Results and Benefits Women Have Found with HPC
⫸ Restore pelvic muscle balance and engagement
⫸ Support full sensation in the pelvic bowl
⫸ Support organ health, alignment & prolapse
⫸ Relieve pelvic pain
⫸ Support sexual health, libido, orgasm
⫸ Prepare for pregnancy & support fertility journey
⫸ Postpartum mothers find this therapy incredibly helpful in speeding physical & emotional recovery from childbirth
⫸ Support healing after miscarriage
⫸ Heal after sexual trauma
⫸ Support transition to menopause
⫸ Support healing after any pelvic surgeries or procedures
Specific Symptoms/Diagnoses That Can Be Addressed by HPC
⫸ Postpartum pelvic pain
⫸ Urinary or bowel incontinence (leakage), IBS, other bladder & bowel issues
⫸ Interstitial cystitis, painful bladder syndrome
⫸ Painful intercourse, vaginismus, dyspareunia, difficulty with orgasm
⫸ Pelvic heaviness/fullness, cystocele, rectocele, pelvic organ prolapse
⫸ Endometriosis, adenomyosis, painful menstrual periods
⫸ General pelvic pain, vulvodynia, nerve pain, scar pain
Prenatal Massage + Holistic Pelvic Care for Birth Prep
To support and sooth the major physical, energetic, and emotional transformations underway, boost your confidence in your body, demystify the birth journey, and leave you feeling deeply connected to your baby.
My hands, seasoned with 20+ years of bodywork practice and midwifery experience, listen and lead the way.
A bodywork for birth session includes prenatal massage, guided visualizations, focused breathwork, belly/baby massage to center the uterus, relieve ligament tension, & assess the baby's position, and, if needed/desired, gentle intravaginal release work to unwind tension patterns in your pelvic bowl and "pave the way" for your baby.
Sonomamas, you can also join me on the *last Sunday* of each month at Sonoma Yoga for Prenatal Yoga + Mother Blessing Ceremony, we gather at noon.
*Sunday Prenatal classes go on throughout the month, held by other amazing yoga mamas in the community.
Postpartum Rehab
A Holistic Pelvic Care session focused on healing after birth.
In a Postpartum Rehab session we gently coax the pelvic organs and tissues back into alignment, begin treatment of prolapse (uterine, cystocele & rectocele), address tear/episiotomy/cesarean healing & begin scar tissue softening, restore optimal muscle recruitment in the pelvic floor (important for both vaginal and cesarean births), curtail urinary & fecal incontinence issues, discuss impact and restoration of sexual health, check for diastasis recti and begin a basic core strengthening regimen, and so much more.
This early check-in could eliminate YEARS of struggle, insecurity, pain, and overwhelm. 5-6 weeks postpartum seems to be the sweet-spot, restoring harmony before imbalances are strengthened while also allowing adequate time for your tissue to heal after birth. But it's never too late!
Frequently Asked Questions
⫸ What can I expect in a HPC session?
After reviewing your history and intentions, we'll begin with setting up some quick and profound energetic support that will maximize the impact of our session. You can be clothed from the waist up (warm cozy socks are also encouraged) and after my treatment hand is placed, you will be re-covered so you won't be exposed for the duration of the session. The hands-on treatment portion of a session is generally around 45 minutes in both initial & follow-up sessions. Every session includes gentle intravaginal fascial unwinding, trigger point release, guided breathwork, and visualizations tools, as well as self-care instructions, personalized teaching, and follow-up plan.
⫸ What effects will I notice after a session?
Women describe immediate effects including feeling more relaxed and centered, a greater sense of support, increased strength in their pelvic muscles, and sometimes very heightened sensitivity/access to your full feminine range. When blood, energy and lymphatic flow is restored to the pelvic bowl the benefits and improvement in undesired symptoms will continue to improve over time. Think of your session as an initiation of healing. Also, please schedule in some downtime after your session to maximize the effects and minimize the chance of feeling overwhelmed by your healing journey.
⫸ Is HPC like pelvic floor PT?
Yes and no. My passion and understanding of pelvic floor health comes from my training and experience as a bodyworker, midwife, and mother. I am not a physical therapist, though I have completed several pelvic floor trainings through Herman and Wallace (advanced physical therapy training institute). I like to think of HPC as the midwifery model of pelvic floor PT.
⫸ Is HPC painful?
It should never hurt. Your tissues' response will guide the depth and direction of my hands-on work.
⫸ Can I receive pelvic work during my moon time/on my period?
Yes! As a natural time of release, it is a wonderful time to "unpack" the pelvic bowl.
⫸ What if I don’t have any symptoms?
The goal of HPC is to empower you to inhabit your pelvic space and occupy your feminine ground physically, energetically, emotionally and spiritually. Our root/pelvis serves us in so many ways and yet receives little direct care. Regardless of symptoms, the benefits of reconnecting with this sacred space will be deeply profound, creative, and leave you with an honest sense of well-being.
⫸ Can I come in for a HPC session if I'm not ready or unsure about receiving internal (intravaginal) therapy?
Absolutely. There are many ways we can address your pelvic symptoms and/or heal from traumatic events without going inside the pelvic bowl. Visceral Manipulation, Craniosacral Therapy, Arvigo Therapy, guided visualizations, and general healing bodywork are wonderful when internal work is too painful, contraindicated, or when it's just not the time.
Add Ons
Vaginal Steam
20 minute herbal steam before your hands-on healing session. Steaming is contraindicated during menstruation, postpartum bleeding, and pregnancy. Beautiful locally crafted cedar steam stools are also available for purchase.
Castor Oil Pack + Abdominal Massage
Warm reusable castor pack + abdominal massage/scar remediation incorporated into your healing session.
Lymphatic Breast Massage
Warm compresses and massage to move lymph and reduce congestion in breast tissue.
Please be sure you can commit to your appointment time before booking. Appointments canceled/changed (by phone or email) with less than 48 hours notice will be charged a $50 fee, missed appointments will be charged the full amount.
Thank you for understanding and supporting my small business!