Since 1998 I have been combining my two loves: teaching and massage. As a certified prenatal massage therapist, I now offer classes for both experienced massage therapists and also for doulas who may be new to massage.
Labor Massage and Postpartum
Massage Classes for Doulas
A doula is trained to assist an expectant woman during childbirth and the immediate postpartum period. Through Natural Resources in San Francisco, I offer both labor massage and postpartum massage workshops for doulas. These classes introduce the basic concepts of massage and prepare the doulas to assist mothers at home or in the hospital without the need for massage tables or other equipment. Very specific techniques are taught to help a mom relax and cope with pain during labor. The hands on experience often proves invaluable and these doulas are much in demand!
"...especially valuable...the time and space to practice massaging as well as to ask clarifying questions! I felt like I had plenty of time to ask questions when I was unclear and to get your guidance and feedback...."
Prenatal Massage Classes for Massage Therapists
I often hear from new pregnant clients that they have been turned away from a spa or their regular massage therapist does not feel confident to continue working with them. It is important that therapists understand the benefits and precautions of prenatal massage and also how to ensure a pregnant woman's comfort on the massage table.
In my classes I demonstrate how to ensure a pregnant woman's complete safety and comfort in the side-lying position, using either a multitude of pillows or a Contoured Body Cushion. In shorter classes I then demonstrate how to safely adapt familiar massage techniques. In longer classes, we cover new techniques developed to address the specific needs of pregnant and postpartum women.
I currently teach classes at the Body Therapy Center in Palo Alto, the Massage Institute in Davis and the San Francisco School of Massage. I also assist Carole Osborne-Sheets in her nationwide Pre - and Perinatal massage certification program.
"I traveled a long way (7 hours) to take this short class and got what I came for...I will definitely use these techniques to give a more confident prenatal massage"
"I feel like the combination of slides, hands on and demos allowed me to retain the information easily"
"Bridget is a knowledgeable, great teacher and communicator"
