For thousands of years, Massage has been applied as an effective, valuable therapy during Pregnancy and Childbirth in nearly all traditional cultures.  The origins of Pregnancy Massage really date back to the beginning of the recorded use of Massage.  The 3000 year old discipline of Ayurvedic Medicine has ancient texts with instructions about Massaging Pregnant Women with oils during and after Pregnancy.  Sculptures of Eskimo Women show that Massage was applied during Labor.  The title “Doula,” used today to denote a profession devoted to Care during Pregnancy, 2000 years ago was a Greek Slave that attended the Lady of the House during Childbirth.  Chemical drugs and medical intervention were not available options in ancient times, so Massage was employed not by scientific reasoning, but because the physiological effects could be readily seen.  Massage was used to reposition the Baby if necessary during Labor, tone and comfort the Mother’s Body during Pregnancy, and speed Postpartum Healing after Birth.

Carole Osborne-Sheets

In the late 19th Century, Dr. George Engelmann, a Professor of Obstetrics in Post Graduate School of the Missouri Medical College, Fellow of the American Gynecological Society and the London Obstetrical and Pathological Societies, and Consulting Surgeon at the St. Louis Female Hospital, wrote many articles in Medical Journals about the positive effects of Massage during Pregnancy.
In 1980 Carole Osborne-Sheets began collaborating with perinatal professionals and colleagues in researching and developing infant and maternity massage therapy protocols and instructional programs.  She pioneered the reintroduction of therapeutic massage and bodywork to healthcare for the childbearing years.  Over the years she has trained parents, hospital association staffs, and over 4000 Maternity Massage Therapists.