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Pregnancy massage--29wks, high-risk

Hi all,
I recently refused a client for pregnancy massage. She was 29 wks, having contractions for past two weeks, and had already had one premature birth.

I work in a busy spa. She had a doctor's note, but I still refused her. Im interested to know what others might have done. Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Lee Edelberg on August 4, 2012 at 12:25pm

I'm interested in knowing what your concerns were about giving her a session.

thx......Lee

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Permalink Reply by Gordon J. Wallis on August 4, 2012 at 1:39pm

Unless you are abuse there is no way you could harm her or her baby.. She has doctors permission. You just make sure she is comfortable and ease her stress...Massage is very good for her situation..You dont need to be afraid..If she is that fragile, just driving to the spa would be an issue .However..That being said, you did the right thing...If you are unsure, its best to refuse...Study up on pregnancy massage...there are lots of good DVDs out there. You will be able to help people like her.

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Permalink Reply by Sawana Grimmett on August 6, 2012 at 3:33pm

I too work a lot with pre-natal massage and I understand that it can be "scary" at times in a sense because the last thing you want to do is harm mommy or baby. With that being said, as therapists, we have to put aside that fear for the best interest of ourselves and the client. If she had a doctor's note from her OB saying that it was ok, then it was ok. As Gordon said, it is highly unlikely that you would do anything to harm that baby. Just avoid the contraindicated areas that you learned in school and massage with a light to therapeutic touch. Your fear will translate to mommy and that's the last thing you want to do. Remain confident and make sure she is comfortable. As Gordon said, if you are that unsure then it is best that you didn't perform the massage because you want to make sure you are confident in what you do. There are so many resources out there on youTube and the internet that are legitimate resources for prenatal massage. Best of luck to you. :)