Prenatal & Postpartum
Massage Therapy
Our Approach to Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy is a time of profound physical change, and your body deserves care that keeps pace with it. Our registered massage therapists at Baseline Wellness offer prenatal massage designed to support you through every trimester, helping relieve discomfort, reduce tension, and promote the deep rest that comes harder as your pregnancy progresses.
Prenatal massage is a safe, specialized form of therapeutic massage adapted for the unique needs of pregnant bodies. Positioning, pressure, and technique are all adjusted to protect your comfort and your baby's wellbeing. Our RMTs are trained in pregnancy massage and understand how to work around a growing belly, sensitive joints, and areas of common discomfort like the lower back, hips, and legs.
What Does Pregnancy Massage Help With?
Pregnancy massage in Vancouver and Burnaby at our clinics is commonly sought for:
- Lower back and pelvic pain that intensifies as your baby grows and your posture shifts
- Leg cramps and swollen ankles, particularly in the second and third trimester
- Hip tightness and sciatic discomfort from changes in weight distribution
- Tension headaches linked to postural strain and fatigue
- Stress and sleep difficulty, which massage can meaningfully reduce through nervous system support
- General muscle soreness from carrying extra weight and adapting to new movement patterns
Is Prenatal Massage Safe?
Yes. Prenatal massage is considered safe throughout pregnancy when performed by a trained therapist who understands the necessary precautions. Our RMTs use side-lying positioning and bolsters rather than lying flat, avoid direct pressure on specific areas, and adapt their techniques based on your trimester and how you're feeling that day. If you have a high-risk pregnancy or any specific concerns, we recommend checking with your care provider before booking.
How Often Should You Come In?
There is no single right answer, and your therapist will never pressure you into a schedule that does not feel right for your life or budget. That said, here are some general guidelines that many prenatal clients find helpful as a starting point.
In the first trimester, monthly sessions work well for most people. Discomfort tends to be more intermittent at this stage, and a monthly visit is enough to stay on top of tension and give your nervous system a regular reset.
The second trimester is often when clients start coming in more frequently. Your belly is growing, your posture is adapting, and the physical demands of pregnancy become more consistent. Every two to three weeks is a common cadence at this stage.
By the third trimester, many clients find weekly or biweekly sessions the most valuable. Lower back pressure, hip tightness, and leg discomfort tend to peak in the final weeks, and more frequent massage can make a meaningful difference in how you feel day to day.
That said, even a single session is worthwhile. If you are new to prenatal massage and want to try it before committing to anything, one appointment is enough to get a clear sense of how your body responds. Book a single session online and go from there.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Your first prenatal massage at Baseline Wellness begins before you're even on the table. Your therapist will take a few minutes to walk through a brief intake, asking about your discomfort, how far along you are, any concerns your care provider has flagged, and what you're hoping to get out of the session.
Positioning is one of the most important parts of a pregnancy massage, and we take it seriously.
Rather than lying flat, you'll be supported in a comfortable side-lying position using pillows and bolsters. Many clients tell us this positioning alone is one of the most comfortable they've felt in months.
Sessions typically run 60 or 90 minutes. For a first visit, 60 minutes is a good starting point to see how your body responds. If you're in your third trimester or dealing with discomfort across multiple areas, a 90-minute session gives your therapist more room to address everything thoroughly.
Postpartum Massage: Recovery Care for Your Body After Birth
The work your body does during pregnancy and birth is significant, and recovery deserves the same attention as preparation. Postpartum massage supports your body in the weeks and months after delivery, addressing the physical toll of birth and the demands that begin immediately after, including feeding posture, disrupted sleep, and carrying a newborn.
Common areas of focus in postpartum massage include the upper back and neck from feeding and holding positions, the lower back and hips as your pelvis gradually returns to its pre-pregnancy alignment, and general muscular fatigue from the physical intensity of new parenthood. Many clients find postpartum massage in Vancouver and Burnaby helps them feel more like themselves again at a time when personal care often falls to the bottom of the list.
Timing is flexible. Most people are ready to come in around six weeks after a vaginal birth, though your therapist will always check in about your recovery before beginning. If you had a caesarean birth, your RMT will adapt the session to avoid the incision site and work around your healing timeline.
Postpartum massage is not a luxury. It is a practical form of care that supports physical recovery, reduces tension that compounds over weeks of feeding and carrying, and gives you dedicated time to rest. Book a postpartum massage appointment online or learn more about our registered massage therapists.