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