Massage for Mama | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

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KAT WADE / SPECIAL TO THE STAR-ADVERTISER

Pregnancy hormones can cause swollen hands and ankles, so dads are encouraged to use light pressure when massaging, squeezing and stroking those areas to increase circulation

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Swipe or click to see more

KAT WADE / SPECIAL TO THE STAR-ADVERTISER

Pregnancy hormones can cause swollen hands and ankles, so dads are encouraged to use light pressure when massaging, squeezing and stroking those areas to increase circulation

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Swipe or click to see more

KAT WADE / SPECIAL TO THE STAR-ADVERTISER

Derek Lynch gives his nearly eight-month pregnant wife, Nikki Lynch, a “mama massage” under the watchful eye of doula Mahina Yahiro-O’Neill (not pictured) in their Honolulu home. Pregnancy hormones can cause swollen hands and ankles, so dads are encouraged to use light pressure when massaging, squeezing and stroking those areas to increase circulation. Moms can also enjoy light scalp massage, stroking from their shoulders down the length of their arm, or a quiet relaxing moment with dad while he provides a belly rub.

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Prenatal massage can reduce stress and relieve some of the normal aches and pains experienced during pregnancy. Parents-to-be can take a hands-on massage class offered through the Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Hawaii that can address dealing with backaches, leg cramps, headaches or swelling.

TIPS FOR MOMS-TO-BE

Lisa Kimura of Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Hawaii offers advice for healthy childbirth:

>> Get regular daily exercise such as walking or prenatal yoga. Daily squats are important, according to Kimura, to help build the muscles that are engaged during labor.

>> Find support. Look for groups and new-parent support resources while still pregnant. Since parents experience unique stress, it’s important to have nonjudgmental support.

>> Communication is key. Partners should check in to see if she wants to be touched. If so, try pressing lightly on a tense area like the forehead, shoulders or lower back during one breath and move to another spot as she takes her next breath (or until a contraction ends during labor).

>> For more information, visit hmhb-hawaii.org or call 951-6660.

This “Mama Massage” workshop deals with the physical aspects of pregnancy and childbirth, according to Lisa Kimura, executive director of Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Hawaii. “We are teaching dads how to ease the pains of pregnancy and labor,” she said. “Our organization is dedicated to moms before, during and after pregnancy.”

Partners will learn techniques that relieve tightness in the hips and back, reduce swollen ankles and manage pain during labor. Childbirth educator Mahina Yahiro-O’Neill hosts the 45-minute workshop to teach partners to utilize massage and relaxation exercises that can comfort expectant mothers through pregnancy and birth.

“When Mom and Dad have a connection, that’s the best tool for pain management. Just being there helps,” said Yahiro-O’Neill. “Physical contact is best because she is going through so much.

“Sometimes dads just don’t know what to do. They are in uncharted waters and we want to help them get started. It can be as simple as a stroking technique that provides a calming effect.”

The workshop will be held March 16 at 5:30 p.m. at the Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Hawaii office at 310 Paoakalani Ave., Suite 202A. Cost is $15 per couple.