Prenatal massage at our Bedford clinic is registered massage therapy for pregnancy: safe, supported positioning, pressure you choose, and a therapist who sets the table up for how far along you are. People book a pregnancy massage for back pain, swelling, muscle tension, stress and plain exhaustion, and for the relief of an hour lying down comfortably. We're at 486 Starboard Drive in Bedford, an easy trip from anywhere in Halifax, and most insurers are billed directly at the desk.
Halifax prenatal massage, at every stage of pregnancy
Our registered massage therapists offer this treatment through every stage of pregnancy, from the first trimester to the last weeks, and after the birth once your baby has arrived. When you book, tell us how far along you are. Your therapist uses that to set up the table so you're safe and comfortable, and adjusts your positioning as your pregnancy changes from one visit to the next.
The reasons people book a pregnancy massage tend to be practical ones:
- Back pain and discomfort that come with a changing posture and body.
- Swelling, with gentle work that supports circulation.
- Stress, anxiety and sleep: an hour where nothing is asked of you, and many people notice better sleep that night.
- Plain exhaustion, in any trimester.
What a prenatal appointment is like
Your first treatment starts with a short health history and a conversation about how your pregnancy is going, any concerns, and what you'd like from the session. Every pregnancy is individual, so this part matters. Your therapist explains positioning and draping before anything starts and answers any questions you have. You undress to your own comfort level and stay draped with a sheet the whole time; only the area being worked on is uncovered.
Each treatment is tailored to you: pressure, pace and focus are adjusted throughout, and if you want something changed, say so at any point and it changes. You go home with a sense of when it makes sense to come back. Sessions at the clinic are 30, 45, 60 or 90 minutes, and you choose the length when you book.
Postpartum massage, after your baby arrives
Many new mothers and parents book postpartum massage for the neck, shoulders and back that carry a baby all day, or simply for an hour of relaxation to themselves. The clinic's other services include lactation consulting and pelvic health physiotherapy under the same roof, so your postpartum care can stay in one place. Lactation consulting isn't direct billed; we give you a receipt to submit to your insurer.
Meet your therapist
Emily Walsh, RMT, graduated with honours from the Canadian College of Massage & Hydrotherapy and has completed additional courses in prenatal and postpartum massage. She keeps reading and learning in this area whenever she can. You can book with Emily directly, or choose any available prenatal time and we'll match you with an RMT.
Direct billing and booking
Every massage therapist at Luminate is a Registered Massage Therapist, so pregnancy massage is billed like any other massage therapy. We bill most major insurers directly, including Canada Life, Manulife, Sun Life, Medavie Blue Cross, Green Shield and Desjardins. Bring your benefits card and photo ID to your first visit, and you pay only the part your plan doesn't cover. Some plans ask for a doctor's note before they cover massage, so check yours. More on how direct billing works.
The clinic is at 486 Starboard Drive in Bedford, just off Larry Uteck Boulevard, with its own entrance beside our Bedford store and free parking out front. Evening and weekend appointments are available. Book online, or call (902) 835-9319 if you'd like us to recommend a therapist and time.
