Kate Started Talking to my Baby in my Belly and . .

“Kate started talking to my baby . . . ,”
- a mom and baby story
By Lauren Gartland
I started going to Kate for massage work during my second trimester. I had heard she was really talented and was hoping she could help with the typical aches and pains of pregnancy. During our first session, she quickly identified some tight and knotted places in my back and neck and asked if I had been suffering from any headaches. Indeed, I had. She was even able to pinpoint where they had been occurring without me ever telling her. After a few sessions with her, my terrible headaches disappeared and I never had trouble with them again. In addition to her exceptional bodywork, she also supported me in an emotional way. She gave me a list of affirmations to say each day and showed me how to talk to my baby in utero. The work really helped me bond with the baby after a tough first trimester. 
Toward the end of my pregnancy, my baby was not positioned correctly. I had been trying different yoga positions to her head down, but she just didn't want to budge. I had a massage scheduled with Kate and shared my concerns with her. Toward the end of our session, Kate started talking to my baby and explained what happened during birth and reassured her that everything would be fine and that all babies have to take this journey. Then, she explained to her that if she didn't turn to the right position, she would have to come out via c-section and that wouldn't be ideal for us. I remember being skeptical that any of this talk would help, but then Kate told the baby to turn her head towards the bell she was going to ring. As Kate rang the bell, I could feel her start to move. In fact, she moved so quickly that it was a little bit uncomfortable for me. Turns out Kate was right- my baby just needed some gentle guidance and reassurance. At my next doctor’s appointment, he confirmed that she had moved head down.
At 39 weeks, I had a massage scheduled with Kate. When I arrived I didn't realize it, but I was in early labor. She helped me identify the signs and her massage work really helped me relax and prepare for what was to come. She also gave me some great visualization techniques to focus on, which I really think helped my contractions become more efficient. 

About 2 months after my baby was born, I had my baby out on the mall as an attempt to get out of the house. The mall was quite crowded and my daughter quickly got overwhelmed. As I was trying to calm her down, we ran into Kate, who slowly approached my baby and started talking to her. My daughter responded to Kate well and even started smiling at her. That day I went home and made an appointment with Kate for the following week. During the appointment she helped me understand my daughter’s disposition as a highly sensitive baby and gave me strategies to help calm and soothe her. And as a new mother, I was feeling guilty about some things I wished I had done differently from the beginning, but she helped me work through it and helped me learn to trust my intuition. She provided the support that I desperately needed. 

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