Male Pre & Perinatal therapist

[COOL FOR CATS]

Are males excepted in the maternity massage field?

I have discussed massage with 2 expecting ladies and both expressed an interest in receiving a massage from me. Plus my wifes birthing coach highly recommended a massage therapist during labor and delivery. After these discussions the thought of taking the training has crossed my mind.

Is this modality just for female therapies?
Are pregnant women comfortable receiving a massage from a male therapist?
Are there any male prenatal therapist that can share his experiences?
Or am I the only male therapist that has an interest here?

 

[DeweyWatermelon]

Shoot!! Go for it!!

I think a lot of male MT's stick to sports or NMT, but that is not the way it needs to be. There are plenty of sucessful male OBGYN's, why cant you be a sucess too?

Go for it!! Be a purple cow standing out in a field of plain old black and white cows!!

 

[Charming Sociopath]

While the majority of therapists who offer pre-natal massage are probably female, there certainly is no exclusion for men in this modality. I took a pregnancy massage seminar this past weekend and there were 4 men in the class (out of about 50 or so)

I agree....go for it!

Angie

 

[misslabeled]

I've taken 4 womens through pregnancy, with out any formal training other than my massage schooling. Which didn't address preg at all. I've had a number of preg ladies come once, as well.

Thinking of targeting pregnant ladies for a couples massage class soon.

 

[Redneck_Girl325]

I think pregnant women are just looking for someone to help them with their aches, they may be used to seeing a male doctor, they can probably cope with a male massage therapist. 3rd trimester, I think they'll let anything, male/female/alien, help

 

[swelou]

As a current MT and former (x3) pregnant woman I wouldn't hesitate to utilize a male prenatal MT. Massage is massage as far as receiving goes while pregnant IMO, there isn't going to be anything any different on the receiving end. Draping still professional, etc. So I'd say go for it!

The only time gender in health care/pregnancy ever made me uncomfortable was a male nurse on the hospital floor after my second child was born. I wasn't as uncomfortable as if it had been my first child, but still... I just was. t102

 

[MehChuXD]

The only time gender in health care/pregnancy ever made me uncomfortable was a male nurse on the hospital floor after my second child was born. I wasn't as uncomfortable as if it had been my first child, but still... I just was. t102

Not to hijack this thread but I just had to add this. I had surgery on my shoulder a few years ago and while in post-op I had a male nurse. He went to assist me to go to the bathroom (a requirement for leaving after day-surgery) and since my arm was in a sling (and totally unusable because I'd had a nerve block) he got me into the bathroom, turned me around in front of the toilet, pulled down my panties (I'd been allowed to keep them on since it was shoulder surgery) ,sat me on the potty and left after telling me to ring when I was ready to get back up again.

Well....and keep in mind that I was still goofy from the anesthesia....I couldn't stop laughing cause I couldn't stop thinking that a man had just pulled down my panties!!

t082

It didn't make me uncomfortable and I felt really silly because he was completely professional and I consider myself open-minded and reasonable but I just couldn't stop laughing.

Ok...now back to the subject at hand.

Angie

 

[IslandArtiste]

Male Pre & Perinatal therapist

Are males excepted in the maternity massage field?

I have discussed massage with 2 expecting ladies and both expressed an interest in receiving a massage from me. Plus my wifes birthing coach highly recommended a massage therapist during labor and delivery. After these discussions the thought of taking the training has crossed my mind.

Is this modality just for female therapies?
Are pregnant women comfortable receiving a massage from a male therapist?
Are there any male prenatal therapist that can share his experiences?
Or am I the only male therapist that has an interest here?

They may be 'excepted' but hopefully you will be 'accepted'

This is somewhat related:
I had a friend who was a MT and massage school instructor who also volunteered as a doula. He was the father of 2 girls and quite nurturing. It was looked on as odd but when women gave him a chance, tey loved his energy, presence, strength and massage.

I think it is great that you are looking offer these services to women. As a mom, doula, massage therapist and a woman I have to say I hope you seek training before doing this type of massage because, to be honest, the idea of a person untrained in pregnancy massage working on a pregnant woman frightens me. I have seen crazy, negligent things happen with clients from estheticians and massage therapists who were mothers themselves even! Working in the Birthing Center of a hospital and with Midwives has taught me alot about pregnancy and so I am conservative when it comes to massage and pregnancy.

 

[morton]

if you're drawn to do the work, then go for it.