Pregnancy And Childbirth »

Pregnancy and childbirth: A holistic approach to massage and bodywork brings together, for the first time, western and eastern approaches to provide a solid base of theoretical and practical information for bodywork practitioners. It describes in detail the application of massage and shiatsu from early pregnancy, including work during labour up to the end of the first year postnatally for the mother.

Students and practitioners can use the text as a learning manual and reference tool

Full text referencing

Presented with clear diagrams, photographs, and summary boxes

Clinical accuracy: reviewed by, and with contributions from, international specialists including midwives, obstetricians, osteopaths, chiropractors, acupuncturists, aromatherapists and massage therapists.

Includes:

Anatomy and physiology and their implications for bodywork

Detailed eastern theory including changes in the meridians and the extraordinary vessels and energy presentations

Assessment realities and modifications including orthopaedic testing

Discussion of issues for each area of the body including descriptions of bodywork techniques with energy-based approaches

Testimonials illustrating aspects of work

Discussion of after-care including exercise strategies

Discussion of professional issues including an exploration of the role of the therapist within the broader medical community

Information on working with the higher-risk pregnant client and the effects of medical procedures in labour, on work in labour and in the postnatal period.

Foreword vii

Acknowledgements viii

Preface ix

Contributors x

Glossary xi

Abbreviations xiii

Introduction 1

Section 1 Theory: western and eastern approaches

1 Western approach to pregnancy 7

2 Western approach to labour 63

3 Western approach to the postpartum 99

4 Introduction to the eastern approach 121

5 Eastern approach to pregnancy 131

6 Eastern approach to labour 151

7 Eastern approach to the postpartum 167

Section 2 Practical bodywork

8 Introduction to bodywork 181

9 Practical bodywork in pregnancy 225

10 Practical bodywork in labour 281

11 Practical bodywork in the postpartum 313

12 Aftercare and self-care 339

13 The medical approach to labour 353

14 Working with higher-risk maternity clients 367

15 Professional issues 393

Appendix 1 Useful contacts and resources 405

Index 409