Pre- and Perinatal Massage Therapy: A Comprehensive Guide to Prenatal, Labor, and Postpartum Practice, 2nd Edition (LWW Massage Therapy and Bodywork Educational Series)

My words cannot adaquately describe the gratitude I feel to Carole for writing this book. As someone who is passionate about prenatal massage, I think I have read every pregnancy massage book on the market (in addition to taking several prenatal massage courses). This edition of her "Pre and Perinatal Massage Therapy" book goes FAR, FAR beyond any other book I have read! Osborne is detailed and thorough in the important background education a therapist needs in order to understand the pregnancy journey for normal and special needs moms. Additionally, I was amazed to find most of the massage techniques she teaches in her hands-on classes described in stroke-by-stroke detail.I am a therapist who has an ethical problem with non pregnancy certified therapists offering pregnancy massage for many reasons I will not go into here. However, after reading this book, I now believe a non-certified therapist who follows all the instructions in this amazing book, (and lots of practice), could safely and successfully provide mom and her precious baby a great massage.This book is a MUST for both the novice and well-seasoned prenatal massage therapist...

I'm not a maternity massage specialist but I do see pregnant women in my practice and I have to say that this book is my bible. Every subject in the book (from the first trimester to scar work to the lingering effects of pregnancy long after the child is born) includes topics that are broken down into Intentions, Procedure, hints, and Precautions and every topic is so helpful. Diagrams, photos and charts help to summarize the information. I've used much of what I have learned from Osborne to serve me in other types of massages as well. Every massage therapist should have this book handy.

Good info. Some info is repetitive but overall well written. Online resources don’t exist so that’s the biggest con about this book.

This is a wonderful book for anyone who works with pregnant women or women in labor. I especially love the sympathetic sedation technique using 2 fingers and stroking downward along the woman's back. It is very effective at calming a woman, allowing rest and during active labor it helps soothe a woman and helps release fear. This book is top notch.

As a licensed certified massage therapist, I found this book to be of great benefit not only in prenatal massage therapy education, but in massage therapy education in general. The book is both a great reference book and resource and also an outstanding step-by-step how-to and why-to guide! The online access to additional materials that comes with the book is also very worthwhile and an important supplement to the book. I highly recommend this book to all massage therapists.

This is THE book to buy if you're a massage professional. Written by the expert herself. Don't give a prenatal massage without reading this book!

Very informative. Easy application into prenatal practice. Great author. I would buy other books from her. She is thruruo.

Carol Osborne's reference is thorough, easy to follow, with lots of examples, illustrations and descriptions that allow the experienced massage therapist to translate their work with the general population into work with pregnancy. It is a very comprehensive guide, covering all aspects of pregnancy massage, with a particular focus on health concerns and contraindications, which is appropriate: first, do no harm!!!

Love it. Great reference guide

Love the book, great information recommended by my teacher pleased with the price. Overall great purchase

I feel a greater level of competency treating my pregnant clients with the thorough, well-organized content of the book and accompanied video. The only reason for only 4-star is that the online resource that is advertised is no longer available if it ever was :-(.

Great for practice/office. Helps treating pregnant patients better.