Maternal Mindfulness: Pregnancy and Postpartum Massage Therapy & Yoga — Local services in Boston

Came to Boston for a massage. Went home with my baby!

I found Rachael and Maternal MIndfulness midway through my pregnancy with our second son. That was in early July 2024. Unlike our first son, who was born at 37-weeks (I had to be induced due to pre-eclampsia), our second decided to hang on past his due date. That led the doctors to schedule me for a 41-week induction, which I was keen to avoid. I had wanted to get a massage at Maternal Mindfulness since about the 20-week mark, and was waiting for just the right occasion.

With the hope of still going into labor naturally, I scheduled an evening “labor ready massage” for 11/18. My massage almost didn’t happen because of a glitch in the scheduler (Acuity) a day or two beforehand, when I booked. I reached out to Rachael, and she was very quick to get back to me and re-book me. Had neither of us bothered, my son might have had a different date of birth.

Massage day was just what I needed. I felt a bit edgy and uptight before showing up at Rachael’s, since I had what I thought and actually ended up being contractions, but I started feeling more chill and at-ease thanks to Rachael’s warm and welcoming personality. Upon my arrival, Rachael asked great questions about me and my pregnancy to help me get the most out of my massage, and her massage room was just as inviting. Warm, cozy, clean, and relaxing are a few words I’d use to describe it. She also had a cancellation before my appointment, and offered to start my massage early, which was nice.

Rachael was great about my request for “the more pressure the better,” and she was respectful of when I wanted to talk versus when I wanted a quiet moment. I also found Rachael’s doula experience helpful. For instance, I may have been in early labor when I went to my massage, and Rachael helped me time my contractions “real-time.” Plus, when I felt labor pains during my massage, Rachael used counter-pressure and pressure points to good effect.

By the time my massage was over, I felt super relaxed! Not only did I forget about my contractions, but I felt like I drank a glass of wine. I’m convinced that the relaxation from my time with Rachael helped me avoid medical interventions, pain medication, and allowed my labor to go as smoothly and naturally as possible. My husband and our 5-year-old were with me too, and we decided to mill around the North End and downtown with the understanding that we may need to check into the hospital, since my contractions started to pick up in frequency and intensity 60-90 minutes after the massage.

My massage started at 6:45 PM on Monday, and I went into active labor later in the early AM hours on Tuesday. I birthed my beautiful, healthy baby boy at 10:25 AM on Tuesday, which was 15 hours after my massage.

If your due date has come and gone, and you want labor to start naturally, go to Rachael. My massage helped me have the labor experience that I wanted with my firstborn, but didn’t get the chance to have. My massage at Rachael’s helped me meet my baby at just the right time. Thanks...

The best prenatal massage I’ve ever had—hands down. I only wish I had found Rachel sooner, because I would have gone to her from the very beginning of my pregnancy. I started seeing her around 32 weeks, and it was truly the best thing that happened to me during this time. I continued right up until the end—literally the day before I gave birth!

In the last weeks of my pregnancy, I was really struggling with swelling, and Rachel’s massages made a huge difference. Not only were they incredibly helpful physically, but they were also deeply relaxing and comforting. Rachel is such a kind, calming presence, and her space feels like a little oasis.

Her setup is beyond comfortable—you just melt into the table with all those amazing pillows. As soon as you lie down, you feel completely supported and so relaxed, you could easily fall asleep and never want to leave.

I’m already looking forward to coming back for postpartum sessions. If you’re pregnant, do yourself a favor and book with Rachel—you...

I had such a wonderful experience for my prenatal massage! From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed and well cared for. Rachael is incredibly knowledgeable and made sure I was comfortable throughout the entire session.

The massage itself was exactly what I needed and I truly appreciated the calm atmosphere and the attention to detail, from the supportive pillows to the soothing environment.

I highly recommend this place to any expecting mom looking for a relaxing massage experience. I bought a 3 pack and I’ll definitely be back for another session as my...