Whilst this was fantastic, I needed more, so I went on to complete my degree in massage therapy, writing original research on “the perceived benefits and barriers to women accessing postpartum massage and postpartum rehabilitation.” My research helped me to gain a deeper understanding of women in postpartum and their unique needs. I presented a workshop and seminar to my massage colleagues on the pelvic floor and the biopsychosocial aspects of pelvic organ prolapse, what it is and how it impacts us, psychologically, and how we are supported to cope with this condition within our families and society.
Postpartum massage firmly sits in the supportive realm with regards to pelvic organ prolapse. Normalising the conversation around prolapse is necessary and helps women to feel less alone and isolated. Being able to talk about prolapse and having resources to find support elsewhere too, reduces a person’s fear and shame. When we feel less afraid and ashamed, our nervous system responds by calming down, which translates to less tension in our musculoskeletal system and our symptoms of prolapse can decrease.
Being able to support women in postpartum is very meaningful for me. I did not have the support I needed when my children were small. No-one suggested that I have my pelvic floor assessed. I did not even know that pelvic health physiotherapists existed! I have developed my unique postpartum massage service to ensure that other women get the help, information and support they need at this crucial time in their lives.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
Definitely completing my degree year was the biggest breakthrough. The depth of knowledge I gained was the key to catapulting my business to the next level.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
I am very fortunate in that I am able to work from my home, so I can meet the needs of my clients as well as my family. Working throughout the day – and sometimes into the evening and weekends – feels easier when I can still be available to greet my kids when they come home from school, take them to appointments and sports commitments and just generally hang out and be there for them when they need it.
The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Developing a new service takes time, and marketing it takes even more time. Unfortunately, they do not teach marketing skills in massage school! Learning how to design a website, write content, create great flyers and business cards, and work out the best places to promote my service are all challenges that I have enjoyed.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
Running my own business means that I never fully switch off, except for Sundays! However, I love the freedom that comes with it. Being able to block out my time to meet the needs of my kids makes it totally worthwhile.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
My ultimate aim is to teach my fellow massage therapists how to provide postpartum massage services. There is a great need for more massage therapists to be able to support women through this very important part of their lives. Too few of my colleagues know enough about this area and I feel we are doing a disservice to women when we don’t upskill ourselves. In our massage training schools, very basic pregnancy massage is taught, but there is no mention, at all, of postpartum massage. It is my intention to change this.
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