Floating Babies

Water is a natural element that babies can relate too. Their bodies are literally born out of water, with the addition of having spent 10 months in a amniotic sac suspended in amniotic fluid.  Babies record everything they experience in their nervous system, muscles and digestive system. Unless they are provided with enough ‘pause’ they … Read more

Understanding the Fluid Dynamics of Craniosacral Therapy

All organisms seek to find balance individually and within their whole ecosystem. We can see this clearly demonstrated in nature when we look at a tree that continues to live and grow by adapting its growth pattern around dismemberment or the way the tree may grow in a spiral around another neighboring tree that stands … Read more

Visceral Abdominal Massage in Charlottesville, Va

Did you know….. Dominique is one of the Only Therapist in our area that has extensive training and experience in Abdominal and Visceral Manipulation Therapy? She has taught many therapist her techniques over the years through her course: Exploring the Abdomen and Organ System: Balancing Visceral Dynamics a 20 hr NCBTMB approved CE course for massage therapist. Many therapist and … Read more

Craniosacral Therapy and Prenatal Care

Craniosacral
Therapy is a type of Manual Therapy that Calms/Balances the Nervous System of
both, mother and child, encouraging emotional bonding which can otherwise be
short-circuited due to pre-natal and birth trauma/stress. When Mom’s
system is soothed and balanced during pregnancy, baby gains huge benefits. The
mother also benefits.  Quality of prenatal
care has a vast affect on birth outcomes. The best prenatal care includes one
that addressed both the physical and emotional wellbeing of the mother. Craniosacral
throughout pregnancy can help a mother be in process with her baby (and her
life!) while creating an opportunity to let go of any physical condition she
may be holding on to in her body.

Craniosacral
Therapy is a whole body therapy that uses a light touch to listen to subtle
rhythms and patterns within fascial system of the body. Unresolved tensions
from physical and emotional stress can affect and restrict the natural healthy
motion and function of the Muscular Skeletal System AND the Central Nervous
System within the body, leading to stress symptoms, discomfort and pain.
Craniosacral Therapy enables the body to realign to its natural health and
healing place by restoring motion and vitality.

 The
Basic Principles of Craniosacral Therapy:

There
are 2 basic forces at work in the living body: the Biodynamic Potencies generated
by the Breath of Life and Biokinetic or Conditional Forces introduced
into the system via trauma and life experiences (inertial fulcrums).

Nervous
system function is driving the conditional forces (and vice versa) which can
restrict the potent expression of the Inherent Health.

      The
craniosacral system (CSS) consists of the brain, spinal cord and the three
membranes that completely surround it, the cerebral spinal fluid, and the
fascial connections to all systems of the body through fluid dynamics and
nervous system balance.

      The
practitioner uses gentle soft tissue release by ‘listening’ to the craniosacral
rhythms to release tension in the fascia and fluid system throughout the whole
body. The craniosacral therapist assesses the body for restrictions and uses a
very light touch to encourage expansion, mobility and healing. 

      Unique
from other systems of the body, the CSS actually slows down and enters into
stillpoints. These rests are a therapeutic time of revitalization for the
CSS—similar to rebooting a computer. After facilitating a craniosacral
stillpoint, the individual’s CSS functions more strongly and is better
coordinated; the body is using its own innate ability to heal. This balances
the nervous system and greatly benefits the health of the baby.

Regular
Craniosacral Therapy Sessions During Pregnancy Can Help:

      Maintain
Health, Well-Being and Immunity.

      Depression

      Musculoskeletal
Dysfunction

      Chronic
Stress and Anxiety

      Migraine
Headaches

      Neck
and Back Pain

      Hormonal
Balance

      Supports
Brain Health and Nervous System Regulation for both Moms and Babies.

Birth
Psychology

The
unborn and infant child experiences what the mother experiences, what the
family experiences, and builds their body to suit the environment surrounding
the outside field of which it grows – this provides the template for physical
and mental health decades later. = Epigenetics – precursor to if and when
certain genes will be turned on later on in life.

Cortisol – effects of high stress

Prenatal Care that is more than just diet and
lifestyle is very important to birth outcomes and the future health of the
child. This consideration is an essential ingredient that all too often lacking
within the Medical Model of Care. The Midwifery Model of Care provides the kind
of care that incorporates physical, psychological and spiritual support.

Bodywork will not be able to replace this kind of holistic
care; however, it can greatly enhance a woman’s self care regimen in pregnancy
which directly affects the overall Health of mother and child.  

Bringing the Midwifery Model of Care into the Medical Prenatal Experience

The application of the Midwifery Model of Care has been proven to reduce the incidence of birth injury, trauma, and cesarean section. May 1996 Midwifery Task Force

 Pregnancy and birth are normal life processes. Quality of prenatal care has a vast affect on birth outcomes. The best prenatal care includes one that addressed both the physical and emotional wellbeing of the mother. The traditional Medical Model of Care has an attitude that birth is an event that needs to be controlled, monitored and managed within a certain amount of parameters. Often centered on pain medications, continuous monitoring and interventions; there is an incredible level of fear around birth
in North America which has lead to the over medicalization of birth.

Read moreBringing the Midwifery Model of Care into the Medical Prenatal Experience

Midwifery Model of Care vs Medical Model of Care: Surrounding Childbirth

One of the biggest differences between the medical model of care and the midwifery model of care is the individualization of care that the midwife provides. To truly individualize care means to strive for an in-depth understanding of a particular woman: her unique physical, emotional and mental circumstances with regard to her physical well-being and living environment as well as her hopes and fears about birth.

Read moreMidwifery Model of Care vs Medical Model of Care: Surrounding Childbirth

Breastfeeding and the Doula

 

All babies have an innate instinct towards breastfeeding. Babies are naturally born knowing the way to the breast. What gets lost in the ability to successfully breastfeed is often the lack of support for mothers.

Babies know how to signal to the mother when they are hungry and when they are full. They know how to regulate the breast milk and make adjustments so that they get their individual nutritional needs met. Feeding in shorted periods can make more liquid / more water and longer feedings make for thicker nutrient milk.

Read moreBreastfeeding and the Doula