Integrating Massage Therapy into Maternal Health: Historical Insights and Modern Realities
(Virtual)
To provide safe and equitable care, massage therapists must understand both the history and the current realities of maternal health. This virtual course traces the evolution of prenatal care, from ancient midwifery practices to modern obstetrics, while examining today’s urgent maternal health challenges, including rising mortality rates and persistent racial disparities. Students will explore the systemic and physiological factors influencing maternal outcomes, reflect on their own role within this continuum, and consider how massage therapy can support clients across varying levels of risk. The goal is to deepen understanding, foster critical thinking, and empower future practitioners to advocate for compassionate, informed, and inclusive care.