What should I know about getting a massage?

[Teeki]

Tomorrow, I'm getting my first ever proper professional massage DD is having her second two hour trial session at daycare so I'm going to treat my poor back, which never hurt before DD. But the constant carrying, sitting for long periods with a poor posture whilst feeding, and partial co-sleeping has me feeling ancient!

The only massages I've ever had before are through work when we're away on conferences, where you sit on the funny chair and it goes for about ten minutes. But this is a 60 minute back, neck and shoulder massage. So what exactly happens?

I'm guessing I need to be naked up top. What if I leak on the table? I'd be mortified! Are there any oils I should ask her not to use due to me breast feeding?

Tia

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[LuluHB]

Most likely you will keep just your knickers on, or they will give you disposable ones (my advice is to take some old ones of yours cos the disposable ones are gross!). They may ask you to completely strip but if you're not comfortable then just leave the knickers. You will lie on a towel so I wouldn't worry too much about leakage. I haven't had too many, but the couple of really good ones I've had I have to worry more about drooling as I begin to doze off! They'll show you to the room and then leave you to strip off, get on the table and get under the towels they have there. A good masseuse should have good "towel management" so that you never feel exposed, even if you're completely starkers underneath.

Not sure that you need to worry about what they're using as nothing is going to be anywhere too close to breast tissue, although they should get close if they're doing shoulders. Someone with more experience might have a different answer though. Just mention it when you get there and see what they say.

Don't be afraid to tell them if its too hard or too soft - nothing worse than cringing through a massage because its just too deep, or similarly wishing she'd put some strength into it.

Don't plan on anything for straight afterwards cos you're going to be very gooey - oil in your hair etc.

Most of all - enjoy!!!!

[BlackRose]

Omg enjoy yourself! If you have a firm massage (like I like them) then you may feel sore the next day (almost like you've done a work out). Take some panadol if you need to.

Most masseuses use vege/baby oil or something similar because there are so many chemicals/fragrances that people could potentially be allergic to so you shouldn't have to worry about the oil use, but maybe ask if you're concerned.

Some masseuses like to talk during the massage (mine does but I've been going to her for aaaaaages). Sometimes you just want to not talk, so don't feel uncomfortable if there is silence... This is for your enjoyment!!

I got massages while BFing. Express/feed before you go because you may find your a bit uncomfortable lying on your front if your boobs are full!

Enjoy!!!

[leckert]

When I go for my massages, I am down to my underwear and have towels across my back and lower half (usually I get legs and shoulders done). My massage lady shifts towels as required so I'm mostly covered and undoes my bra strap as needed and redoes it up when finished that area.
Make sure you tell the massage person that you're bfing as they should know which oils to avoid or say that you prefer to have oils that are safe when pg as there's less oils they can use when pg (so you don't have to worry so much about which ones they use). I'd just make sure you have extra bps both in bra and spares in case of leaks (I didn't have a massage when I was frequently feeding ds; I was down to one or two feeds in 24hrs at the time)


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[Teeki]

Lol at being uncomfortable lying on my front! I'll feed DD before dropping her off then I'm going straight to the massage.

I hadn't even thought of being oily after, and about an hour after I'm done I'm having a meeting with my boss to discuss going back to work. I've already told him I've got things on before the meeting and DD will be with me so he won't mind, but hopefully I look presentable lol.

Thanks for all the tips. I'm really looking forward to it!

Oh another question, should I avoid makeup? My face might get a bit smushed right? And yeah, if I doze off I may drool lol.

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[briggsy's girl]

Avoid makeup for sure. Have a brush in the car for before you see your boss. Drink LOTS if water, ESP if you have a deeper massage rather than an "airy fairy relaxation rubdown" (as our masseuse puts it lol)

Massage can leach toxins into your blood from the muscle so he has always said to feed as close to massage as I can, then drink lots of water to flush system after, and leave it as long as possible before feeding again. I've never noticed any difference with dd feeding after massage...

I agree with the comment to speak up if it's too deep. I have sensitive spots on my lower back and any pressure does me in. I tense up which makes the rest of the massage pointless! Even a therapeutic massage is much better if you are relaxed through it.

Enjoy the massage. I think I might have to line one up for my day off next week lol

[leckert]

My massage lady sort of pats the oil off me so it sort of soaks into the towel so I'm not really oily afterwards. I don't tend to wear make up so can't really answer that one - I'd probably just have a tinted moisturizer on and add lippy/eye makeup after massage if you can't live without makeup on when seeing your boss.

Enjoy yourself tomorrow


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[Teeki]

Oh. My. Gosh. It was great! Much, much deeper than the corporate massage work does for us. There were only a few places where I thought it was a bit strong, but then she moved on anyway. I found it interesting that there seemed to be a lot more tight spots on my left side, that's the side I carry DD on.

My fave part was the end, she did I bit of a rub down with a hot towel, felt fantastic! Oh, also, it turns out when you opt for a 60 minute rather then 30 minute massage, it's full body, top to bottom. I recommend that for sure!

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[MrsFabuloso]

Massages are awesome! Especially when you get someone who knows how you like it done. It is amazing the places they can find that you didn't even realise were tight! And that feeling of bliss afterwards....mmm. I wish I could get one every week, gosh every month would be great too! LOL. I'm lucky if I get one yearly!

[LuluHB]

Glad you enjoyed it. Now you just have to work out how to slot one into the monthly budget -and if you work out how to do that, can you let me know:-)

[briggsy's girl]

Glad you enjoyed it. Now you just have to work out how to slot one into the monthly budget -and if you work out how to do that, can you let me know:-)

have a masseuse that needs gardening done, and a husband that knows how to do said gardening, and barter... it works for us!

[Teeki]

Unfortunately budget isn't an issue here, time is. This will be a once off for me I'll be working 4 days a week, have DD on the 5th day, and then swimming on Saturday.

Price wise, I thought it was great. $75 for an hour, is that good?

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[Ambersky]

My local place is $77 an hour so sounds usual. This thread has made me think i should book my first pregnancy massage.. MMmmmmm

[briggsy's girl]

two hours of labour for DH is a one hour massage for one of us. given labourers get around $20-$25 an hour, we're "paying" $40-$50 an hour. i think he charges $50 an hour normally.

[LuluHB]

Great idea BG! Not sure that my software engineer/computer geek husband could come up with some skills to barter though? Hard enough getting him to do anything in the garden here!

That sounds pretty good to me price-wise. Mmmmmm. Pregnancy massage. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[briggsy's girl]

doesn't have to be gardening babe - i'm sure there are things your DH could do with computer stuff that could be awesome for bartering...

the good part is that the masseuse we go to works from home, has a dedicated work room, austar in the lounge, happy to work on DH and I at a time that works for us - and happy to have the poppet in the other room if need be (she calls him Uncle cos he's a big part of our lives) - makes it less stressful than having to worry about finding a baby sitter if mum isn't available to have DD for some reason!