Pulse March / April 2016 | Page 21

Spa performs its pregnancy massage treatments in the safest position possible: the side-lying and/or semireclining posture. “Such positions should be offered regardless of the guests’ perception or preferences in this regard. Providing safe and effective pregnancy massage should be and will be the standard in the future for everyone,” she says. “Since many pregnancy problems go undiagnosed, or even if the mother is diagnosed with some type of condition, the mom may be uninformed on the impact such prone-facing pressure could cause her. It is up to those of us who are experts at pregnancy massage to dictate the safest and most effective positioning.” n ABOUT THE SPA Spa open date: November 11, 2000 Square footage: 2,000 square feet Number of treatment rooms: 5 Number of full-time staff: 2 Number of part-time staff: 9 Guest ratio percentage: 75 percent female, 25 percent male Method of staff payment: Hourly and commission Signature treatment: StressBusters Signature Massage and StressBusters Prenatal Massage Product lines used: Epicuren Discovery, Osmosis Pur Medical Skincare Contact information: StressBusters Wellness Day Spa 26548 Moulton Pkwy Ste D Laguna Hills, CA 92653-6200 Phone: 1.949.831.1988 Website: stressbustersspa.com Pregnancy Massage Best Practices Anderson, who is adamant about safety first when providing pregnancy massage treatments, offer the following advice: l Have all pregnant clients fill out a “Confidential Health Intake Form for Pregnancy” that notes any current or former high-risk pregnancy problems, current pregnancy discomforts, weeks or pregnancy term, as well as her date and physician or midwife information. l l l l Ensure that all therapists providing prenatal massage are certified in pregnancy massage. Therapists should know what a pregnant body is going through during each trimester and the bodywork precautions for certain medical conditions. Utilize prone positioning for the pregnant client on a body cushion or pregnancy table only for the first 14 weeks of gestation. For the remainder of the pregnancy, to eliminate risks, use side lying or semi-reclining positions only. Use unscented or very lightly scented lotion/oil for the prenatal massage. Aromatherapy should only be used sparingly for pregnancy and only if approved by a clinical aromatherapist. Provide prenatal bundles (e.g., massage, facial, etc.) to ensure repeat visits throughout clients’ pregnancy and post-birth. March/April 2016 ■