Prenatal Massage

Ready to experience relief from the aches and pains of pregnancy?

Prenatal Massage is a specialized, whole-body approach to pregnancy care that goes beyond traditional prenatal massage. Sessions consider how the body is adapting throughout pregnancy and how patterns of tension, alignment, soft tissue restriction, and changes within the abdomen and pelvis may be contributing to discomfort.

Care is individualized to what your body needs that day and may include therapeutic massage, gentle abdominal and pelvic-focused work, scar tissue work when appropriate, and support for areas experiencing increased strain as pregnancy progresses.

The goal is not simply relaxation or temporary relief, but to create more space, ease, balance, and comfort within the body while supporting the natural changes of pregnancy. Your health history, current symptoms, stage of pregnancy, and any changes in your prenatal care are considered when determining what is appropriate for each session.

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Additional info:

To provide the highest level of care, schedule your initial session as early in pregnancy as possible. Because your body changes rapidly during pregnancy, we recommend a prenatal massage every four weeks up to 36 weeks. After 36 weeks, we recommend continuing prenatal massage. We add additional techniques every two weeks until term to ease labor and delivery.

When To Book

The initial session is 90 min. to allow time to review your intake form and discuss your specific needs. After that, sessions range from 60 to 90 min. Depending on your individual health needs.

Session Length

  • Pubic symphysis pain

  • Sciatica

  • Morning sickness

  • Swelling

  • Hormone regulation

  • Low back pain

  • Low belly/low back pressure

  • Fullness sensation in the legs

  • Breast tenderness

  • Ribs popping out

  • Pregnancy on-set carpal tunnel

  • Pregnancy on-set sinus inflammation

  • Insomnia

  • Headaches

  • Leg cramps

  • Aids in supporting VBAC/VBAC 2

  • Mastitis/clogged ducts

  • Better lactation

  • Heartburn/reflux

  • Enhance breathing and increase energy

  • Round ligament pain

Conditions That May Be Addressed

Prenatal Massage FAQs

  • As early as you would like. Prenatal massage is safe at all stages of pregnancy. The sooner Mom comes in, the better the benefits and the more comfortable the pregnancy can be. Pregnancy is a rapid change in the body. It helps support Mom through those rapid changes. Making her experience more comfortable and relaxed overall. A relaxed Mom helps create a calmer birth.

  • Doctor’s notes are not required for prenatal massage. All that is needed is to fill out and complete the intake form before the appointment. Our intake forms are comprehensive and include medical history, family history, etc., to provide the practitioner with as much information as possible so that they can alleviate discomforts while supporting Mom and baby.

  • No. The techniques used in Prenatal Massage of any kind are intended to loosen connective tissues, restore blood flow, boost the immune system, and lower the stress response. There are some misconceptions that things like acupressure or foot massages can induce labor.

    Sometimes, when Mom is “over,” massage therapy can help her lower her nervous system back to rest and reset. The body reacts to the mind. If the mind is stressed, the body will be restrictive. When we apply massage therapy techniques, a calming environment, and stretching as a way to encourage relaxation in a Mom who might be under stress from life or even just from being “overdue,” we can sometimes see labor begin as a response to bringing the nervous system back to rest.

  • Prenatal Massage is most effective when used consistently throughout pregnancy. Therefore, it’s still recommended to schedule it as usual every 3-4 weeks.

    These sessions help prepare the body for labor through breath work to open up the diaphragms and stretching to alleviate swelling, bolster the immune system, lower the nervous system response, and remove general tension that can lead to common pregnancy discomforts later in the pregnancy. The more we do, the better the results will be.

  •  I typically do 90-minute appointments. Prenatal Massage is an advanced bodywork created to help alleviate discomfort, improve mind-body connection, and support Mom in the birth experience she is after.

    These sessions are about slowing down and sinking into the parasympathetic nervous system. It is a moment for reconnection, breathing, and being present with the pregnancy experience amid our busy day.

  • You can schedule through the “schedule now” button above, email me at shawnapatton@mamabearmassagekc.com, or leave me a message at 816-509-4008.

    I’ll get back to you as soon as I can to answer any questions and/or schedule a meeting with you.

  • Please have someone call me and leave a voice mail with your full name and stating that you are in labor. The cancellation policy only goes into effect if I have not heard from you by 3pm the day of your missed session.

    The fee would be the full price of the missed session. No further sessions will be honored or scheduled until the missed session balance is paid in full.

  • I use a pregnancy orthopedic cushion system that allows Mom to lay face down throughout her entire pregnancy. It is designed to be able to grow with Mom through all 3 trimesters. This allows her to have as normal of an experience as possible in her massage.

  • "Genuinely the best massage experience I’ve ever had. Did not feel rushed at all…was so incredibly therapeutic! I am 32 weeks pregnant and gained SO MUCH relief during my appointment!! Seriously so worth every penny."

    — Kella

  • "Absolutely amazing experience getting a prenatal massage, reflexology and crystal face massage last week. I can’t wait for my next session! Shawna creates the most comfortable, inviting and relaxing atmosphere for you to let go and fully relax."

    — Darcie

  • "She is so knowledgeable about treating pregnant moms. She even has a special table to allow for more comfortable positions during pregnancy. I have been seeing her for a few months now. As a prenatal chiropractor myself and being pregnant, I would highly recommend her. I will continue to see her throughout my pregnancy and after."

    — Madison

  • "I started getting regular massages from Shawna when I was just a few weeks pregnant because I wanted to work with someone who specializes in prenatal massage. She not only let me cry on her shoulder about all the things I was struggling with in pregnancy, but helped heal my body with her soothing touch. I continued to see her regularly throughout my pregnancy and postpartum because she is so gifted and I love my sessions with her so much! I feel more energized and balanced after our time together and I plan to continue seeing her going forward. I would highly recommend her to anyone!!"

    — Angela

  • "I had such a wonderful experience and the massage was really catered for a pregnant woman which made all the difference. Highly recommend!!"

    — Mary Clare

  • "Shawna was very sweet! I had surprised my wife with a prenatal massage, we got there and I could tell my precious wife was hurting by the way she walked in. Shawna with Mamabear Massage came highly recommended and after her session with my wife I can totally see why. When we left my wife was all but skipping on her way out. If anyone else is going through a pregnancy with all the aches and pains that come with it, we would both highly recommend Mamabear Massage!!! Thank you, Shawna!"

    — Nathan (Husband)