Courses for Massage Therapists

Course textbook

The course book is "Pregnancy and Childbirth. A Holistic Approach to Massage and Bodywork", by Suzanne Yates.

Article on Suzanne’s work

You can read an article written by Suzanne for a more in-depth view of the "Well Mother" approach to pregnancy, birth, early parenting and shiatsu.

On-going support

On-going support is provided through individual supervision, CPD and a message board (this is not a public forum).

Courses open to any massage therapist

Massage and Pregnancy Diploma Course

4 day course for massage therapists

This is the core training course for massage therapists wishing to specialise in pregnancy work and be able to work confidently during all three trimesters as well as being able to work with the "higher risk" client (eg clients suffering from pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes etc). It includes some work for preparing for birth and birth itself and an introduction to work in the postnatal period. , It covers detailed techniques and approaches for all areas of the body, especially focusing on the back and the abdomen. It includes some energy approaches (shiatsu based) as well as more traditional Swedish approaches and lymphatic work. On the last day of the course there is a practical assessment where students work for one and half hours with a pregnant woman. Afterwards there is a 6 month period of consolidation of the course through case study and project work. After receiving the diploma students can feel confident that they have one of the most rigorous pregnancy massage qualifications in the world.

Once this training is completed, therapists may attend the Postnatal massage course and Massage for labour as well as the Continuing education days and other courses which Well Mother runs through the year. The “Shiatsu for midwives, doulas and childbirth educators” is also a useful additional course for those therapists wishing to incorporate more shiatsu in their massage. Infant massage/shiatsu is another course that therapists can attend.
More information on Diploma course

An introduction to Pregnancy massage

1 day course for massage therapists

This course is aimed at therapists who are not sure how much they eventually want to specialise in pregnancy work, but who would like to feel confident working with a client who becomes pregnant.

It covers the basic anatomy and physiology of the three trimesters giving an overview of the main changes for the mother and baby. It explores some simple antenatal exercises for the second and third trimesters and covers body positioning for the pregnant client, mostly work in the side position on the couch, but also briefly exploring the option of all fours work. The role of mobilisations and stretches is explored in more detail, along with how to adapt basic massage strokes in the different positions. Some work with the abdomen/baby in the third trimester is also covered. At the end of the day students will feel confident working with the healthy pregnant woman during the second and third trimesters.

It can be organised in house. Contact us for this.

Introductory days are organised by:
Bristol: BCMB Bristol College of Bodywork
London: Essentials for Health
Reading: Federation of Holistic Therapists

Massage and Shiatsu for infants

Open to massage therapists, shiatsu practitioners and those who work with infants (eg nursery nurses, health visitors). This is a self contained course, which is open to any massage therapist.
More information on the infant massage/shiatsu

Courses for those who have done the Massage and Pregnancy Diploma course

Shiatsu for Midwives, Doulas and Childbirth Educators

This course is open to massage therapists who would like to include some more shiatsu work in their massage. You need to have attended the Diploma course, or already be working with pregnant clients, as we don’t cover western approaches and anatomy and physiology as the focus is on eastern theory.
More information on Shiatsu for Midwives, doulas and childbirth educators course

Massage for labour

2 day course for those who have completed the Diploma course
More information on Labour course

Massage for the Postnatal Mother

2 day course for those who have completed the Diploma course
More information on Postnatal course

CPD and Residential courses

These offer opportunities to continue your study, once you have completed the Diploma course.
More information on CPD and Residential courses

UK and Ireland courses

APNT (Association of Physical and Natural Therapists) Massage and Pregnancy Diploma

A 4 day course, focusing mainly on pregnancy, but also including massage for labour and the postnatal period for mother (recognised by Embody, 30 CPD points. IMTA Ireland)

Costs

£395 (with early booking discount)
£425 (full price), 550 (600) euros for Eire

This includes all assessment costs, certification, course manual, 6 months student membership of the APNT, but does not include towels, oils and couches (though couches can usually be arranged)

London

(Mon-Thurs) 2-5 July 2012 (code:MAS/12/UKL1) British School of Shiatsu-Do
(Thurs-Sun) 8-11 November 2012 (code; MAS/12/UKL2) British School of Shiatsu-Do

Bristol

(Thurs-Sun) 22-25 March 2012 (code:MAS/12/UKB1) Relaxation Centre
(Thurs-Sun) 27-30 September 2012 (code;MAS/12/UKB2) Relaxation Centre

Dublin

18-21 April 2012 (Wed to Sat) Dublin (code: MAS/12/UKD)
Contact: Gail Bovenizer (gail13@oceanfree.net)

Gail also runs other introductory days and courses. There are cheap flights from Dublin to Bristol and London and I suggest you try to attend one of these classes if you are interested.

Bristol “Massage for the Postnatal Mother”

12/13 June 12/13 2012 (code; PN/UKB) cost £175

Introductory Days

Costs: contact organiser

FHT

December 10th 2011 London
info@fht.org.uk
www.fht.org.uk

International dates

Massage and pregnancy Diploma 4 day workshop

Validated by AAMT
5-8 September 2012
The Australian Shiatsu College, 103 Evans Street, Brunswick VIC 3056
Ph: 03 9387 1161 Fax: 03 9387 1191
aushiatsucollege@bigpond.comwww.australianshiatsucollege.com.au

Courses taught in French

Avignon
Pregnancy - dates to be confirmed
Labour 27-30 January 2012
Postnatal 20-23 April 2012

Biopulse Ammagdala Scop
+33 625 154 438
biopulse.lola@gmail.com
www.massagebiopulse.com
Course information

How to book

If you would like to book a course in the UK you can email a copy of the correct booking form directly to Well Mother .

More information

If you would like to book a course, but have a few more questions before booking, then please don't hesitate to email web@wellmother.org or phone us with any questions - see our contact details.

If you would like to book a course outside the UK, please contact the relevant organiser.

Methods of payment accepted are:

  • Cheque (payable to Well Mother)
  • Bank transfer (details available on demand)
  • PayPal (there is an additional charge of £15)