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Abdominal Massage for
Prenatal + Postpartum

Prenatal and Postpartum through Abdominal Therapy supports the health and recovery of both mother and baby. Using trimester-specific techniques during pregnancy, it helps maintain balance in the abdominal and reproductive systems while preparing the body for labor. After birth, it aids in restoring alignment, improving circulation, and addressing common concerns like pelvic heaviness, incontinence, and discomfort, supporting long-term wellness and healing beyond postpartum.

PRENATAL CARE

Prenatal care through Abdominal Therapy offers a deeply supportive and nurturing approach to pregnancy, focusing on both the physical and emotional well-being of mother and baby. Using gentle, trimester-specific techniques, this work helps maintain optimal alignment of the abdominal and reproductive organs, allowing for improved circulation of blood, lymph, and nutrients throughout the body. Sessions are thoughtfully tailored to each stage of pregnancy and incorporate a blend of prenatal massage, abdominal therapy, and lymphatic drainage, all while using supportive bolsters to ensure comfort and safety. By encouraging balance and proper positioning within the body, prenatal abdominal massage helps create an ideal environment for a healthy pregnancy and supports the body in preparing for a more efficient, connected labor and birth experience.

Prenatal Issues
We Support

WELLNESS OF MOTHER + BABY

RELIEVE HEARTBURN

REDUCE EDEMA

RELIEVE PREGNANCY RELATED DISCOMFORT

ADDRESS CONSTIPATION

PREPARE FOR EFFICIENT LABOR + BIRTH

POSTPARTUM CARE

​​​As the body undergoes significant changes during pregnancy, the abdominal and reproductive organs, along with surrounding muscles and ligaments, can become strained or misaligned. Postpartum care focuses on restoring this balance. Beginning as early as 6 weeks after vaginal birth or 12 weeks after a cesarean, these sessions combine abdominal therapy, myofascial work, therapeutic massage, and lymphatic support to aid in healing and recovery. This care can help improve concerns often labeled as “normal,” such as incontinence, pelvic heaviness, and discomfort, supporting the body in returning to proper function.

Abdominal Therapy itself is a gentle, noninvasive technique that focuses on the alignment and mobility of the abdominal and reproductive organs. When these structures are properly positioned, hormones, blood, and lymph can flow freely, supporting overall health, healing, and long-term wellness. While early postpartum care is ideal, it is never too late to begin. The benefits of this work can be experienced months, years, or even decades after birth, making it a powerful tool for lifelong women’s health.

Postpartum Issues
We Support

ABSENT OR IRREGULAR CYCLE

LEAKAGE OR URGENCY WITH URINATION

PELVIC NUMBNESS, HEAVINESS, OR PAIN

DIASTASIS RECTI

HORMONAL IMBALANCES

PAIN WHEN SITTING OR TAILBONE PAIN

PAINFUL OVULATION OR CYCLE

PROLAPSE OF UTERUS OR BLADDER

C-SECTION RECOVERY

PAINFUL INTERCOURSE

SCAR TISSUE

REPEATED PREGNANCIES CLOSE TOGETHER

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

PRENATAL

 

When should I schedule my Initial Visit? 

Prenatal massage can start anytime during pregnancy.

How many sessions will I need?

1-2 sessions a month are recommended to support a healthy pregnancy, and prepare for an efficient labor and birth.​

What should I eat before my session?

Eat a light meal or snack 2-3 hours before your session.​

Prenatal Care, Postpartum Care, Massage Therapy, and Abdominal Therapy is a complementary therapy to enhance health and wellness. If you have a serious medical condition, please consult with your health care provider.

POSTPARTUM

When should I begin Postpartum Care? 

We recommend beginning Postpartum Care at 6 weeks after a normal vaginal birth & 12 weeks after a cesarean birth.

How many sessions will I need?

The number of sessions depends on postpartum issues and health goals. We will create a treatment plan at the Initial Visit.​

​​

What should I eat before my session?

Eat a light meal or snack 2-3 hours before your session.​

What to expect during a Postpartum Care session?

 

During your initial visit (90 minutes) plan to:

  • Review of your comprehensive intake for​m to set heath goals & determine a treatment plan

  • Receive a Postpartum Care session

  • Learn self-massage techniques

During your follow up session (60 minutes) plan to:

  • Receive a Postpartum session

  • Review self-massage techniques

The entire abdomen will be addressed during sessions (between the ribs and pubic bone); along with the low back and hips, as appropriate. All abdominal therapy is external.

When is Abdominal Therapy contraindicated?

  • Immediately after childbirth. Clients can return or begin care at 6 weeks following a normal vaginal birth or 3 months following a cesarean section

  • When cancer or an active infection is present in the abdomen

LOCATION
Lake Shore Physical Therapy
 
3101 N Greenview Avenue
Chicago, IL 60657​
CONTACT
Katie Dougherty, LMT

katiej.dougherty@gmail.com
HOURS OF OPERATION
By Appointment Only

Tuesday 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday 11:00 am - 6:30 pm
Thursday 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
​Katie Dougherty Abdominal Massage
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