Karen Kelly
Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Birth Doula
 Karen
Kelly, New York State licensed, nationally Board-Certified massage
therapist and DONA certified Birth Doula, is a graduate of the
Finger Lakes School of Massage in Ithaca NY. Karen received her
Bachelor of Arts from Bennington College in VT. There she studied,
among other things, holistic medicine and gained a greater awareness
of the interconnectedness of one's individual health in relation
to mind, body and spirit.
Doulas guide expectant mothers back to their innate wisdom and
reclaim what has historically been a revered, spiritual process.
Realizing that the actual birth is only part of the process, Karen
focused her massage training around the support of reproductive
health, specializing in the needs of women in the, conception,
and pre- and post-natal stages of pregnancy.
Massage can increase circulation to every part of the body, including
the ovaries and uterus. When stress hormones rise, oxygenated,
nutrient-rich blood flow is impaired. Massage is an efficient,
drug free solution.
Karen's integrative massage techniques are individualized to each
woman's specific needs as she progresses through the journey to
conception, her pregnancy, or her period of post-partum recovery.
Benefits of receiving regular massage are:
- Stress relief on
weight-bearing joints, such as ankles, lower back and pelvis
- Relief from neck
and back pain caused by muscle imbalance and weakness
- Assistance in maintaining
proper posture
- Preparation of the
muscles used during childbirth
- Reduced swelling
in hands and feet
- Lessened sciatic
pain
- Relief of headache
and sinus congestion
- Relaxation and decreased
insomnia
- Emotional support
and nurturing touch
Regular massage encourages greater body awareness and controlled
relaxation. This is especially helpful when trying to conceive
or in preparation for contractions during labor. This skill can
aid in more productive pushing -leading to a shorter overall labor.
"Birth is not only about making babies. Birth is about
making mothers - strong, competent, capable mothers who trust
themselves and know their inner
strength."
- Barbara Katz-Rothman
My Personal Story
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