The Chickadee Tweet – Misty Pratt

 

Early pregnancy was not much fun for me. Actually, to be honest, I didn’t enjoy pregnancy in general. Some women are very content in their changing bodies – they eat healthier, exercise more, and seem to blossom with each passing day.

I, on the other hand, morph from a relatively smart, functioning woman, to a vomiting, sobbing and snotty mess. I didn’t eat healthy at all in the first few months. I followed the “white” diet – white bread, white pasta, and maybe some ice cream. I was sick constantly, and my moods fluctuated like this unseasonal March weather we’re having. I also developed what I called the Crazy Ear Disease (otherwise known as Patulous Eustachian tube, a very rare disorder that seemed to be triggered by the pregnancy hormone Relaxin), which followed me right through to the birth.

Add to that the fact that dear daughter was an unplanned pregnancy. Yes, of course I’d thought about children (I was 28 years old after all); I just didn’t think it would happen 3 months following my wedding, at a time when most couples are excited to spend their honeymoon phase travelling or saving money to buy a house. And despite my age, I knew very few friends who were pregnant or had given birth. So there weren’t a lot of people to turn to in the months following conception.

One morning, after my routine of dry heaves and soda crackers, hubby brought me his local business newspaper – a publication that highlighted business news in the Ottawa area. On the front cover was an announcement that a local massage therapy practice had hired their first Registered Massage Therapist who was trained in pre- and post-natal massage. Her name was Anna Belanger.

I booked myself a massage, and arrived not quite knowing what to expect. I had been for massage therapy in the past, but never with a growing belly. Anna introduced me to her special “pillows,” which allowed me to lie on my tummy, with my belly and breasts hanging comfortably in the curves of the pillow.

Well let me tell ya’: that first massage was an eye opener. I left the clinic practically floating to my car. And not only did I feel good physically, but I also felt a renewed sense of hope. Finally, someone got it. Someone was able to relate to my nausea and vomiting, my pregnancy neuroses, and my anxiety over becoming a first time mom. As a mother of four, Anna could relate to all of my worries. She not only helped to reduce these worries, but added some much-needed humour to the situation.

I continued to see Anna throughout my pregnancy, and then in a moment of fate, asked her to be the backup doula for my birth. The woman I had asked to be my primary doula was going away to a wedding 3 days following my due date. Anna’s spidey senses told her that she would be the one attending my birth, and she was right! Anna provided continual support throughout the birth of my daughter, and got to witness even more of my puking, snotty self In the postpartum weeks, she was the one who taught me how to breastfeed lying down, as we practiced right on her massage table! Newborn babies are always welcome in Anna’s clinic (although let your hubby take the baby away after the cooing and ahhing is over – you need to enjoy your postpartum massage!).

In the years since that first massage, I have remained one of Anna’s devoted clients, and have watched her small business grow into a booming niche-clinic in the Glebe. And although you’ll hear some occasional selfish complaints from me (e.g. I have to wait how long to see you again??), I am over-the-moon with joy for her and her associates. It was because of Anna that I am now a doula myself, and share her passion for working with women.

So when I peed on a little stick several weeks ago and saw this…..

 

 

….I knew who I needed to call. I’m excited that Anna will be able to attend the birth of baby #2, and I’m also thrilled that I now have an excuse to book a monthly massage (not that I needed one!)

As women, we are destined to live through such a multitude of scary, joyful and heartbreaking experiences, and it’s a must that we surround ourselves with people who “get” us. Some of us are experiencing loss. Others are dealing with the ravages of infertility. Many of us are moving through pregnancy and birth. Some have no interest in babies at all, but are struggling with other physical and mental health concerns. And some are witnessing the drastic hormonal shifts that occur as we say goodbye to our childbearing years. In all of this, a gentle hand and a kind word is all we need to be able to take a deep breath, and relax into our bodies – as imperfectly perfect as they are.

So if you are a woman living in the Ottawa area, do yourself a favour, and book a massage with Anna Belanger and Associates.

And join me in taking a deep breath…here we go again!!

 

This entry was posted on Monday, March 26th, 2012.

Sara McConnell’s Visit to our Clinic!

When I first started my photography business over a year ago, a friend introduced me to Anna Belanger of Anna Belanger and Associates. I was looking for somewhere to display a selection of my maternity photographs and Anna was looking for new photographs to decorate the rooms in her clinic. I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to step into Anna’s clinic and see some of my favourite photographs displayed on her walls.

I am currently expecting my third son and when Anna offered me in a massage in exchange for writing about my experience I was thrilled. Not only do I love to write but being pregnant, parenting 3 and 5 year old boys, and running my own business, means I have a limited amount of time to take care of myself and enjoy the experience of this pregnancy. Anna’s offer was the perfect reminder that no matter how busy I am, it’s important to take time for myself to enjoy my pregnancy and take care of my aching body.

I love the space at Anna’s clinic for several reasons. It’s warm, cozy, inviting, and so very quiet! As a mother of you boys, quiet is something I don’t experience a lot of. The clinic is a women’s wellness clinic, which means the décor and atmosphere is aimed at welcoming women into the space. There are beautiful casts of women’s bodies, photographs, and books about childbirth and pregnancy. Along with being a registered massage therapist, Anna is also a registered Doula.

As a teenager I was a competitive athlete and just over a year ago took up running. Because of the injuries I’ve experienced, I’ve had a lot of massages. What I appreciated most about my massage at Anna’s was her knowledge and experience with women and pregnancy. There are a lot of aches and pains and concerns that are specific to a pregnant woman’s body and it’s important to me that the person who is giving the massage really understands those challenges. Although pregnancy is a wonderful time it can also be demanding both physically and emotionally, not to mention any possible complications with your health or your unborn baby’s health.

Anna has years of experience working with pregnant women and new moms and her empathy to your experiences during pregnancy is wonderful. She has worked with pregnant women of all ages (and stages of pregnancy) as well as those whose pregnancies and deliveries were traumatic. Although massage is about relieving the physical discomfort of pregnancy and relaxation, it’s also an opportunity for you to connect with someone (if you want to) about how you’re feeling during your pregnancy. Sometimes when you’re pregnant it’s nice to have the opportunity to talk to someone, an unbiased third party if you will, about your experiences. The Anna Belanger & Associates clinic is a place where you can get that support.

My job as a photographer is fairly physically demanding. Because I photograph babies, children, and families, I spend a lot of time on the floor and getting up and down (to arrange lights and props and sing and dance). I have the added challenge of spending an equal amount of time in front of my computer editing and processing images, which I find results in an aching back and hips. My massage at Anna’s was perfectly timed; I’d just finished three days and 18 Valentine’s photography sessions and was in need of some TLC.

There’s nothing better than sinking onto a cozy, cushioned warm treatment table on your belly, especially when you’re pregnant. The pregnancy support cushions at the clinic mean you can enjoy your massage on your stomach, which was a relief after spending so much time sleeping and lying on my sides! Did I mention that it was dark and quiet and peaceful? I might have already alluded to the importance of that to my experience with massages

If you prefer silence during your treatments, that’s okay. But if you’d like to talk then Anna will let you guide the conversation wherever it may take you. Because of ongoing issues with my lower back Anna focused more on treating the areas of discomfort before moving on to a more-relaxation focused treatment. I especially appreciated the work on my arms and neck, which tend to be especially tense from all the time I spend with my camera and on my computer.

I can’t tell you how helpful massage can be for swelling and discomfort (stiff legs, back) when you spend a lot of time sitting. At the same time if you have specific trouble zones (back, legs, neck/shoulders), it’s a great opportunity for relief from headaches or pain and discomfort. I slithered off the table after an hour and might have possible napped for an hour on the couch when I got home. I am not a napper (nor are my children) so this was a rare treat.

As a third-time mom indulge me in some finger wagging if you aren’t taking care of yourself during your pregnancy. Eating well, sleep, and massage are all a part of that. Since seeing Anna I have made a commitment to slow down and make sure I take time for activities that I know will help make my pregnancy a more enjoyable experience. More time in the pool, more time with my feet up, and more massages! At only 24 weeks I know I still have several months left and I want to make sure I can enjoy them pain-free before the baby arrives. I’m also doing my best this time around to embrace my pregnant body (it’s not pretty after carrying two large babies!) and I really appreciated going to a massage clinic that is for women and caters to women’s needs. It felt good to know that the therapists have seen women’s bodies of all shapes and sizes and that I won’t feel self-conscious about my stretch marks and pregnancy weight. I know that was a barrier to seeking out massages during my second pregnancy; I had a hard time finding a clinic where I felt comfortable and relaxed.

If you’re already a patient at Anna’s clinic then maybe I’ll see you sometime in the waiting room (I’ll nod quietly so as to not disturb the peace). If you haven’t been but have been looking for a massage clinic that specializes in treating pregnant women then it’s time to get in touch with Anna Belanger & Associates. As Ottawa’s only Women’s Wellness Clinic, it’s the perfect place to relax, unwind, and find relief from the aches and pains that pregnancy throws your way.

This entry was posted on Monday, February 27th, 2012.

Our write up in Kids in the Capital

Thank you so much to Amanda DeGrace of Little Lotus Yoga for the wonderful write up in (KITC) Kids in the Capital! Families can check out what is going on in our city by check out KITC!  Check out our write up about Pregnancy Massage in our beautiful capital city.

 

 

This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 15th, 2012.

Welcome to our new website!

Welcome to our new website and weblog. We are very excited to ring in the New Year with our new website and hope to be able to blog about life, food, health, family and women’s wellness! We are happy to share all the changes that are going on!

Please browse through the site and check out who we are and what we offer. We all have extensive experience with pregnancy massage and massaging women in various stages of life.

Book an appointment to come visit our quiet, spa-like, therapeutic respite at Bank and Sunnyside in Old Ottawa South. For our clients, and our own, personal pleasure we are located beside an amazing bakery, gelato store, Wine Rack, Bridgehead and Starbucks! We don’t accept gratuities therefore you may want to treat yourself to any of the above mentioned.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 6th, 2011.