in many cultures since ancient times, and is now being rediscovered in the West. Clinical research has shown that positive, loving nurturing touch as an important impact on an infant's development. Infant massage is something that every parent can learn - providing benefits to both the infant and parent.

Infant massage can:

 

Pandy Olmstead      Email me   Phone: (847) 528-9880
Visit my other website: www.touchalifeforce.com
The Pampered Pregnancy - A Life Force
Infants to Ancients
736 N. Western Avenue #319
Lake Forest, IL 60045