Yesterday, I visited the Suite Zen Medical Massage & Spa in Bowling Green, Kentucky to treat myself and baby to a prenatal massage with Tania, LMT (Licensed Massage Therapist). Before my massage experience, I wanted to learn more about the health benefits for mom and baby. I also asked them to answer some questions I had and those my followers had sent in (see them below). Lacey Hutchison, LMT, MMP and the owner of Suite Zen, Cassie Henry, LMT, MMP were kind enough to take the time to describe what it's like to get a prenatal massage at Suite Zen, the numerous health benefits and to answer all our questions. 

Benefits of Prenatal Massage

Some of the benefits I learned about today included:

• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Decreases levels of cortisol (beneficial for baby's health)
• Reduced insomnia (we need all the sleep we can get during pregnancy)
• Promotes relaxation
• Relief from sciatic pain
• Relieves muscle cramps
• Reduces spasms
• Releases myofascial pain
• Relieves pain in your lower back, neck, hips and legs that often plague pregnant women.
• Reduces stress on your weight bearing joints
• Improved circulation of blood and lymph which reduces swelling and fluid retention
• Reduces toxins in the lymphatic and circulatory systems
• Prepares your body for labor and birth (Studies show less complications during birth, shorter hospital stays, shorter labors and less incidence of post-natal depression. This likely has to do with the increase in oxytocin, relaxation and overall health of the mother.)

Frequently Asked Questions

The most frequently asked questions I received were: 
(click each question to see the answer)

My Personal Experience

I was intrigued by the variety of props they had to make women comfortable during all stages of pregnancy. One was a system from The bodyCushion that allows the patient to lie safely on their belly up to 20 weeks and in a side lying position throughout pregnancy. I got a chance to use The bodyCushion for the first time during my massage today, and I was very impressed. By using it, I was able to rest on my side with my spine aligned and without resting my weight on my shoulder. It was a game changer...and I may have asked if I could rent it for the rest of my pregnancy!

Another prop they had was a simple wedge pillow and bolster that they use to get mom in a comfortable position to support her on her back for neck, shoulder and scalp massage. I will admit from the moment they first told me they'd have me on my back I was concerned I wouldn't find that comfortable. However, with the right props, it ended up being one of the most enjoyable parts of my massage.

They were very considerate of my privacy and comfort, by first explaining that I could get undressed to my own comfort level and that I would be covered strategically by a sheet throughout the massage. The room environment was so calming, that it was obvious everything from wall colors, to noise machines to lighting had been purposefully chosen to provide the best space for relaxation. Before my massage, they asked me if I wanted essential oils (instead of assuming it was ok) and then helped me pick out the best oil for my treatment. I NEVER would have chosen lemon for my scent, but after my massage therapist had me close my eyes and blindly smell 3 oils...I chose lemon! When I said, "I'm surprised I liked that so much" she explained that is exactly why they do it that way. It was a fun, brief, yet memorable moment in my overall prenatal massage experience.

After these brief preparations, the massage began. I started on my left side, later turned to my right side and ended with my back on the wedge. I specifically want to note the immense relief I felt during the final few minutes of my massage. She was focusing on my chest, neck, scalp, brow and jaw. I was dealing with some anxiety (it felt like an elephant on my chest) that was likely caused by pregnancy hormones. As she was massaging these areas, I felt as though she was wiping away my anxiety. So much relief! While the rest of my massage felt physically beneficial this felt mentally and emotionally beneficial. It was my favorite and most surprising part of the massage.

I truly enjoyed spending time with them as they walked me through what it is like to get a prenatal massage at Suite Zen. To experience it first hand was incredibly lovely! Today, I feel so much more calm, focused and peaceful. Physically, I feel relief from the weight of baby on my joints and feel motivation to move, stretch and be active. I want to thank the ladies and Suite Zen for their time and expertise that made my experience so enjoyable. 

Enter to Win: Suite Zen $70 Giftcard Giveaway!

Would you like to enjoy the relaxing experience and health benefits of a prenatal massage...for free? My Sunshine Birth Services and Suite Zen are giving one lucky lady a 60 minute ($70 value!!) gift-card for a prenatal massage at Suite Zen in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The gift card will be sent to the winner by prepaid postal mail. Enter to win for yourself or as a gift for someone else. 

From Suite Zen: "Prenatal Massage: Pregnancy massage focuses on addressing the special needs of expecting women. Specially-designed massage tables, cushions, and side-lying postures are used to prevent putting pressure on the abdomen." Learn more: http://suitezen.com

How to Enter

Subscribe to my newsletter so I will be able to keep track of entries and can notify the winner. You may unsubscribe after the winner is announced, but I hope you'll stay with me. The rest of the entries are optional and increase your chances of winning. Return each day of the giveaway for more entries. Good luck!  

• Single Entry: For those who prefer not to register or complete bonus tasks, you may opt-in to my newsletter for a single entry. 
• Multiple Entries: Register using the form below. Complete a few simple tasks for bonus entries and return each day for more entries. 

By submitting an entry, you agree to the Terms & Conditions. If you do not see the entry form below, alternate entry here. 

UPDATE: Winner Announcement

☀️☀️AND THE WINNER IS...☀️☀️

Heather Wade!! Congratulations to Heather. I know she will really appreciate this gift. She is a very deserving mom, expecting her 2nd baby later this summer. Heather, I can’t wait to hear about your massage.

Thanks again to Suite Zen Medical Massage & Spa for partnering up with My Sunshine Birth Services for this promotion.

A big thank you to everyone who took the time to participate. Your participation makes it easier for us to have more promotions like this in the future. Even if you didn’t win, I hope you will see the many benefits of prenatal massage and make it a priority in your prenatal care.