I was warned that my back would get sore with the extra weight and with your joints also relaxing as your body preps for childbirth, but I underestimated how sore.
I have a bad back, on a good day (thanks to a bad car accident in 2001), never mind the extra baby bump weight and besides going to a chiropractor often, I’ve indulged in some pregnancy pamper time.
I’m taking full advantage of being able to pamper myself, while I have the chance. Everyone warns me that once baby is here, that “me-time” is a luxury and a thing of the past.
I was booked in for a Pregnancy Massage at the beautiful 12 Apostles Spa. I’ve never been to this spa, but I’ve heard wonderful ravings, so I was excited for my own experience.
The winding drive from Sea Point to the 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa is so beautifully scenic that by the time you arrive, you already feel relaxed from just seeing the glistening ocean and impressive mountains.
The Spa is as tranquil as one would expect and I love all the decor.
I was welcomed and shown the changing area where I could lock my belongings away and get comfortable in an oversized patterned robe and slip-on slippers.
I was then led to a waiting area where I could help myself to waters, freshly cut fruit, muffins and crunchies. I was lead into a treatment room where I met my therapist, Zama. She explained the whole process to me and allowed me to get unrobed and onto the table, lying on my left side. She placed a pillow under my belly and between my legs. You can’t lie on your back for too long at this stage, as the weight puts pressure on your back and organs and it can also block off the blood supply to baby.
She explained that she would be using Mama Mio Products, the leading pregnancy skincare brand in the world. I’m already a huge fan because I know the products work well in protecting my skin against stretch marks and as there are no nasties, I know it’s safe for Baby G too.
A pregnancy massage is a little different to other massages. You cannot go too deep, but trust me, just a little pressure is enough to make you feel the stresses melt away and the aches and pains ease. There are also certain areas that don’t get massaged as they can induce labour. Eek, no thanks – not yet!
Zama used the Mama Mio Omega Rich Massage oil on my lower back, spine and shoulders and neck. BLISS. She also did a figure of 8 move that relieves the sciatic nerve, which compresses during pregnancy.
For the arm massage, Zama worked all the way from the wrist to the shoulder. She also did drainage movements around the wrists for water retention.
For my legs she used the Mama Mio Lucky Legs treatment – amazing for swollen feet and ankles. It felt magical.
Once the one side was done, I was helped and rolled over onto my other side, where the entire massage procedure was then repeated.
I rolled onto my back, propped up a little (so it’s safe) for the scalp massage using the Mama Mio Tender Touch Facial Oil and the last step was applying two of Mama Mio’s hero products – Tummy Rub Oil and Tummy Rub Butter – very lightly, in feather-like movements onto my belly, as well as Pregnancy Boob Tube, which she applied over my décolleté area.
Look at my bump sticking out of the towel! Smuggling a soccer ball! Haha!
Baby G loved the massage so much too because he kept giving me little happy kicks. I can’t explain the feeling, but I know when he’s adjusting and moving because it feels like a rolling feeling under my skin. I can feel the harder kicks and punches with the jabs and then he has this little happy dance/kick he does… well, that’s what I call it anyway.
I was helped up, left so I could dress and had fresh water waiting for me outside, which I gulped down. It’s so good to drink a lot of water to flush out any toxins after a massage.
It was glorious! Thank you so much Zama!
I can still see my toes! Ha!
Post Pregnancy Massage Bliss…
I definitely want to return to the spa, with Sox and actually spend more time using the facilities. I’m already craving another Mama Mio Pregnancy Massage.
4 Comments
How lovely! If you’re in Jo’burg travelling while still pregnant, do yourself a favour and go for a pregnancy massage at Rivonia Skin Sense Day Spa for a pregnancy massage. I went in the last month with both my pregnancies and the highlight is that they have a table for pregnant women that has a hole in it and linen underneath to support your tummy mean…you can LAY ON YOUR TUMMY and get a back massage!!! Pure heaven 🙂
April 11, 2017 at 5:48 amThanks for clearing that up, Ive actually often wondered how it works to get a pregnancy massage LOL
That spa looks totally amazing!
April 12, 2017 at 11:19 amI’m not pregnant and this has me craving one of these! I think it’s time I scheduled my favourite – a deep tissue massage!
April 13, 2017 at 1:25 pmTHE ABSOLUTE BEST!!
I actually prefer preggy massages because the lying on your side and hugging a pillow is so comfy for me. The Oyster Box spa is the 12 Apostles sister hotel and spa and it is my favorite in Durban – I had two of their preggy massages this last pregnancy and cannot wait for my first post-baby massage!
We should plan one when you come to Durbs next…
April 17, 2017 at 8:38 amx