What are the benefits of pregnancy massage? Some of the benefits of massage therapy and bodywork in pregnancy and labor include: emotional support in a time of transition; relaxation and stress reduction; immune system enhancement; increased blood and lymph circulation; reduction of leg edema; relief of muscle spasms and myofascial pain; reduction of strain and dysfunction in weight-bearing joints and myofascial structures; development of sensory awareness to prepare for the experience of labor; improved labor outcome with reduced pain perception and shorter labors; and enhancement of a mother’s ability to touch her own baby lovingly.

Why should women receive post-partum massage? Massage therapy can facilitate recovery from birth trauma, especially if the birth was physically or emotionally stressful, through enhanced circulation and lymphatic drainage. Massage can alleviate muscle strain or soreness that may have been caused by labor. There are specific non-invasive techniques, support measures, and exercise that can help women heal more quickly from episiotomy or tearing, hemorrhoids, and bladder disorders. Every woman wants her abdomen to return to its pre-pregnancy state. Specific bodywork techniques and exercise can address the skin, connective tissue, and muscles of the abdomen to restore the elasticity and tone of her abdomen. Because pregnancy changes a woman’s center of gravity, her proprioceptors need to be re-set to enable her to regain appropriate posture. She also needs to re-learn how to use certain weight bearing muscles. Post partum bodywork also gives women the opportunity to process the birth experience, especially if there were complications or challenges during labor.

How long is the Bodywork for the Childbearing Year® training? It's a 34 hour/four day class that meets from 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. every day.

If I'm coming from out of town and I want to share expenses on a hotel room, how do I go about it? We maintain a roommate list for just that reason. Let us know if you are interested in room sharing. In addition, if you live near near a training location and wish to "rent" out an extra bedroom or sofa bed, let us know so that we can pass that information along.

What are the costs? Starting in January '09 our prices have increased. There is a $100 non-refundable registration fee. The total fee for the course is $595 if registration is made one month before the starting day of the seminar, $695 thereafter. Upon registration you will receive detailed information with a course overview, requirements, preparation guidelines, and the course syllabus.

What is the cancellation policy? If cancellation is made more than 14 days before the start of the seminar, all but the $100 non-refundable deposit will be returned. However your deposit may be applied to another class within the following three years. If cancellation is made 14 days or less prior to the training, there will be no refund given; however your tuition can be applied to another class within the following three years.

What are the prerequisites? You should be a practicing Massage Therapist or Physical Therapist with good anatomical knowledge and with some skill and experience in Swedish massage and at least one of the following: deep tissue, trigger point massage, neuromuscular therapy, or myofascial release; or you may be a nurse-midwife or midwife. Advanced students of massage therapy, nurses, or childbirth educators may contact the instructors of the course prior to their enrollment for approval.

Do I need to bring anything with me to class? 1) Four bed pillows with pillow cases; OR Contoured Body Cushion or body pillow, plus two additional bed pillows. 2) Three sets of linens (two sheets each set) and pillow cases. 3) Two hand towels. 4) Your massage table (if you are driving to the training). In addition, if you live within a 45 minute drive of the training site, you need to obtain a pregnant model for the one-hour practicum held on Saturday afternoon.

Will I receive any instructional materials? You will receive a 120 page illustrated student handbook with in-depth descriptions of techniques, numerous pamphlets, and other printed materials.

What are the requirements to receive certification? Attendance and active participation in 34 hours of class, 80% accuracy on the written test, and satisfactory performance on hands-on techniques. Students who do not qualify at the end of the workshop may be asked to do additional study and practice to complete the requirements of the course.

Who do I get the certification from? You will receive professional certification from the presenter's organization, Kate Jordan Seminars, La Jolla, California, if all requirements are satisfied.

Can I receive continuing education credits for completing Bodywork for the Childbearing Year®? Kate Jordan Seminars is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a Category A continuing education provider. Kate Jordan Seminars is authorized to provide CEU's for nurses from the State of California and is an approved provider of continuing education to massage therapists licensed in the State of Florida. Kate Jordan Seminars meets current standards for continuing education for both the American Massage Therapy Association and Doulas of North America, and is recognized by ABMP for membership.