Guide to Induction Massage

Many pregnant woman seek to avoid a hospital-based chemical induction and therefore plan an induction massage session. If this appeals to you as you near your birth and delivery I hope this delivers the education you need. This post is for the average person and not written for medical professionals. If you are a healthcare provider and find yourself immersed in learning about natural therapies regarding maternity and Women’s health may this encourage you!

What is an Induction Massage?

An induction massage is the blend of relaxation techniques to soothe the nervous system, neuromuscular therapy to release muscular tension in the lower back, hips and thigh muscle groups and acupressure points to induce uterine contractions.

Who are The Ideal Candidates?

The ideal candidate is a woman that is 1-2 centimeters dilated and has some sensation of slight contractions that are far apart. It is also a woman that is beyond 38 weeks pregnant. It may seem counter intuitive to wait until the brink of birth but in fact this is preferred and makes the process much easier. It assures full development of baby and coincides with the natural signs that birth and delivery is about to begin. (* you are not required to be dialated when scheduling an induction massage but historically, chances of success are higher when you are). I also recommend induction massage to women that love receiving massage in general and are afraid of acupuncture needles. Acupuncture is a valid form of inducing labor naturally but not everyone enjoys the process of needle use. If this is the case with you then Induction massage is a wonderful blend with the nearly the same results.

What are The Benefits of Inducing Naturally?

Chemical inductions are utilized to create contractions in the uterus that are intense and with little rest periods in between for the woman to “catch her breath”. In natural birth, the body slowly builds up the intensity of contractions allowing the woman time to process each one in between. Despite the pain and labor of delivery it is a much preferred method of a systemic and steady flow until the baby is pushed out of the body. Considering no physical complications take place this is the ideal form of delivery. There are circumstances including baby positioning, sizing of the pelvic floor opening and blood pressure that may rush a woman to an operating table for delivery. However, it terms of choosing the form of contractions and their pattern; choosing a natural approach is sought after by most women. The end result of pregnancy will always be giving birth to a baby; but it is the experience of laboring that a woman is seeking to be as close to what the body favors. A chemical induction may be given and at times recommended. It is still not a guarantee that the cervix will dilate resulting in painful and fast contractions. There are benefits of using acupressure to induce uterine contractions and massage to relax the nervous system. The body usually responds in a way that is much easier to ride the wave of pain and labor that a woman can withstand without birth trauma. Of course, labor and birth is a natural process and everyone involved should keep a level flexibility in outcomes. This style of massage session is one process that helps make the transition as smooth as possible given, that there are no major complications.

When Should I Schedule My Induction Massage?

When planning this appointment, it is vital not to be married to the concept of a precise date and time. After all, due dates are prefaced with the word “expected” so flexibility is called for. But, if we are working with precise numbers and for some peace of mind it is suggested to schedule one week prior to your due date. So, if your due date is April 17 you would schedule your induction massage 5-7 days prior to your 40th week of pregnancy. The body normally requires 2-3 days to activate uterine contractions if it is ready to deliver.

What if I go into labor during my induction massage?

First time labor and delivery is typically a slow process. Yes, there is an element of risk involved in going in for an induction massage and being away from a place where you can give birth. However, the ideal time is when your contractions are far apart and you are slightly dilated. Could your delivery happen suddenly? The chances of that are extremely rare in first time births and best reserved for the dramatic scenes that are portrayed in media. The reality is the labor and delivery is a slow process. As unappealing as that may seem for women, that is the norm. Even if your contractions increase rapidly during your induction massage there is more than an enough time to transport you to where you need to give birth safely. Although the majority of women come alone to their induction massage appointment, some choose to have a driver drop them off and pick them up after a session.

What if it doesn’t work?

Like a chemical induction at a hospital (which you will be charged for) an induction massage also runs the risk of not delivering the results which you desire. However, for most women, the experience of an incredibly relaxing massage in which they feel nurtured, supported and cared for is something they are willing to experience and pay for. Where their muscle tension is released and their body prepared for a marathon of intense physical stamina is an experience they eagerly await. There are multiple benefits of an induction massage that women rarely see the downside of. Compared to the fast-paced and intense nature of hospital-based chemical inductions, it is one that is preferred.

I hope this post inspires you to explore the option of an induction massage. I recommend contacting your provider and asking for years and experience and most importantly results. At the time of this writing Lumina Massage has a 70% rate of success. Contact your provider with questions about cancellation or rescheduling policy as well, due to the unpredictable situation of birth and delivery. Many of my clients simply roll over their appointment to a postpartum massage (which is just as , if not , more important). I wish you a happy and speedy birth and delivery.