How a Pregnancy Massage Specialty Transformed My Career and Changed Lives

Life is an incredible journey, full of unexpected turns that can shape our destiny.
For me, one such pivotal moment was when I stumbled upon the profound world
of pregnancy massage. Little did I know that this chance encounter would not only change my career path with a pregnancy massage specialty but also touch the lives of countless clients -pregnant or not!

In this blog, I will share my personal experience of how prenatal massage became a catalyst for professional growth and a source of joy in touching the lives of my clients.

Discovering the Power of Prenatal Massage:

It all began during my early years as a massage therapist when I was seeking ways to broaden my expertise.

One day, a client came in pregnant. At the time I only had the brief introduction to massage therapy that massage school offers their students. Needless to say, I felt inadequate, insecure and total lack of confidence.

I was a deep tissue therapist so I had not idea how to apply deep work to the prenatal client in a safe way. So I kept it light and it was compareable to a superficial massage that they could get anywhere.

I did not enjoy myself because I was…
1) worried that I would do something wrong and

2) I don’t enjoy superficial massage! It’s just not my jam.

Intrigued by the idea of supporting expectant clients through their pregnancy journey, I decided to give it a try. Little did I know that this decision would lead to a profound transformation in my career.

Empathy and Understanding:

As I delved deeper into the world of prenatal massage, I realized the incredible power that a pregnancy massage specialty held in providing comfort and relief to pregnant clients. Through understanding their unique needs, I could create a safe and soothing environment for them to relax and let go of the physical and emotional tensions that often accompany pregnancy. This newfound empathy allowed me to connect with my clients on a deeper level, enhancing the therapeutic experience for both of us.

Enhancing Skills and Knowledge:

This inspired me to study Somatic NLP and in addition to practicing massage, I am also a trauma informed somatic NLP coach.

The journey of becoming a certified prenatal massage therapist was not without its challenges. I devoted countless hours to study and training, learning about the physiological changes and emotional challenges during pregnancy and how to adapt masssage techniques accordingly.

I mastered positioning, bolstering, bodywork. In a specialty course I learned pregnancy conditions and complications and when medical releases were necessary to ensure the safety and comfort of expectant clients while protecting my career.

This dedication to continuous learning not only honed my skills as a therapist but also boosted my confidence in addressing a diverse range of prenatal needs.

Creating Lasting Bonds:

As my expertise in prenatal massage grew, so did my connections with the expectant clients I worked with. The joy of witnessing their relief and gratitude after a session was unparalleled. I had the privilege of being a part of their pregnancy journey, providing support during both the joys and challenges they faced. These lasting bonds created an enriching and fulfilling experience that went beyond a typical massage therapy session.

In addition to the bonds with my clients in the office for prenatal and postpartum sessions -there have been the moments in their homes where I arrived for labor support and of course there is no better feeling then to see them with their new baby in town knowing that I helped that little being come into this magical world of ours!

Changing Lives:

Word of mouth spread, and soon, my practice became known not only as a sanctuary for expectant clients seeking relief and relaxation but also as bodywork for noticeable change! The positive impact of prenatal massage extended beyond the physical realm, as I observed how it positively influenced the mental and emotional well-being of my clients. Witnessing their transformation and seeing the positive effects ripple through their lives was a deeply rewarding experience that affirmed my career choice.

How ALL my Clients Benefited

Embracing the world of prenatal massage meant learning side-lying techniques for hip and low back. I mastered advanced bodywork like ventral and thoracic fascial unwinding, psoas work, pin-and -stretch, resistance-and-release (MET). I learned intra-oral bodywork because the jaw and pelvic floor are connected as is often the tension in either.

The steps I learned and then later further developed, are steps that I use on my athlete clients, clients who work at computers all day, clients who commute. There is no end to who has benefited from this specialty. Little do the big burly atheletes know that they are benefiting from a prenatal training! LOL!

A Pregnancy Massage Specialty not only changed my career but enriched my life in ways I could never have imagined. The power of touch combined with empathy and understanding has allowed me to make a difference in the lives of expectant clients, supporting them through one of life’s most miraculous journeys.

As I continue on this path, I remain grateful for the opportunity to change lives, one massage at a time. If you are a massage therapist looking to broaden your horizons, I encourage you to consider the profound impact of prenatal massage – it might just be the key to unlocking your true potential as a therapist.

About Chula Linda Gemignani

CMT, Bodyworker, DFR™ Founder, Instructor, Author, Somatic NLP Coach

Chula Linda Gemignani is a bodyworker with 20 years of practice and a pregnancy massage specialist widely known for her Dynamic Fascial Response™ massage approach that she developed. In addition to massage, Chula is a neuro linguistic, trauma-informed somatic coach. She is the author of
A Dynamic Guide To Pregnancy Massage: Prenatal, Labor Support and Postpartum Massage

Chula Gemignani is vetted and approved for providing Continued Education Units by the National Certification Board For Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. Her Courses earn CEUs.

“If you want your life and massage business to transform beyond where you currently are, attend Chula’s Pregnancy Massage Workshop. You will grow professionally and personally on many levels.”