Spa Etiquette

Arrival Time:
Please arrive 15 minutes before your massage to allow some time for you to unwind and relax before your massage treatment.

Cancellation Policy:
Clients must call The Motherhood Center 24 hours in advance or will be charged 50% of the original price. This charge includes cancellation or rescheduling. Failure to call or arrive for your appointment will result in a charge in the full amount of the massage.

Children:
Babysitting services are offered to you while you receive your massage. The cost for babysitting is $10/hour.

Draping Procedures:
All massage treatments will use proper draping during the massage, so that you will feel comfortable and secure. To fully enjoy your massage treatment we recommend that all clothing and jewelry is removed, however we leave this to your own discretion.

Gratuity:
Gratuities are a matter of personal discretion and are not reflected in our massage pricing.  Unless otherwise noted, gift certificates and packages do not include gratuities.

Hours:
Appointments may be made Monday-Saturday from 8:30am-7pm. Sunday appointments may be made for in-home massages only. In-home massages are available 7 days a week.

Locker Rooms:
For your convenience we offer a locker room where you may change into a robe, shower, and store any personal belongings you might have with you.

Pre-natal Massage Safety Concerns:
The Motherhood Center desires for you to have a safe, happy and healthy pregnancy.  If you are concerned at all about receiving massage during your first trimester, please download, print and bring the 1st Trimester form we have provided.

Massage Therapy Q + A

Is massage therapy safe during the first trimester of pregnancy?
One of the main reasons some practitioners and spas refuse to massage first-trimester clients is the fear of causing a miscarriage.  Miscarriages occur very frequently, perhaps in as often as half of confirmed pregnancies- and most miscarriages can't be avoided. They rarely are caused by anything expectant women do or don't do. In nearly half of all known losses, the embryo was chromosomally abnormal and not viable or able to sustain life. Other possible risk factors include genital and reproductive structural abnormalities (retroversion of the uterus, bicornuate uterus, fibroid tumors, etc.), infections (chlamydia, rubella, listeria, ureaplasma, mycoplasma), maternal disease (diabetes, renal disease, thyroid conditions, nutritional deficiencies), ectopic pregnancies, hormonal imbalances, immunological rejection, maternal age and environmental factors such as first- or second-hand smoke, excessive alcohol consumption, exposure to organic solvents, and excessive radiation. Massage is not a contributing factor in any of these physical or environmental circumstances, and is not causative in a miscarriage.  Adapted from Massage Today Magazine, Prenatal Massage During the First Trimester by Ellaine Stillerman, January, 2006, Vol. 06, Issue 01.  If you are concerned about the safety of massage during your pregnancy, please speak with your doctor, nurse practitioner and your qualified massage therapist.

Will you be massaging my belly? Is that safe?
Your therapist will always ask permission before massaging your belly.  With gentle pressure, massage can be incredibly soothing to the often itchy, stretched skin of your pregnant tummy.  Our therapists are trained to always apply safe, therapeutic techniques in your session.

What does ‘Therapeutic Spa’ mean?
‘Therapeutic’ is defined as anything with a healing power or quality.  The healing benefits of relaxation are increasingly viewed as therapeutic as more practitioners in allied healthcare fields are incorporating stress management in patient treatment plans.  All of our spa treatments are effective for inducing a ‘relaxation response’ in the body, which is beneficial for lowering blood pressure, improving blood flow, reducing inflammation and promoting healing in the body.  Massage therapy increases levels of oxytocin- a hormone known to facilitate a feeling of well-being and a greater ability to handle stress- as well as lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol which is associated with inflammation and degeneration in the body.  Our spa treatments are also effective in addressing issues of pain, dysfunction and imbalance in the musculoskeletal system (muscle and joint strain and pain).

Do I have to fully undress?
Your therapist will use sheets, blankets and towels to cover your body during your session.  You may choose to leave your undergarments on if that is most comfortable for you.

Does The Motherhood Center offer massage therapy for men?
While our Therapeutic Spa specializes in pre- and postnatal care, we will never turn away a husband, father or son!   Many of our male clients enjoy our Swedish, Deep Tissue and Hot Stone treatments.  Dads need to relax too!

What kind of training do your therapists have?
Our therapists are trained to provide therapeutic massage as permissible by The Texas State Department of Health and are licensed in the state of Texas.  Additionally, our therapists have completed continuing education courses in various modalities including Craniosacral Therapy, Reflexology, Advanced Stretching, Infant Massage, Myofascial Release, and Neuromuscular Therapy.

Are there any instances when a massage should be avoided?
Massage is not recommended for adults or children in instances of fever, acute injury or illness, Hemorrhage or Hemophilia, Blood Clots, Inflamed lymph nodes, Infectious Skin Disease, Contagious disease, Edema due to chronic heart failure or kidney failure, Decreased Sensation, Inflammatory condition in the acute stage, Acute phlebitis and/or deep venous thrombosis, Acute trauma or recent surgery, Infection in the skin or deeper tissues, are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  Always consult your physician if you are unsure if bodywork or massage therapy is appropriate for your health condition.

Is there anything specific I should do before or after my massage?
It is always best to be well hydrated both before and after your massage session.  We will provide water for you during your session and for you take with you when you go.  Some of our clients enjoy a hot shower before their session to warm and loosen their muscles. We hope you will feel comfortable to stay a while after your session as well to enjoy a cup of tea and prepare for your drive home.