About me
Hi, I'm Karlee Chilvers.
I'm a Pregnancy & Postnatal Massage Therapist, Midwife & Registered Nurse
With 16 years experience as a Midwife, I am passionate about supporting women throughout their pregnancy & postpartum journey...a transformative time.
At Magnolia Pregnancy Massage, pregnancy & postpartum massage is offered at our home massage room in Cardiff South, Lake Macquarie on Awabakal Country. Women are nurtured with a moment of relaxation, relief from pregnancy discomforts, time for connection with their growing bump, assistance with birth recovery & time for connection with their newborn baby.
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Physical Gift Vouchers
The perfect, thoughtful and practical gift for a mum-to-be or new mum. Gift vouchers are available for purchase from our room at Cardiff South. Contact via text, call, email or submit a contact form via the contact tab in the menu.
Frequently asked questions
Is pregnancy massage safe during the first trimester? Yes, despite common opinion, pregnancy massage is safe during the first trimester with a qualified pregnancy massage therapist.
What massage position is recommended for pregnancy massage? Side lying position offers a range of very positive responses for mum, baby and therapist and is the preferred treatment position at Magnolia Pregnancy Massage for many reasons including: - lengthens the lumbar spine reducing lumbar lordosis (forward tilting of the pelvis), a common cause of pelvic pain in pregnancy. - supports the pelvis, particularly for women experiencing Pelvic Girdle Pain. - places the pelvic muscles (psoas) at ease. - access for complete hip and gluteal muscle treatment. - easy access to all areas of the body for treament. - prevents increase in nasal congestion. - provides a sense of nurture and comfort. - allows therapist to maintain connection with mum and baby. - provides education on how to attain a safe and comfortable sleeping position at home for optimal pelvic support and preventing supine hypotension. Women are well supported with pillows, bolsters and a Denton's pregnancy pillow while in the side-lying position. At Magnolia Pregnancy Massage, side lying is the preferred position, though during the first trimester (depending on the pregnancy and the individual woman) prone (face down) and supine (on back) positions can be supported with adequate pillow supports.
What are the benefits of pregnancy massage? Pregnancy massage has many benefits throuhgout all three trimesters including: - mother-baby connection - relaxation - reduced anxiety - improved sleep patterns - helps ease back, hip, neck, shoulder and joint discomforts and muscular conditions common in pregnancy - reduction in swelling - improved proprioception to support body changes - improved muscular flexibility - time to rest
What are the benefits of postpartum massage? Once your baby is born, postpartum massage is beneficial for the following reasons: - allows time for slow reconnection to the abdomen and your recovering body - relaxation - caesarean scar healing support - postpartum pelvic pain and back pain relief - release of restricted muscles affected by posture and feeding positions - time to be nurtured physically and emotionally
How soon after birth can I have a postpartum massage? It depends on the birth. Anytime from the day after an uncomplicated vaginal birth is fine. After a caesarean section it is recommended to wait 6 weeks and have received clearance from your doctor. Recovery time after pregnancy can take many months, with healing, metabolic and hormonal changes still occurring up to and past 12months.
Can my baby come with me to a postpartum massage? Absolutely! If possible it is worth feeding baby just prior to the appointment, though I know babies aren't like clockwork. If your baby needs to feed throughout the massage it is not a problem at all, in fact baby can be safely secured next to you for a feed and a snuggle in side-lying position if required, and the massage treatment can continue. If some uninterrupted relaxation is what you need or baby is getting older and less likely to sleep or snuggle with you, then consider some solo time if possible.
What can I expect once I make a booking? You will receive a text from me a few days prior to you appointment with a link to an online pregnancy or postpartum massage assessment form to fill out and submit. I will contact you if there is any particular medical or obstetric history that requires further discussion prior to your appointment, to ensure your massage treatment is optimal, safe and individualised. If you have a high risk pregnancy, or significant obstetric or medical issues, it is best to discuss pregnancy massage with your health care provider and obtain clearance prior to your massage.
