Episode 075: Insights on Working Through Pregnancy As A Massage Therapist
Navigating a career as a massage therapist while pregnant is an experience that blends excitement with unique challenges. While pregnancy is a transformative journey, balancing it with the physical and emotional demands of massage therapy requires thoughtful planning and adaptability.
The Initial Realisation and Self-Care
Pregnancy is this amazing transformative process of growing new life. If you are feeling a touch of anxiety about how this new chapter will impact your work, this is completely normal. As a massage therapist then you will probably have questions about how long you can work for, what adjustments you may need to make, and how to communicate your pregnancy to clients and employers.
One of the first steps to navigate pregnancy while working is prioritising self-care. Pregnancy demands extra attention to your body, and as a massage therapist, this is doubly important. Regular massage, yoga, and even acupuncture can be valuable practices to support your changing body. As Jackie, shares, “If you are pregnant and working as a massage therapist, you probably need more massage than everybody else. Please, I beg of you, make self-care a top priority.”
Adapting Work Routines
Flexibility in your work schedule becomes essential when balancing pregnancy with professional responsibilities. If you’re self-employed, you have the advantage of adjusting your schedule to match your energy levels. For Jackie, this meant making changes when morning sickness struck or when fatigue set in. “You could potentially take the day off or change your schedule to suit how you’re feeling,” she notes.
However, with this flexibility comes the responsibility of managing all aspects of the business—client communication, finances, and marketing. These duties don’t disappear during pregnancy, so planning for days when energy levels dip is vital. Scheduling gaps or shorter workdays can help manage fatigue, while automating client communication or leaning on scheduling tools can reduce the mental load.
If you’re employed or a contractor, understanding workplace policies and knowing when to inform your employer about your pregnancy is key. An ethical employer will collaborate with you to ensure your workload is manageable, potentially shifting you to tasks that are less physically demanding.
Navigating Maternity Leave
In Australia, massage therapists—like employees in other sectors—have access to maternity leave options, including paid parental leave and unpaid leave. The current government policy allows for 20 weeks of paid parental leave, with incremental increases planned through 2026.
David highlights the importance of understanding the timeline and necessary documentation, such as obtaining a “letter of confinement,” even if the term feels outdated. “The employer needs this letter to access the government’s paid parental leave, and while the process may seem procedural, it’s essential for receiving support,” he says. Staying informed about your rights and options can alleviate stress and allow for a smoother transition when planning your maternity leave.
For self-employed massage therapists, planning time off can be more complex. Jackie recalls the difficulty of balancing business responsibilities with the need for rest. While maternity leave may not be paid for self-employed practitioners, setting aside financial reserves and building a network of trusted colleagues for client referrals can offer peace of mind during your absence.
When and How to Tell Clients
Deciding when to tell clients about your pregnancy is a personal choice, influenced by your comfort level, work environment, and client relationships. Some massage therapists choose to inform clients individually during appointments, maintaining a personal touch. Others may opt for an email announcement to ensure that clients are aware of potential changes in scheduling or availability.
“I found that most clients were overwhelmingly supportive,” Jackie notes. “They asked how I was feeling and even offered to reschedule appointments to accommodate my needs.” This level of understanding reinforces the importance of open, honest communication. By sharing your news, you can foster a supportive environment where clients appreciate your transparency and feel prepared for any potential changes.
However, it’s also wise to maintain boundaries. While clients may be eager to express their support, it’s up to you to decide how much personal information to share. For instance, sharing your expected due date might help clients plan their future appointments, but discussing detailed aspects of your pregnancy experience may be less comfortable.
Managing Physical Limitations
As pregnancy progresses, physical adjustments become necessary. The body changes rapidly, affecting posture, strength, and stamina. Standing close to the massage table, reaching across clients, or maintaining certain positions can become challenging. Jackie’s experience underscores this: “There came a point where I couldn’t stand as close to the table or bend the way I used to. I had to adapt my techniques and approach to make it through the day.”
Self-care extends beyond regular massage and rest. Incorporating tools such as supportive chairs, cushions, and bolsters can make long sessions more comfortable. Adjusting the table height and using lighter pressure techniques may also help reduce strain on joints, which often become more lax due to hormonal changes during pregnancy.
Pelvic girdle pain, backaches, and swelling are common issues that may arise. Regular visits to a women’s health physio or GP can offer relief and provide tailored exercises to help manage these conditions.
The Emotional Side of Working While Pregnant
Pregnancy is not just a physical journey; it’s an emotional one too. For many therapists, balancing the joy and excitement of pregnancy with the responsibility of running a business or working in a clinic can be challenging. Emotions can range from excitement to anxiety, especially when considering how long to continue working and when to start maternity leave.
“The question of how long to work is very personal,” David comments. “It depends on how your body feels and what you want to do.” For Jackie, her pregnancy experiences varied. In one case, she massaged a client while unknowingly in early labour. “I didn’t realise until later that day,” she recalls.
Listening to your body and knowing when to scale back or take a break is essential. While some therapists can work up until their due date, others may need to stop weeks or months before. There is no right or wrong timeline—only what’s best for your health and circumstances.
Planning Your Return to Work
Planning a return to work after having a baby is source of anxiety for some massage therapists. The decision of when to return depends on personal, financial, and physical factors. Jackie’s story of taking more time off than initially planned illustrates that even the best-laid plans can change.
“I initially thought I would be back after a couple of months,” she says. “But various factors made it necessary to take longer, and that’s okay.” Many therapists find that easing back into work by seeing a few clients a week helps maintain professional skills while adjusting to new motherhood.
David adds an essential consideration: keeping your professional credentials and certifications current. Taking more than 12 months off could impact your provider status with health funds or associations. “Continuing to pay for association memberships, insurance, and first aid certification, even while on leave, is wise,” he advises.
Building a Supportive Network
Lastly, having a strong support network is invaluable. This includes professional contacts who can cover for you during maternity leave, a reliable healthcare team, and friends or family who can offer emotional and logistical support. Connecting with other massage therapists who have experienced working through pregnancy can provide insight and encouragement.
Pregnancy is a profound journey that requires adaptability, support, and self-awareness. By listening to your body, preparing for potential changes, and maintaining open communication with clients and employers, you can navigate this period with confidence. Every pregnancy is unique, and your approach should reflect your personal needs and professional goals.
Whether you’re deciding when to share your news, adjusting your workload, or planning your return, remember that this time is about balancing your passion for massage therapy with the care and preparation needed for a healthy pregnancy and transition into parenthood.