Mama Jane Massage Updates Spring 2014

This year has been super busy for Mama Jane Massage! I am booked with clients until July. In addition to my full-time massage practice at Natural Balance, I am doing two prenatal appointments and one or more postpartum appointments, plus additional massages as needed, with my doula clients. Every family’s birth is beautiful and difficult and inspiring in its own way. I am so challenged and fulfilled by each of my clients; it is an honor to be invited to share in their birth experiences!

I continue to be the Publications Chair of the Colorado Doulas Association (CDA). Every quarter I put together a newsletter for members and supporters of the CDA and now I am in charge of managing our blog entries. We have some great writers on the Blog Committee that are eager to share their experiences with birth work. I love collecting their contributions and sharing their work with the Colorado birth community.

Last week I started a reflexology program at the Colorado School of Healing Arts, which is where I got my original massage certification. By September I will be a certified Reflexologist, able to provide this interesting and powerful modality for my doula clients.  Reflexology is based on the theory that you can access all the body systems from the feet and hands (and a little on the ears) to increase circulation and energy, and bring balance to the whole body. It is a great option for clients who don’t want a traditional full body massage or for a client who had a Cesarean birth. I have to wait four weeks after a Cesarean birth to give a client a full body massage, but would be able to perform reflexology on them immediately (using certain precautions and with permission of the midwife/doctor.) Reflexology can be a strong tool during birth – balancing the body systems and focusing on the reproductive organ points can help to reignite labor that has slowed or stalled.  Focusing on the musculoskeletal system can help to relax a client who is having a hard time letting go during or between contractions. Reflexology can soften and release tight shoulders, neck and jaw that could be contributing to a tight pelvic floor, allowing the baby to descend more easily into the pelvic outlet. Listing out all the ways I can use reflexology as a doula gets me all giddy and I can’t wait to start using reflexology on my clients!