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Shiatsu can be supportive for mother and baby in all stages of pregnancy. It can be helpful with many of the physical discomforts associated with pregnancy as well as the emotional aspects surrounding the many changes to the mother's body and the life transition in welcoming a new child into the world.
Fertility
In preparing for pregnancy, shiatsu can help to build the strength of your core energy so that you have more energy for yourself as a child grows within. Find balance in your life so that your body can enter into pregnancy with the strength of its own inner wisdom. Shiatsu can help with imbalances affecting infertility in both men and women.
For the Mother
Shiatsu strengthens your core essence allowing your body to move through the natural process of pregnancy and childbirth as it inherently knows how to do already.
 All sessions are geared towards your comfort. As the baby grows, we will work in side position on the futon for much of the time with pillows and bolsters for support. We may use a well supported reclined position, or have you on your knees leaning on a yoga ball allowing opportunity to access your front and back more openly for short periods of time. Many pillows and supportive bolsters are available for maximum relaxation and support.
In the final stages of the third trimester as you prepare for labor and delivery and in postpartum care, sessions can be held at home or in the hospital to facilitate your comfort and ease in welcoming a new child into your life. This time is centered around you – what you need during this time to be most comfortable and to help both you and your baby through a healthy birth.
First Trimester
During the first trimester, shiatsu technique is gentle to support the strength of the fetus within the womb. Shiatsu supports the increase of blood in the body and the early physiological responses to hormonal shifts in the body which may present as fatigue, nausea, and mood swings.
Second Trimester
Shiatsu can be supportive as more physical discomforts arise, such as back ache, sciatica, digestive imbalance, and continued nausea, during the second trimester. Again, shiatsu works to restore balance letting the inherent wisdom of the body bring health, ease, and wellbeing.
“During my pregancy, the ligaments inside my leg were getting pinched. I went to see Lucy to see if shiatsu would help. Her session was wonderful and following that session, the pain in my leg was completely better.” ~J.B.H.
Third Trimester
As the body continues to grow and change, there are more physical challenges that present during the third trimester. Shiatsu can help with the  impact of the increased weight carried in front as it affects the back and shoulders and with the joints as they begin to shift and the ligaments as they soften in preparation for labor. Shiatsu can restore balance affecting increased fatigue, insomnia, sciatica, or edema.
As time progresses, shiatsu sessions can be geared towards preparing for labor, both physically and emotionally. Shiatsu techniques can be taught to use at home to help in preparing for and through labor if the mother finds them helpful.
“I was put on bedrest for the last two months of my pregnancy. Lucy came to my house and offered shiatsu to help stabilize the baby in the womb. Her touch was calming and nourishing for me and made the confinement at home easier to bear.” ~ J.W.
For Partner, Co-Parent, & Support Team
Changes are present for everyone in a family expecting a new child. Shiatsu can be helpful to build and restore energy reserves, and to offer nourishment as you provide additional support for your partner.
I work with mother and partner together during the third trimester offering helpful shiatsu techniques and acupressure points that can be used at home through labor.
Labor Induction and Support
Shiatsu can help the body prepare for labor in supporting the ligaments and joints as they stretch and open, assist with contractions and dilation, offering pain relief and promoting relaxation through the process.
“At 41 weeks, I went to see Lucy for a 'Baby Welcoming' treatment to help encourage labor before going in for induction. The session was relaxing and grounding and I felt more emotionally prepared for labor following the session. That evening, contractions started and I went into early labor.” ~ M.D.
Postpartum Care
Following birth, shiatsu can help with restoring energy, rebuilding blood, and healing from vaginal or cesarean births. It can also help to provide emotional support with life transition, postpartum depression, overwhelm and fatigue.
Photos used with permission from Zen Shiatsu Chicago
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