Specializing in Pre- and Post-Natal Massage Therapy
We talked to Liz Meer, a massage therapist at SuNu Wellness in the Linden Hills neighborhood of Minneapolis, about specializing in pre- and post-natal massage. She shares why she chose the specialty, what a day in her life is like, and what she recommends if you’re interested in a career like hers. This is part of our Massage Specialty Series, where we’re talking to massage therapists who’ve specialized in interesting ways to help future students imagine their careers.
Choosing Massage Therapy
Liz Meer’s interest in massage first began when she moved to the Twin Cities in 2018 and began receiving regular massage and chiropractic care. “It worked wonders and made a huge difference in my overall health,” she shared.
“I started doing research into massage and holistic health practices, including looking into schools and programs here in the metro area. My program was five months long and very intensive. I was eager to get out into the working world.” Liz now utilizes several massage techniques including Swedish, deep tissue and trigger point and also has an undergraduate background in psychology.
Finding Her Specialty in Pregnancy and Postpartum
“I didn’t think that I would ever specialize or get extensive training in pre/postnatal massage,” shared Liz. “After working at SuNu, where a large portion of clients are pre- and post-natal, I developed a deep appreciation for individuals who carry and deliver babies.” Those clients, and hearing the experiences of many friends and coworkers during pregnancy and early parenthood, inspired her to learn more. “I want to expand on my education to further support my clients in pregnancy and post pregnancy,” she explained.
To that end, she is currently in a year long mentorship program to earn a certificate in advanced pre/postnatal orthopedic massage. After that, she plans to pursue doula training. A doula is a professional who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to people during pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum. Liz explained that she became interested after “hearing experiences with navigating the extensive appointments and side effects of pregnancy, and how it’s exhaustive and immense.” To support her clients, she has also trained in cupping, and earned her level 1 and 2 Reiki certification.
A Day in the Life of a Pre- and Post-Natal Massage Therapist
Liz works alongside chiropractors, acupuncturists, and other massage therapists at SuNu Wellness. “I typically see only three clients per day,” she shared. “Four clients in one day is my maximum, but three is the sweet spot for me that fills my schedule, but prevents burnout.”
She offers 60- and 90-minute massages and schedules a half hour between clients, “which gives me a chance to check in with my client before or after the massage, give aftercare suggestions, home stretches or exercises, or do charting.”
Liz emphasizes the importance of building a strong client-practitioner relationship, and encourages clients to schedule regular appointments. That way, she can foster a deeper understanding of their unique needs for relaxation, recovery, and healing. Beyond pregnancy and postpartum care, she treats TMJ, chronic headaches, and plantar fasciitis. She utilizes slow, controlled movements to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, allowing her to effectively address deeper muscle tension.
Should You Become a Pre- and Post-Natal Massage Therapist?
Liz shared what she loves about being a massage therapist, and specifically working with pregnant and postpartum clients:
I find massage in general to be very rewarding as I have never had a client who felt worse than when they first walked in.”
“Specifically to pre/postnatal massage, it’s very rewarding when you have a client who has a smooth labor and delivery. It’s also special when you get to feel the baby move!” Working with this population require extra knowledge and possibly additional training, but you get to be part of a very important time in someone’s life.
If you’re interested in specializing in pregnant patients or postpartum, Liz shared some advice: “I’ve found that hands-on experience is the best way to learn! My advice would be to look for an internship, mentorship, certificate, etc. that offers hands-on learning and work.”
Ready to get started? Check out NWHSU’s massage therapy program, where you can become certified in as little as eight months.