Salt Lake’s leading motherhood massage clinic is hiring massage therapists for evening and weekend shifts.

We are currently accepting applications for LMTs with at least 2 years experience in the massage field, with prenatal massage certification and/or strong interest in pregnancy and birth and babies. If you are passionate about pregnancy, we want to hear from you!

Must possess excellent people skills and be someone who inspires confidence in others, has a professional, healthy appearance, is flexible, committed, coachable, and available for appointments in the evenings (4pm and beyond) and weekends. Minimum 10 sessions a week required.

This is an employee situation, not an independent contractor; everything is provided.

(Also please note, we do not hire therapists with a conflict of interest, ie, those who have their own practices or who are employed elsewhere as a massage therapist.)

If you are passionate about pregnancy and birth, want to have a job that really makes a difference, and you want to work with THE BEST in the field, send your resume and cover letter by email to info@slcprenatalmassage.com ; no phone calls please. Thanks!

Well is it just me or did it feel like January ticked over just yesterday and it’s almost MAY! Eeek! How are those New Years Resolutions going? We here at Salt Lake Prenatal Massage have something to pump you up and re-motivate you all over again. We’ve been waiting to release this post to help inspire you all to re-evaluate where you are, where you would like to be, and update you with some good news to help support you.

Starting October 15, 2011 we launched a 12-Week Fitness Challenge to help keep participants motivated through some of the TOUGHEST times of the year (Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Years Eve/Day). Participants had the option to weigh in weekly, for accountability, and workout on their own; or they could work out with Jen Larsen, Maternity Fitness & Wellness Expert, 2 times per week and do the weekly check-ins as well. Before we get into the details TOO much we need to give some shout outs to our top three winners AND our magnificent prize donors!

Tell us WHAT SHE’S WON!!

Our winners have been enjoying some incredible gifts from the following local businesses – and WE just want to say THANK YOU for helping motivate our participants and making their lives a little more cushy since getting their butts kicked!

• $100 Impact Fitness Wear - I mean look at how cute!
• $20 AyAyAy Fitness Wear – I have some of their items and they are SO comfy & great for curvy bodies!
• Family or Infant Photography session with Christy Rossi Photography
• Spray Tans from Radiant Beauty – I have actually received a spray tan from Missy at Radiant Beauty and I’m hooked!
• DoTerra Family Physician Kit – the alternative and gentle way to keep your family healthy and happy.
• At-Home Workout Kit – Available to purchase at Salt Lake Prenatal Massage. Katie Garcia (1st place winner) says, “I’m loving having the ball, mat, and bands at home so I can workout with Gabi (her ADORABLE baby) right next to me instead of getting a sitter!”
• 12 Free Private Fitness Training Sessions w/Jen – Katie says “I’ve never had a trainer before and I’m loving it!”
• 4 Free 60-min massage therapy sessions with Rebecca Overson and Salt Lake Prenatal Massage staff – Katie says, “The massage I had was amazing and I can’t wait to get in again!”

And the winners are…

Katie Garcia from WVC won FIRST PLACE! She had the biggest overall changes in her body composition and inches lost. We have to brag about what she did to win in just TWELVE WEEKS:

• Lost 11.8 lbs (5.78% of her starting body weight)
• Lost 5.37% body fat!
• 23 INCHES overall – WOWEE!

Below are Katie’s before & afters:

Our second place winner was Sarah Boss from Tooele, UT. Her stats:

• Lost 16.4 lbs (11.53% of her starting body weight…Crazy awesome!)
• Lost 5.14% body fat!
• 15.5 INCHES overall

Our third place winner was Alicia Trujillo from South Jordan, UT. Here are her stats:

• Lost 13.2 lbs (9.42% of her starting body weight!)
• Lost 4.94% body fat!
• 14.75 INCHES overall

Below are Alicia’s before & afters. She says she got more than what she came for, “I saw results, felt results, I’ve changed the way I eat and the way I exercise.”

Alica says, “I loved that being in the challenge held me accountable for my actions (or lack thereof) every week. Knowing that I would have to step on that scale every week and get those measurements done every 4 weeks helped me to make wise food/portion choices and motivated me to exercise whenever I had the chance. I liked going to the classes because it was nice to talk to and see other women dealing with the same weight loss struggles that I am. The classes were challenging for me which was very good, I really like the way Jen formatted the class.”

Read Part 2 to continue…

Wondering what working out with Jen is like? We’ll let our clients do the talking:

• “I enjoyed the accountability of weekly class. I appreciated learning a wide variety of exercises that are easy to do at home w/minimal equipment. I also enjoyed small class size with a common goal. I noticed a difference in body tone/size and it motivated me to be more active and think about eating habits. I loved the explanation of what muscles were being worked…and love the energy and expertise Jen brings to class!” – Erika DuRoss from SLC, UT.

Erika is “thrilled to be back to her pre-pregnancy size and more toned!” Well miss Erika – you deserve it!

Erika overall lost 9.4 lbs (which is 7.7% of her original body weight), lost 2.93% of her body fat AND 10 inches!! Wow.

Below are Erika’s Before & Afters:

• “I enjoyed the strength training moves we did because I could do them at home…I always felt a lot stronger and saw results .” Emily from SLC, UT
• Olga from SLC, UT says, “I am really happy I got to be part of this challenge. Before the challenge, my only form of exercise was running a few times a week, and with cold weather coming, I was afraid it would die out in the winter, and then I’d have to start over 6 months later. Getting into this challenge helped me sign up for a gym membership for the first time ever, along with some friends, keep up with my running, and *gasp* get up early in the morning to make it to gym before kids wake up…It felt really good to be able to feel different muscles after my workouts and see the progress I’ve been making even during the busy holiday season. I managed to not gain any weight during the holidays and even lost some! And I just feel stronger overall, which is exactly what I need during the winter months. Thank you for being so encouraging and motivating”.

So what’s next?!

BELLY DANCING with Michelle Orrock Sorensen. Stay tuned for more details on the blog and the fitness page.

Introducing Michelle Sorensen:

Michelle first started belly-dancing 5 years ago. She has studied under the direction of Kismet School of Dance (American), Kashmir Dance Company (ATS & Tribal Fusion) and Trisha Mcbride (Tribal Fusion and Experimental) and was a core member of Lunar Collective. She has also taken workshops from Rachel Brice, Zoe Jakes, Mardi Love, Calamity Sam, and Sherri Wheatley. She has recently decided to pursue a solo career and looks forward to teaching workshops both locally, nationally and eventually world wide. The sky is her limit! She is also the mother of a beautiful 2 year old girl and new 2 month old baby girl!

(This is a note from Jen: Michelle is wildly talented and gained a 6-pack during her first pregnancy. It’s a pretty rock star story.)

Also, if you’d like to workout with Jen, she has several group training classes in session now. She also is in the process of posting all her workouts online for those of you who live a little to far from our physical location. For more information on the classes, go HERE.

She also offers group & private training options. Get in touch with her if you have inquiries: jen@slcprenatalmassage.com or 801.787.0325.

by Rebecca Overson, LMT
Founder/Director, Salt Lake Prenatal Massage
Maternity Massage Specialist & Birth Doula

As you might imagine, we talk about birth an awful lot in our home.

That's my Firstborn, about 30 seconds old

I once remember my oldest son walking around at age four saying “pitocin! pitocin!” after overhearing a conversation I was having with a doula client over the phone. I think he also named one of his stuffed animals “epidural.”

He knows babies come out of vaginas, no mystery there. And that sperm from the dad has to get to the mom’s egg (although he has yet to ask just HOW that happens.)

I will never forget his face as we watched “The Miracle of Life” when the birth footage came on. His jaw dropped, he asked lots of questions, and as that baby came out, I kid you not, he had little tears in his eyes and said “Mom, that was AMAZING!” “Can we watch it again?” (Then later, he was wriggling around on the bed and announced he was sperm, swimming to the egg. Oh dear.)

And he has even played “midwife”, once attempting to deliver my baby in the bathtub. He even told me to “breathe the baby down,” and notified me that he could see the head. He coached “OK mom, now push…. now… scream!” and placed my “baby” on my chest.

He is sweet and amazing, and in this video, I asked him some questions about his birth.
Enjoy! (refresh your browser if the video below doesn’t appear.)

Rebecca Overson, LMT answers the question “What training and qualifications do doulas have?” (If the video does not appear below, please refresh your browser.)

Doulas (NOT to be confused with midwives!) offer professional, skilled labor and birth support and coaching to women in labor and their partner. For more information regarding Salt Lake Prenatal Massage’s doula services, please go here. All our doulas are also licensed massage therapists and maternity massage specialists. We are passionate about supporting women in Utah in having powerful birth experiences.

Fit Mama Groups are HERE!

This is a new, fun & exciting way to get fit! We’re grouping up women in the same phase and fitness levels for an awesome group fitness training experience! You can join ANYTIME and we  have three chapters to begin with:

• Fit Mama Pregnancy Group – Any trimester welcome! A great way to ease into being fit with all the right modifications for pregnancy. We will use toning to target the muscles groups most important in pregnancy, and also incorporate formats like yoga, modified Zumba, stretching & meditation techniques to release tension & prepare your body for birth. This class was designed to give you the most well rounded classes available. We may even grab some guest instructors to come teach belly dancing & more. Class currently meets Wednesdays from 7:15-8:15 pm

• Fit Mama Low Intensity Group – Don’t let the LOW in this let you think it’s a sissy workout! This group is for non-pregnant or post-pregnant women just getting back into fitness who may require less intense (but still super effective) moves. This group is also great for women who have joint or back issues, any musculoskeletal issues, or anything that may hold you back from doing intense moves. Moves like jumping, deep squatting, high intensity cardio etc. In this group we will focus on low impact upper, lower, and core toning workouts, modified Zumba, Yoga and more to get you firmed up & leaned out. Class currently meets Mondays from 7:15-8:15 pm.

• Fit Mama High Intensity Group – This group is for women looking for the next notch in their fitness routine who are capable of keeping up with a challenging & fast paced class. We will incorporate high intensity plyometrics, cardio, toning & sculpting full body exercises, Zumba moves & more. Get ready to have your best beach body yet! Class currently meets Saturdays from 12:15-1:15 pm
  

Cost for classes is on a sliding scale depending on how many people are attending. The scale is set up as follows:

• 2 ppl in class: 5 classes for $80 ($16/class)
• 3 ppl in class: 5 classes for $60 ($12/class)
• 4 ppl in class: 5 classes for $50 ($10/class)
• 5+ ppl in class: 5 classes for $40 ($8/class)

So bring a friend, or two, to make this class more fun & affordable! To register, call/email Jen Larsen, Salt Lake Prenatal Massage Maternity Fitness Specialist. 801-787-0325 or jen@slcprenatalmassage.com.

Then do a few things before coming:

1. Fill out our online new client form HERE
2. Plan on coming 5-10 minutes early your first class to purchase your classes
3. Bring water, or an empty bottle, and wear appropriate fitness wear and supportive shoes. Also get EXCITED!

(* Your “buy-in” price is based off of how many people are currently attending. If more add in, then you will be eligible for the reduction in the next round of class 5-pack bundles you purchase. If people drop out, you may have to pay more your next bundle.)

You pay per 5 classes (bundled) and they MUST be used within 6 weeks. This keeps you accountable and allows you to miss one class in a 6 week period with no penalties. This sliding scale ensures value in the class AND motivation for you to get a buddy to join in! The more the better all around!

We will continue to have the class as long as there are 2 or more people actively attending. So after 5 weeks if you want to renew, that is encouraged!

ALL CLASSES HELD AT SALT LAKE PRENATAL MASSAGE. 28 e 2100 s, Suite 118, Salt Lake City Utah, 84115. 801-706-7680.

by Rebecca Overson, LMT

Owner/Clinic Director/Maternity Massage Specialist

(If the video below is not showing, please refresh your browser.)

Ahh… due dates. In my experience, due dates are the number one cause of stress during a normal pregnancy… and I’m not kidding. It’s right around 39 weeks…40 weeks…41 weeks that we get panicked phone calls from moms asking us “HELP ME, DO SOMETHING, RELAX ME, MASSAGE ME, ACUPRESSURE ME…. GET THIS BABY OUT!” Motives range from “I’m miserable and just DONE” to “my mother is flying in” to “my doctor is going out of town” to “my doctor won’t let me go past 41 weeks.”

I have news for you, my dear friends: babies don’t have calendars.

For $13.99 you can buy this... because it's actually possible to know the exact hour, minute, and second your baby will arrive!

They don’t care what day you think they are supposed to arrive. Unless you have a good reason to interfere, babies just come when they’re plain ready.

But I certainly sympathize! I used to say that pregnancy was one month too long, because by about 36 weeks, I felt just perfect, not too uncomfortable. Then it seems I started hanging on for dear life, counting down the days and minutes (as if that were even possible.) Then, I became the target for all kinds of unsolicited comments and questions like:

“Wow, when are you due?” (Ten days ago. Pick your jaw back up off the floor.)

“When are they going to induce you?” (who is this mysterious “they” of which you speak? Midwives don’t induce for home births. But I don’t want to have to explain my birth choices to you.)

“When are they going to take the baby?” (Umm… Like, an alien abduction? Sorry, nobody is going to “take” my baby.)

“How far are they going to let you go past your due date?” (Well… again, this is my body, my baby, my birth – so as long as my midwive says things look great, I’m going to just wait until the baby decides to come. I know, weird to make my own informed choice, huh?)

“How many more days (till the baby comes)?” (As if I know. Next time you plant a seed, please tell me the exact date the fruit will be ripe and fall from the tree.)

Apparently my first little guy decided to show up at 42 weeks. Completely normal for a first-time, low-risk mom. In fact, 40 weeks is pretty inaccurate for first time moms. (Read this article that debunks the myth of a 40 week due date.) Studies show first time moms tend to give birth around 41.5 weeks.

That's me, 41 weeks and 2 days pregnant in 2006. Puffy and forcing a smile.

So, according to my holy due date, my first baby was TWO WEEKS LATE! or was he??

According to one due date calculator, he was “due” September 3rd, 2006.
According to another, September 11th, 2006.
Ultrasound at 20 weeks said September 9th, 2006.
But he arrived on September 20th, 2006.

After he was born, I found another online due date calculator that allowed for an adjustment of up to a 45-day menstrual cycle (which was my body’s average at the time he was conceived. Hooray for irregular periods.) Out of curiosity, I plugged in my LMP prior to his conception and guess what it spit out? A due date of September 20th, 2006. The day he was born. My next baby coincidentally was also “due” mid-September two years later (I refused to give a ‘date’) – but if you must know, he was born three days after his “due date”. Here’s a blog entry about how I worked through the stressful belief that my baby was supposed to be born already.

Due date calculators mostly assume you have a 28-day cycle and that you ovulate on day 14 of that cycle. Not so. Not for many women, and certainly not for me. It’s a complete guess, an estimate, an average. If you want to see how accurate “averages” are for YOU, just go to the shoe store and purchase for yourself anything in the “average” shoe size for women – don’t bother trying it on. Or the average pant size, or hat size, or ring size. It’s guaranteed to fit you.

I’d like to rent a billboard that says “Your Baby’s Due Dates is a GUESS, not a scheduled departure!”

Hang on – isn’t this supposed to be an article about massage to naturally induce labor?

Right! My rant is over.

First and foremost, when we get phone calls at Salt Lake Prenatal Massage requesting “natural labor stimulation massage” I urge my pregnant friends to think about what their motive is for wanting to do something to “get this baby out.”

‘Cause here’s the thing: Just about every woman starts getting antsy around 38 weeks. Why? Because you know your baby’s birth is certainly coming, and knowing that, suddenly the joy in the present moment is robbed by the future looming above your head. You stop being “here” and your mind is out there in the future somewhere. THAT is what creates most of the stress and anxiety at the end of pregnancy and makes women say “I’m DONE.” (‘cept your not, ’cause if there is a baby in there, your pregnancy is not over. Facts are facts, regardless of your opinion.)

Aches and pains and extreme discomfort can make you want to jump the gun. But that’s what Salt Lake Prenatal Massage is here for. You really don’t have to be in pain. We can help make you as comfortable as humanly possible.

SO – my philosophy is that women are mammals, and just like any mammal, we won’t go into labor when we are watched, threatened, chased, and pressured. So if any of those adjectives apply to you, you’ve got to stop and think about shifting your perspective.

When you are experiencing stress, your body releases hormones into your bloodstream that trigger other hormones and messages that govern physiological processes. These hormones can interfere with the normal process of labor.

(For example, a friend of mine was expecting her third child. She and her husband were in the process of a divorce and she did NOT want him at the birth. He showed up anyway. Within moments of his arrival, her intense labor came to a screeeeching halt and the midwife had to ask the dad to leave. As soon as she felt safe again, labor picked up and baby was born. Point: How you feel emotionally can affect your body’s ability to labor.)

Therefore, I say, if you are stressed – even just about your due date – your body is going to have a harder time going into labor. If you feel like you have to give birth on someone else’s timeline, and it’s creating stress for you, you might want to reconsider your choices and ask questions or make changes so that YOU feel safe and supported. A watched pot never boils!

SO! Can Massage naturally induce labor?

Well, be clear, there is no magic point to rub that will start the process. You can’t think of labor stimulation massage like getting a pitocin IV (And – realize that there are times when even pitocin fails to induce labor. p.s. you can read all about the risks of Pitocin/Elective Induction here.) Your body has to be ready. Your mind has to be ready. Your BABY has to be ready! Your life will not be easier with baby on the outside, ask any mother!

How can massage help induce labor? Well, massage will help lower the stress hormones in the bloodstream. It will also help raise the output of the feel-good hormones in the bloodstream. It is my strong belief and theory that lowering stress hormones can help in the natural labor process.

Acupressure has also been shown to significantly impact the body’s ability to go into labor. I’ve read studies, and I teach my staff about it. So we work certain acupressure points during a labor stimulation massage and teach our clients how to do it themselves. Acupressure needs to be repeated several times daily.

Certain essential oils (extracts from plants and flowers) have chemical properties that can help stimulate uterine activity. We use a special combination of essential oils during a labor stimulation massage. Can’t hurt – and sure smells good!

There’s more to it, but we can’t let all of our secrets out!

If you would like to make an appointment for a labor stimulation massage, we recommend you schedule your first session for 75 minutes so that we can do a full massage PLUS acupressure. (If you schedule 60 mins, we have to leave some of the massage out so that we have time for acupressure.)

We also recommend you come back daily, or as often as possible, for repeat sessions (only $58 each when you are coming daily for labor stim!) until you have the baby. Natural processes take time, and our approach is gentle and is more effective when repeated.

We have clients who SWEAR that we put them in labor. Maybe… but the thing is, that baby is going to come out one way or the other, so we can’t take total credit for “putting a woman in labor with massage”. It could be coincidence, or not, we just don’t know. Sometimes women feel great relief from doing anything they feel helps them along in a gentle, natural, non-intrusive way.

We offer labor stimulation massage sessions to women who are 39 weeks and beyond, for whom no medical condition exists tht would make labor stimulation inadvisable. If we can help make your final days of pregnancy a little easier, please give us a call at 801-706-7680.

Efficacy aside, I certainly can state unequivocally that having repeat massage sessions at the final stretch of your pregnancy will work wonders for your body, mind and soul.

Here’s what our clients have to say:

I love Salt Lake Prenatal Massage. It’s nice to go somewhere that has the facilities and tools to give you a quality prenatal massage. I know from experience that other places will offer prenatal massages but they don’t even have the education or tools to do a good job. As a side note: I came in at 41 weeks pregnant for a labor stimulation massage from Rebecca Overson and it put me into labor. Thanks! If you are planning a natural birth be sure to schedule a massage here as you near labor. It will help you relax and prepare you for the birth. Not only it is SO relaxing, but Rebecca is incredibly supportive and makes you feel like you can accomplish anything in the world. I left feeling like a rockstar! - Mom of One, Salt Lake City, Utah

Rebecca,

My baby was born the day after I last saw you!! Thanks again for the awesome massage!! I swear you have magic hands! My labor was fast and intense. I was having mild contractions that night, not unlike what I had all week, I got into bed and all of a sudden my water broke and I felt like i was in transition! 45 min later our daughter was born. We barely made it to the hospital in time. She is littlle, 5lb 11oz but healthy and happy. I am also feeling good.

Thanks again for fitting me in on such short notice. It was so nice meeting you. Take care!

RS, North Salt Lake, Utah
Mother of two

“I went to Salt Lake Prenatal Massage for a natural labor stimulation massage when I was 41 weeks along. It was incredible and absolutely worth it. I was lucky to have the owner, Rebecca Overson, as my massage therapist. Rebecca spent a lot of time working pressure points and relieving the tension in my body. She used an amazing blend of aromatherapy oils that she created herself.

I loved being able to relax and focus on my body and baby during the massage. Oh and being able to lay on my stomach was pure bliss!

Rebecca went two weeks overdue with her first baby, so she could definitely empathize with me and also encourage me. Like me, Rebecca didn’t want to be induced and wanted to let the baby come on his own. It was so refreshing that when I walked in the door and she asked how far along I was that she didn’t say “Oh you poor thing!” Instead she said, “That’s normal!”

…follow up email received from the same woman only 7 hours later:

“Hey Heidi,

I was planning to schedule another natural labor stimulation appointment for next week but I am in labor now!  Please let Rebecca know I really appreciated the massage and I know it helped set things in motion.

H.B.”

by Rebecca Overson, Owner/Director of Salt Lake Prenatal Massage

Kristen Tesch, LMT

Hey folks, we just wanted to let the world know that we are very excited to introduce the newest member of our staff, Kristen Tesch!

Kristen is a licensed massage therapist who graduated from the Utah College of Massage Therapy in 2009.  I found out about Kristen’s awesome skills and desire to help pregnant women when met her mother, Sherri Price, a direct entry midwife.  Sherri and I assisted a birth together in October  - she, midwifing, and I, doula-ing -and she told me about Kristen. Being the daughter of a midwife tends to make a girl really birth-savvy, ya know?

I interviewed Kristen and started training her right away – she’s a perfect fit for our team!

Kristen recently completed her prenatal/postpartum massage certification and internship with us and is now taking appointments!

Kristen and her husband live in Sandy with their two dogs. She loves the outdoors and spending time with her family.

Kristen is offering clients an introductory rate of only $55 for an hour massage if you specifically request her. You’ll be glad you did – she does GREAT work!

Top 10 Reasons to Use Essential Oils

by Crystal Wallentine MD, Yoga Instructor at Salt Lake Prenatal Massage and Natural Health Expert

We are committed to teaching our clients how to use Essential Oils in their family medicine kit. We will teach you which oils to use and when, how to use them, how to dilute and apply them safely.

Contact us to purchase, register for class, or learn more. We only use and recommend doTerra Certified PURE Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils for their superior quality and purity.

Hi friends,if you really want to be smart about your Holiday Gift Giving for the expectant or new mom in your life (which could also be a gift to YOURSELF!), you won’t want to miss out on this.

Here’s the top secret inside scoop for our CYBER MONDAY — November 28th 2011 — sale.

(We’re going snowboarding on Black Friday, so don’t count on much from us that day!)

RULES. Limit ONE per person. I repeat, ONE per person, but the sooner you act, the better of a deal you get.

Did I say ONE purchase per person? I mean it.

Here’s the deal. We are starting low. First ten people get that looooow deal. Then the price goes up $5 for the next ten people, and so on and so on. Once each tier is sold out, that price is no longer available, but each deal is still great!

That means you must BE SWIFT!

Due to the fact that we didn’t get our webmaster on this soon enough to make it truly a CYBER experience to buy these on our website, we have to go back to the last decade and do this by phone or text. But we have it figured out!

HOW TO SCORE ON THIS DEAL: STARTING AT 10am on Cyber Monday, November 28th, call our office manager HEIDI’s CELL PHONE (no, not the clinic line – we need that one open!) at 801-860-8184. If you can’t get through, SEND A TEXT that says “I want one! (Your First & Last Name)” and that will SECURE your place in line. We’ll call you to finalize the purchase and let you know which deal is still available for you. Make sense?

Credit card required for purchase over the phone.

At 10am on Cyber Monday we start at 35 BUCKS for an hour massage! Only the first ten people get in on this deal. Once those ten are sold out, they’re sold out.

THEN – we will make available to the next 10 people: $40 for an hour massage. Once they’re sold out, they’re sold out…

Then – the NEXT 10 people: $45 for an hour massage til all 10 are sold…

Then – the next 10 people get $50 for an hour massage, next ten get $55 for an hour massage, next ten get $60 for an hour massage.

and then we’re DONE with Cyber Monday.

So basically 60 lucky people are going to get in on this deal and then it’s over.

But after that you can still buy awesome, regular Holiday gift certificates in any dollar amount, and we’re throwing in some cool freebies too. More on that later.

Set your alarm clock for 10 AM – see you Cyber Monday!