References

"Massage therapy during the childbearing year facilitates the body/mind's ability to achieve deep levels of relaxation. The increased body awareness and comfort which massage gives the pregnant woman enhances her self-esteem and confidence. These benefits, in addition to allowing the pregnancy to be more enjoyable, undoubtedly are transmitted to her husband, her family, and her unborn child"

- Susan Porter-Levy, Psy.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Dallas, Texas

"I have had several patients benefit remarkably from massage. I think it helps women relax and become more in touch with their bodies. I find it especially helpful for very stressed moms, and moms with low backache or excessive swelling, as well as to induce labor. I personally found it very helpful during pregnancy. It helped to remember to visualize the relaxation experienced during massage while in labor."

- Margaret Christensen, M.D.
Obstetrician/Gynecologist
Dallas, Texas

"I have seen four out of five women go into labor 2 to 36 hours after a labor stimulation massage. Massage helps them to relax and let their bodies do whatever they need to do."

- Marty Lamb
Midwife, E.M.T.
Wolfe City, Texas

"Massage during labor is great. I know--we took the labor massage class and it really helped us get through labor, especially transition."

-Jane Charnock, AAHCC Childbirth Educator
Ed Charnock, M.D., Neurologist
De Soto, Texas

"We know that parents can best take care of their children when they are taken care of themselves."

- Ann Dunnewold, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Dallas, Texas

"I refer clients to Melody for specific aches and pains such as low back, sciatica, etc. She has done wonders for clients who went postdates, to help labor in a natural way by stimulating the body's own abilities."

-Vicki Patsdauter
Midwife/Director, Artemis House
Grapevine, Texas

"As a pre/post natal exercise instructor, I learned early on that a total fitness program wasn't complete without massage, not only for the birth process, but also for handling postpartum stresses and new motherhood. I strongly suggest pre/post natal massage to all the women in my exercise classes."

-Sherry Reed
Certified Pre/Post Natal Exercise Instructor
Dallas, Texas

"My husband and I took the labor massage class and thoroughly enjoyed it. After the birth of our baby, massage is again helping me to relax and has helped with my sore arms and other new baby discomforts. It's great, and I highly recommend it."

-Karen Schnute, M.D.
Pediatrician
Dallas, Texas

"The labor massage class was one of the best preparations we could have made for childbirth. The massage techniques we learned gave my husband more confidence in his role as a labor coach, and helped me to have the natural childbirth experience that I wanted. We recommend the birth massage class to anyone who wants a more positive birth experience."

- Tricia Loe
Dallas, Texas

"Going to a massage therapist is, in itself, an empowering act. So many times pregnant women try to maintain lifestyles that ignore all of the important changes going on in their bodies. Getting a massage affirms that they have a right to do something for themselves, and gives a woman time to reach her inner strength and her calm center."

-Jennifer Dulin
Midwife
Plano, Texas

"The massage therapy was very effective! I felt very relaxed and balanced that evening, and I went into labor around 3:00 A. M. The labor went very quickly and efficiently, lasting just under four hours. That's no comparison to the birth of my first child, which lasted 17 hours!"

-Yasmi Oxley
Carrollton, Texas

"The pressure point and massage techniques were so helpful during my labor. I very much wanted to have a natural birth this time around and I am so happy it was possible. Thank you for your part in making the birth so exciting and fulfilling."

-Angela Perez-Cisneros
De Soto, Texas

"I refer my patients to Melody for musculo-skeletal aches and pains associated with pregnancy and the postpartum period, as well as for problems associated with stress. I myself learned during pregnancy massage that I actually did not know how to relax at that time. Through the massage sessions, I learned relaxation techniques which will serve me for a lifetime. I personally benefited from the pressure-point massage to stimulate a natural onset of labor, and at times recommend this to my patients, with remarkable success."

-Renee L. Woods, M.D.
Obstetrician/Gynecologist
Richardson, Texas