I Hate Prenatal Massages

One of the questions I get asked most often is, “What’s your favorite massage to do?” I don’t mind performing any of the modalities I’m trained in, but I genuinely dislike doing prenatal massages. Over the years, I’ve given many prenatal massages, and I’ve never enjoyed them—not once.

The main reason I dislike them so much is the side-lying position. Clients are usually complaining of back or neck pain, yet I prefer working on someone’s back when they’re face-down. In that position, the entire back is open and accessible. With side-lying, the spine is in an awkward position, and I can really only work on half the back at a time. I also love doing scalp massage, but again, only half of the head is accessible while the other half is pressed into the pillow or table.

My body mechanics feel completely off. I have to apply oil sideways, rotate my arms unnaturally, and work with my hands turned at odd angles. It just feels wrong. I’ve always hated doing prenatal massages, and that hasn’t changed.

Some places I’ve worked didn’t require me to do them, while others insisted that all staff members had to. Honestly, I would rather do five deep tissue massages in one day than a single hour-long prenatal massage. I’d even prefer working on someone for two straight hours over doing a 50-minute prenatal session. That’s how much I dislike them.