Mt Lebo Pregnancy Massage

Welcome

My name is Marta Magaw and I'm a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) and a Certified Nurturing the Mother pregnancy massage therapist based in the South Hills area of Pittsburgh. I've been doing massage since 1997 and prenatal massage since 2002.

During my 27 years of massage (and continuing education), I have chosen to focus on two things: pregnancy massage and treating neck, shoulder and back pain.

I believe that pregnant women deserve to have someone "dig in" when it's called for and not be treated like someone who is fragile (unless they actually are). It was very frustrating for me when I was pregnant to have therapists cautiously put lotion on me (as we were taught in massage school) instead of addressing my pain complaints with focused, clinical work.

My commitment to you: I promise to use the best evidence-based approach to prenatal massage to make sure my work is effective and safe and addresses the issues that are important to you (while making you relaxed and comfortable with soothing music, or silence, a specially-designed cushioning system and aromatherapy, if desired.)

Why get a pregnancy massage?

“Massage therapy has been demonstrated to be effective during pregnancy. Women who received massage therapy reported decreased depression, anxiety, and leg and back pain. Cortisol levels decreased and, in turn, excessive fetal activity decreased, and the rate of prematurity was lower in the massage group.”

(Expert Review of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2010 Mar; 5(2): 177–181)

Why Choose Me

CERTIFIED PRENATAL THERAPIST

Many therapists can DO prenatal massage, but few actually SPECIALIZE in it. You can read about my 26 years of training and experience here.

cushioning system

CERTIFIED PRENATAL THERAPIST

Specialized cushioning system (plus a few more pillows) to fully support your pregnant body. That way you can relax into a place of comfort and ease.

CUSTOMIZED MASSAGE

CERTIFIED PRENATAL THERAPIST

CUSTOMIZED MASSAGE

Each session begins with a conversation to discover your needs and preferences for that day. Then we design your massage together using techniques and pressure appropriate to your goals. (Don't worry. I keep notes about your favorite things.)

money savings

No nickel-and-diming here! I don't charge extra for deeper pressure, hot towels, or essential oils.

It's all included!

I don't accept tips, so save your money and put it towards your next massage.

extra time

money savings

Since I put a minimum of 30 minutes between appointments, you get your full session time on the table (rather than a subtraction of 10 minutes for check-in/out and undressing/dressing).

control

money savings

control

Since I am a sole practitioner, we get to control the room temperature and the music. Laundry and cleaning are done with healthy, hypoallergenic supplies. Essential oils and massage lotions are always organic.

self-care ideas

support small business

continuing education

After 26 years, I've got lots of self-care ideas to keep your body more comfortable before (and after) your baby arrives. Tips for relieving low back and hip pain, reducing edema, sleeping more comfortably, etc.

continuing education

support small business

continuing education

I'm always learning new information and techniques from research and classes. I am committed to practicing science-based prenatal massage THAT FEELS GREAT with special attention to effectiveness and safety.

support small business

When you choose me as your massage therapist, you’re not paying the salary of a corporate CEO or stockholders of a large massage chain. You’re helping a solo practitioner run a small local business. Doesn't that feel good?

*Certification for prenatal massage, like prenatal yoga, is not available through a state or national certifying board. It is advanced training that one seeks after graduation from massage school. It is conducted by independent teachers who have been approved as providers by the National Certification Board for Massage and Bodywork Therapy. (The NCBMBT is a national organization whose exam most states use as the basis for state licensure in massage.) I am a certified Nurturing the Mother pregnancy massage therapist.