Relaxation Massage & Touch in a Doula's SOP

Learn the fundamentals of touch and massage for the laboring woman that go beyond what you learned in your doula training including...

• Difference between theraputic and relaxation massage and how to stay within your Scope of Practice

• Benefits of touch and relaxation massage during labor

• Use (or when not to use) of massage oils/lotions

• Use (or when not to use) heat and cold

• Help ease labor pains 

• Pregnancy conditions and contraindactions for relaxation massage, (i.e. points on the body that can stimulate contraction during pregnancy)

• Side-lying and semi-reclined positioning

• Proper posture (to save YOUR back)

As doulas we know that labor can be physically and emotionally challening for the mother. Dads and birth partners often feel at a loss about how to provide relaxing touch techniques that will ease her pain and incease her chances of having a natural birth.  Learning the massage techniques specifically designed for use during labor can help you as a doula to give the birth partner a positive role to play and help the mother at the same time.