Massage as an adjunct approach to care for pregnant women who have experienced a stillbirth / TFMR
I'm so honoured to be welcomed into the fold with Dr. Sarah Fogarty PhD to participate in a study to evaluate the feasibility of massage as an adjunct approach to care for pregnant women who have experienced a stillbirth and TFMR.
After supporting my sister-in-law Emily through the difficult journey of pregnancy after loss when her son was born still at full term, I understand the importance of supporting research to gather data in an effort to make a difference and to spark change.
I reached out to Sarah to see if I could be involved in the study. I was pleasantly surprised to be accepted and to be offered in-depth and thoughtful training to support pregnant mums through the difficult and raw journey of pregnancy after loss.
I’ve learnt that stillbirth/TFMR significantly alters the reality of subsequent pregnancies. For mothers, pregnancy after loss is a stress that is simply ‘survived’. Furthermore, research shows that women experiencing pregnancy after loss experience anxiety, fear, and depression.
Secondly, a majority (66%) of parents conceive their subsequent pregnancy within 1 year of the loss of their baby from stillbirth/TFMR whilst still managing their grief and incorporating their loss into their world. This means parents will be experiencing some firsts from the loss of their baby while pregnant e.g., first anniversary, first Christmas and so on. Now having a greater understanding of a mothers journey through this, of course I’m 100% onboard to do what I can to learn and understand how my massage knowledge can care for these mamas.
So, what can massage do to help? Well Sarah believes, and I wholeheartedly support her in this:
“Massage therapy is more than the application of massage techniques; it is a philosophy of care”
Massage therapy can facilitate the relaxation response. This gives the body a chance to rest and recover from some of the side effects of anxiety and fear. Research findings show that moderate massage elicits changes in parasympathetic and vagal activity and thus decreased sympathetic nervous and increased cerebral blood flow across several brain regions involved in depression and stress regulation. Therefore, massage treatment can provide, for a short time, the body a rest from the effects of grief and anxiety.
As a mobile remedial massage therapist my goal is to also hold space for the mums so she can feel comfortable to open up and be honest in sharing her fears. My hope is that she also feels empowered and included. This is a unique and difficult journey, and my goal is that the mother feels heard and can have her experiences validated.
I’m so thrilled to be participating in the study as a massage professional caring for these mothers. Here’s the thing though……now as this blog post is being published, we currently have just the one Tasmanian mother participant in this Australian wide study! My hope is that we will be able to find more mums that can voice their journey, their feedback and in turn have a positive impact on the support available to mothers in the future.
So here is the nitty gritty details of the study;
Are you currently pregnant and have experienced a previous pregnancy loss after 20 weeks?
18 years of age or greater
Between 13 and 30 weeks of pregnancy
Are able to attend one of the study pregnancy massage therapists clinics located within Australia
Able to complete four treatment appointments within a four month period. (free - no cost to you)
(If you choose myself to treat you, Blossom Motherhood - I provide mobile massage and come to you. Servicing postcodes 7248, 7249, 7250. )
What will you be asked to do?
You will be asked to attend between four and five massage appointments in a four-month period. Prior to your first appointment and after your last appointment you will complete questionnaires on worry (Cambridge Worry Score), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7)), coping (Revised Prenatal Coping Inventory), self-efficacy (Strategies Used by People to Promote Health measure) and stress (Perceived Stress Scale).
What benefits will you, and/or the broader community, receive for participating?
Possible potential benefits include decreased pain, increased function, feeling supported, and mental health benefits, however, these are not guaranteed.
How does it work?
Start with contacting Sarah she will guide you through completing the onboarding process, questionnaire and consent forms. Then it is over to me, I’m your massage therapist. I will book your appointments then travel to your home to nurture and nourish you. This is at no cost to you.
A bit on Sarah and the “why” behind her important work. Sarah has a Masters degree in Acupuncture, a PhD in Acupuncture and Eating Disorders and a Diploma of Remedial Massage. Sarah is also a researcher and has published many papers in peer-reviewed journals. Sarah’s dream for implementation and translation of the data findings would be that massage therapy is covered by a portion of Medicare rebates as part of a maternity/obstetric care plan to greatly support pregnant mothers after the loss of a baby.
So let's be part of the change and I welcome you to reach out to Sarah to commence the on boarding process. I can't wait to nurture and care for you!
For the full details please read the Patient information sheet: Download the Patient Information Sheet here.
If you’re unsure if you meet the requirements, you would like more information or you would like to participate, please contact:
Chief Investigator: Dr Sarah Fogarty PhD,
ph: 0405 078 914
Email: s.fogarty@westernsydney.edu.au or pregnancyafterstillbirth@gmail.com