MEMBER PROFILE
MIKKI MELINDA ANDERSON
VP, Director of Holistic Services • StressBusters Wellness Day Spa • Laguna Hills, California
“Spas that are now offering risky prenatal
positioning [must] be made aware of the risks
a prenatal guest is exposed to, and show safe
and effective alternative positions for the good
of all involved.”
Intrauterine Pressure
According to Anderson, the most valid
reason why prone-facing position should
be avoided is because it can increase
intrauterine pressure even before the
therapist increases pressure by
massaging. There are many expert
insights that support this known risk,
including Leslie Stager, registered nurse,
leading pregnancy therapy massage
educator and author of Nurturing
Massage for Pregnancy.
“Such pressure strains the posterior
spine and pelvis, increases sinus
pressure (being pregnant already causes
excess mucous production), contributes
to neck and hip misalignment and has
the potential to stimulate the uterine
contractions, potentially threatening the
pregnancy,” Anderson says.
Safety First
When it comes to pregnancy massage
treatment, safety of the expectant guest
should come first. One way the spa, an
associate member of the Green Spa
Network, makes guest safety a priority is
through its commitment to the use of
organic and/or plant-based cleaning
products devoid of toxins.
More importantly, StressBusters Day
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March/April 2016