Course Title
Pre and Postnatal Massage Therapy, Clinical Application and Safety

Course Duration
6 Hours, 6 CEUs

Course Description
This 6 hour course prepares licensed massage therapists to safely and effectively provide massage therapy during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The course integrates anatomy and physiology, trimester-specific considerations, contraindications, clinical decision making, and hands-on positioning protocols. Emphasis is placed on risk management, client comfort, and scope of practice.

Course Objectives

By the end of this 6 hour course, participants will be able to:

1. Explain the physiological changes that occur during each trimester of pregnancy and during the postpartum recovery period, and describe how these changes influence massage treatment planning.

2. Identify absolute and relative contraindications for prenatal and postnatal massage, and determine when referral to a medical provider is required.

3. Conduct a comprehensive intake assessment specific to pregnancy and postpartum clients, including review of health history, high-risk indicators, and red flag symptoms.

4. Demonstrate safe and appropriate client positioning for each stage of pregnancy, including:
   • Side-lying positioning with proper bolstering support
   • Semi-reclined positioning when indicated
   • Modified prone positioning using approved pregnancy support systems
   • Postpartum positioning considerations for comfort and safety

5. Apply proper bolstering techniques to reduce strain on the lumbar spine, sacroiliac joints, abdominal structures, breasts, and cervical spine.

6. Perform trimester-appropriate massage techniques that address common musculoskeletal complaints, including low back pain, hip discomfort, thoracic tension, and lower extremity edema.

7. Modify pressure, stroke selection, and session duration based on circulatory changes, ligamentous laxity, and hormonal influences such as relaxin.

8. Demonstrate safe massage approaches for postpartum clients, including considerations for cesarean recovery, diastasis recti, pelvic instability, and breastfeeding-related discomfort.

9. Differentiate between normal pregnancy-related edema and signs of potential deep vein thrombosis, and apply safe clinical judgment in lower extremity work.

10. Develop a complete prenatal or postnatal session plan that integrates positioning, contraindications, communication, and therapeutic goals.

11. Communicate effectively with pregnant and postpartum clients regarding informed consent, expected sensations, safety precautions, and post-session self-care recommendations.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, participants will demonstrate competency in assessment, positioning, technique modification, and clinical safety protocols necessary to provide ethical and evidence-informed prenatal and postnatal massage therapy within scope of practice.