Nobody deserves spa treatments more than a supermama under construction, so why are our spas and salons not overflowing with pregnant woman? Pregnancy is a fun time and a miraculous experience to go through. What a great experience for the spa and it’s therapists to share with an expectant mother.
“When people say maternity is a niche market, I always respond with a huge smile and say ‘It’s not very niche – do you have a mother’?” – Tanya MacKay, founding partner Mama Mio Skincare. At any given time here are over 211 million pregnancies across the globe per year, meaning that every day over 600 000 women fall pregnant. So why are our spas not overflowing with pregnant clients? I believe that firstly the consumers are not aware that they can enjoy spa treatments during pregnancy, and secondly, up until now our spas have not truly embraced this market by offering substantial maternity spa treatments and packages. Stacy Denney, CEO of Barefoot and Pregnant and author of Spa Mama says, ”Pampering for the Mother-to-be and maternity spas are increasingly viewed as a necessity, not a luxury.”
How do maternity spa treatments work?
They work by improving skin tone and increasing skin elasticity throughout your pregnancy. You should start your spa treatments from your 2nd trimester and continue for up to 3months after you have given birth. These treatments are also designed to relax, soothe and help alleviate some of the common discomforts associated with pregnancy – nourishing parched skin, relieving itchy bellies, rejuvenating heavy legs, assisting circulation, easing tired muscles and tension and reducing water retention. Maternity spa treatments are designed with safety, effectiveness and comfort in mind.
Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why clients do not visit spas during pregnancy:
• Lack of maternity spa treatments and packages available. Up until recently most spas turned away pregnant clients saying that they are not allowed to have spa treatments. As a consolation the spa would offer a manicure, pedicure or facial. The frustration to the pregnant client was that these treatment didn’t address their biggest concerns being aching joints, painful back and hips muscles, water retention and stretchmarks.
The good news: There are a variety of safe luxurious spa treatments designed specifically for pregnancy.
• Fear of causing harm to their unborn baby.
There are certain treatments and ingredients that need to be avoided during this period, and it is important to be pampered by a well-qualified therapist in a reputable spa.
One of the first concerns is about essential oils. The truth is that there is a list of only 10 essential oils that may not be used during this time. As a rule of thumb, blends of citrus essential oils are beautiful and safe to use during this time.
The good news: Various skincare brands specialise in maternity skincare and spa treatments, offering safe skincare and spa treatments.
• Self-conscious frame of mind.
Beaudacious, Bountiful and Bouncy. Even though there are few things more beautiful than a pregnant woman, the reality is that only a handful of pregnant woman feel like they look like Penelope Cruz during her 9 month s-t-r-e-t-c-h.
The good news: To the rest of the world, you are beautiful! And therapists feel extremely privileged to share this special time in your life with you.
Spas that cater for the maternity market will ensure that you feel 100% welcome, safe and comfortable.
Making a baby is a stressful business, both physically and mentally! Not only do pregnant woman deserve some pampering and relaxation, but there are also a lot of physiological and psychological benefits to maternity massage and spa treatments.
Dr. Manny Alvarez is the Managing Editor of Health News at FOXNews.com and Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Reproductive Science at Hackensack University Medical Centre in New Jersey. He comments: Getting a massage is not only fine; I actually recommend it to almost all my patients. It is a great way to relieve discomfort and treat your body. If you have the resources, a massage every two weeks can be great for the mind and body during pregnancy.
Benefits Of Visiting Spas During Pregnancy
• Reduces the anxiety and stress by stimulating endocrine changes that promote rest and relaxation and support a healthy functioning state.
• Increases blood circulation for the mother, the placenta and the baby and facilitates lymphatic circulation that decreases oedema especially in the extremities.
• Reduces musculoskeletal tension and pain associated with hormonal changes, weight pain, postural changes and daily activities.
• Improves mood and promotes better sleep.
• Develops the sensory and movement awareness, flexibility and relaxation that is beneficial for the labour and birth.
• Reduces the risk of pregnancy complications including preterm labour.
• Contributes to nurturing maternal behaviour and stronger mother/infant bonding.
• Reduces the incidence of postpartum depression.
Benefits Of Postpartum Massage
• Facilitates postpartum emotional, physiological and family adjustments.
• Reduces musculoskeletal and organic pain.
• Promotes structural realignment of the spine and pelvis and reorganization of movement.
• Contributes to rehabilitation of abdominal skin, muscles and organs.
Guidelines when choosing maternity skincare and spa treatments
• Use products that specialise in maternity skincare which is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Check that the products are natural, safe and free from harmful ingredients.
• Make sure that the product is reputable and backed up with testimonials.
• Spas that embrace the maternity market will have clearly defined maternity spa treatments and packages on their spa menu.
• Visit reputable spas that are endorsed by associations such as the South African Spa Association and the likes thereof.
• Check that the therapists have either a national or international qualification in skincare.
Contraindications:
As with all spa treatments, there are contraindications which need to be considered.
Facilities and spa treatments to avoid:
• Avoid heat treatments such as sauna, steam, jet baths and heated blankets which will raise the core body temperature.
• Avoid body wraps which are detoxifying and which will raise the core body temperature.
• Avoid reflexology (unless performed by a medically qualified reflexologist)
High risk medical conditions such as:
• High risk pregnancies • Deep vein thrombosis
• Abnormal water retention/oedema • Preeclampsia/ eclampsia.
Stretch Marks
Did you know that dry in-elastic skin is like a piece of material that has no stretch to it? The only way in which it can expand (as for instance during pregnancy) is by tearing. This “tear” in the skin is what we know as stretchmarks. The skin however tears from the inside out – in other words it is the dermis that tears and the evidence we see is in effect the back of a wound that occurred deep within the skin.
Elastic skin on the contrary is like a rubber band – it can stretch and snap back to its original size without tearing. Therefore it is imperative that your stretchmark prevention skincare care promotes elasticity deep within the dermal layers of the skin.
Spa Pregnancy Ideas:
Host your baby shower at a Spa. A pamper party for mom-to-be and friends offers a nice alternative to the traditional baby showers. Enjoy your spa experience with your partner. Most spas cater for couples and this is the perfect time to enjoy the spa with your significant other.
Mama Mio Mama’s Touch – Maternity Spa Treatments
Making a baby is a stressful business, both physically and mentally. It is the perfect time for a girl to check out of reality and into a spa. Mama’s Touch™ is our special programme of skin salvation; indulgent spa treatments designed to take you right through every stage of your nine month stretch. Remember, take good care of yourself and find joy in your amazing achievement. Happy mama = Happy baby
Yummy Tummy
This combination treatment begins with an application of Gravida Pulse Point
Oil and gentle application of OMega Body Buff to increase circulation, gently
exfoliate and improve the tonicity of the skin. A concentrated serum and
treatment mask will be applied to soothe and hydrate the abdomen. Enjoy a
scalp, face and upper body massage which is sheer heaven for pregnancy
related headaches, aches, pains and generally tight and knotted shoulders
and backs! Meanwhile the Intensive Tummy Stretch-ease Serum and mask
take effect.
55mins / 1 hour 15 mins
Lighten Up
A mineral-rich foot soak, exfoliation and massage for lower legs and feet to help
with poor circulation, water retention and the tiring affects of carrying an extra
load. They don’t call it a maternity marathon for nothing.
30 mins
Mellow Mama
A completely relaxing full body massage using our safe but effective pre-natal
techniques and our award-winning Omega-rich oils to relax those specific lower
back muscles that are carrying that beautiful bump.
55mins / 1 hour 15 mins
4th Trimester Healing Hour
Your baby is here and you are in need of a little rejuvenation? This restorative
massage treatment helps your body realign as you remember how to be one
person again. Sometimes new mothers need a little mothering too! This is the
perfect present for new mamas.
1 hour
The Smoothie
Rejuvenate your skin and clear your mind in preparation for your pending
arrival. Mama Mio Smoothie will exfoliate your skin oh-so-gently (but
effectively) followed by the most moisturising massage to hydrate and elasticise
your skin. A luxurious scalp massage will sweep your stress, leaving you with skin
to rival your baby’s bottom
80 mins
– Article by Janine Irvine – Mama Mio Skincare
For more information or to locate a spa specialising
in maternity spa treatments, please visit
www.maternalbliss.co.za or contact Janine Irvine on mamamio@maternalbliss.co.za
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