Cost includes all materials. Shipping, if applicable, is a flat rate.
Learn the fundamentals of pregnancy massage and expand your knowledge of prenatal, labor, and postpartum massage. This 16-hour continuing education course introduces massage therapists to the physiology of pregnancy, prenatal massage guidelines, trimester-specific positioning, benefits and contraindications, and massage techniques for common discomforts of pregnancy.
The course covers the full pregnancy experience, including preconception support, the prenatal period, labor, and postpartum recovery. A 45-minute instructional DVD and online video provide additional demonstrations of pregnancy massage techniques, while the course also includes information on marketing pregnancy massage services.
In this course, you will learn:
The physiology and changes that occur during pregnancy
Prenatal massage guidelines and safety considerations
Appropriate client positioning for each trimester
Massage techniques for common discomforts of pregnancy
Benefits and contraindications of pregnancy massage
Considerations for massage during labor
Postpartum massage considerations and recovery
Preconception and prenatal client support
Massage techniques demonstrated through approximately 45 minutes of video
Marketing strategies for adding pregnancy massage to your practice
Why take this course?
Pregnancy massage requires an understanding of the physical changes that occur throughout pregnancy and the appropriate positioning, techniques, and safety considerations for pregnant clients. This course provides a comprehensive foundation for massage therapists interested in prenatal, labor, and postpartum massage.
With 16 hours of continuing education, a comprehensive textbook by Elaine Stillerman, and approximately 45 minutes of instructional video, this course combines detailed information with practical technique demonstrations. It is a strong choice for massage therapists who want to expand their knowledge of pregnancy massage and add this specialized service to their practice.
Describe the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy.
Explain guidelines and safety considerations for prenatal massage.
Identify appropriate positioning for clients during each trimester.
Describe massage techniques for common discomforts of pregnancy.
Identify benefits, contraindications, and precautions associated with pregnancy massage.
Describe considerations for massage during labor and the postpartum period.
Explain the importance of appropriate client intake and individualized care during pregnancy.
Identify basic pregnancy massage techniques demonstrated in the instructional video.
Describe ways massage therapists can incorporate pregnancy massage into their professional practice.
Text: Prenatal Massage: A Textbook of Pregnancy, Labor and Postpartum Bodywork by Elaine Stillerman, 480 pages
Video: 45-minute instructional DVD and online video
Course guide with instructions
104-question examination
Course evaluation
Certificate of achievement upon completion
Unlimited phone support
The Center for Massage Therapy Continuing Education, LLC is an Approved Provider through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB); Approved Provider number 409296-00.
Our massage online continuing education courses are also accepted by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP), and most state boards.
For more information on individual state requirements and approvals, please visit our Approvals page and click on your state.
I really liked that it was easy to understand. It had alot of really good information and the video was very helpful. - Sonia Vasquez
I liked that I learned more about the female body including new science that I hadn't studied in the past. I also liked that you includes info on aromatherapy safety and TCM accupressure points. I never intended to do pregnancy massage because I had no interest in working with pregnant women specifically but ended up needing to learn when I was hired for my new job at a spa where they offer pregnancy massage. I disliked having to learn something I had no interest in but your course ESPECIALLY THE VIDEO made it interesting and almost enjoyable! - Rosemary Gay
This course is very useful. We have more and more clients who are pregnant women. - Xiaomei Tang, LMT
I loved the Quality of the text book given. - Annie Thornton, LMT
It was informative and charged an interest in prenatal massage. - C. Fisher, LMT
I enjoyed the entire experience. - Amy Callis, LMT
Changes in a pregnant woman’s circulatory system, which can be aided by massage, include all of the following EXCEPT:
A. Increased pressure on the pelvic veins and the inferior vena cava
B. Increased load on the heart due to an increased blood volume
C. Possible decrease in swelling and edema in the extremities
D. Possible formation of varicose veins
All of the following are signs of preeclampsia EXCEPT:
A. Spike in blood pressure
B. Drowsiness or confusion
C. No presence of pitting edema
D. Vomiting or nausea
What does the pelvic tilt stretch do for a pregnant woman?
A. It shortens the lumbar spine and releases compressed muscles
B. It stretches compressed muscles and shortens the lumbar spine
C. It elongates the lumbar spine and releases compressed muscles
D. It elongates the lumbar spine and shortens compressed muscles
Course Author
About the Instructor
Elaine Stillerman, LMT
Elaine received her New York State license in massage therapy in 1978. She started her pioneering work with pregnant women in 1980 and developed the professional training course, MotherMassage: Massage During Pregnancy in 1990. This course provides professional certification to massage therapists, childbirth educators, nurse-midwives and doulas in prenatal massage, labor support massage and postpartum recovery care. Trainings are offered at massage schools across the country.
She is the author of four highly acclaimed books, MotherMassage: A Handbook For Relieving the Discomforts of Pregnancy (Dell, 1992), translated into several languages, The Encyclopedia of Bodywork (Facts On File, 1996), Prenatal Massage: A Textbook of Pregnancy, Labor and Postpartum Bodywork (Mosby Pub.Co., 2007)and Modalities for Massage and Bodywork (Mosby Pub. Co.,2009).
She was on the faculty at the Swedish Institute for almost fourteen years where she taught Swedish Massage at both basic and intermediate levels and was instrumental in developing their Business Practices course.
