Ashley Mullin - Perinatal Massage Therapist

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You finally get comfortable…

…and then realize your teeth are practically welded together.

Pregnancy itself doesn’t automatically mean you’ll develop a jaw problem, but things like stress, jaw clenching or grinding, and disrupted sleep can contribute to jaw-muscle tension and temporomandibular disorder symptoms.

You might notice:

• Aching around your jaw or temples
• Headaches
• Sore or tired jaw muscles
• Clicking or popping
• Waking up feeling like you’ve been clenching all night

And yes — depending on your assessment and treatment plan, massage therapy can include work to muscles around the jaw, neck and shoulders, not just your back.

Because apparently pregnancy looked at your jaw and said:

“You’re coming too.” 😂

If you’re having persistent pain, significant swelling, locking of your jaw, dental pain or difficulty opening/closing your mouth, that deserves assessment by an appropriate healthcare or dental professional.

Pregnancy Superpowers 😂

Pregnancy apparently comes with some very questionable superpowers.

Which one did YOU get?

A) 👃 Smell something suspicious from three rooms away
B) 😭 Cry over commercials you normally wouldn’t notice
C) 🚽 Know the location of every bathroom within a 10 km radius
D) 🍪 Detect the exact snack you want despite having “nothing to eat”
E) All of the above

👇 Tell me your pregnancy superpower.

Bonus points if yours is something completely ridiculous that isn’t on the list. 😂

MYTH: “If I had better posture, I wouldn’t hurt during pregnancy.”

Pregnancy has a way of making us blame ourselves for every ache.

“Maybe I’m sitting wrong.”
“I need to stand straighter.”
“My posture is terrible.”

But your body does not need to hold one perfectly upright position all day.

In fact, there isn’t one magical posture that’s comfortable or appropriate for everyone for hours at a time. Even a technically “good” position can become uncomfortable when you stay there too long; changing positions regularly matters.

So instead of constantly correcting yourself, think:

💗 Can I get more comfortable?
💗 Can I support my back or arms?
💗 Have I been in this position forever?
💗 Would a little movement feel good?

Pregnancy is already asking your body to adapt constantly.

You do not need to spend nine months policing your posture on top of it.

If discomfort is persistent, severe or interfering with your normal activities, bring it up with your healthcare provider.

Enjoy this Sunday Funny that also serves as a reminder: Don't be afraid to ask for help up! 🤣

🌿 PROVIDER SPOTLIGHT: LACTATION SUPPORT

One thing I really want this page to emphasize is that perinatal care doesn't stop when the baby arrives.

For families who choose to breastfeed or provide human milk, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) can be an incredibly valuable member of the postpartum support team.

Lactation consultants specialize in helping parents and babies with breastfeeding and may provide support when feeding isn't going the way you expected. Canadian public-health guidance specifically identifies lactation consultants among the professionals families can turn to for breastfeeding help.

And sometimes seeking help before you're completely overwhelmed can make a huge difference in how supported you feel.

Massage therapy can't replace lactation care.

Lactation care can't replace your physician, midwife or other healthcare providers.

That's the point.

Good perinatal care isn't about finding one person who does everything.

It's about building a team.

💗 Support doesn't stop at birth.

“WHY am I suddenly so HOT?!”

Pregnancy has apparently decided that room temperature is now a personal attack. 🥵

If you've found yourself constantly asking…

“Is it hot in here?”

…while everyone else in the room says no, you're not alone.

Feeling warmer than usual and sweating more can happen during pregnancy. Hormonal changes and increased blood supply to the skin are among the reasons.

And this is also something I want prenatal massage clients to know:

You do NOT have to suffer politely on my table. 😂

Too warm?

Tell me.

Don't want another blanket?

Gone.

Table warmer making you feel like a rotisserie chicken?

OFF.

Your massage is supposed to be comfortable, and temperature is part of that.

Especially during pregnancy, your comfort can change from appointment to appointment — so please never feel awkward asking me to adjust something.

Pregnancy is already making enough demands. You don't need to quietly roast during your massage too. 💗

Pregnancy comfort essential

You've been given $100…

But you're only allowed to spend it on ONE pregnancy comfort item.

What are you choosing?

Pregnancy pillow?

Comfiest stretchy pants imaginable?

A giant water bottle?

A personal fan?

Snacks?

Or something completely different?

👇 What's the ONE thing getting you through pregnancy right now?

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“Am I imagining it… or do I actually walk differently now?”

You're probably not imagining it.

Pregnancy changes your body's shape, weight distribution and the way you maintain balance. Research has found measurable changes in walking patterns as pregnancy progresses, although exactly how someone adapts varies from person to person.

Which is why you may suddenly notice yourself:

Walking a little slower.

Taking shorter steps.

Standing differently.

Feeling less graceful when you turn quickly.

Or developing a walk that your partner has lovingly referred to as “the waddle.” 😂

These changes are not automatically a sign that something is wrong — your body is continually adapting to a changing physical environment.

And those adaptations can mean certain muscles around the hips, legs and back are being asked to work differently too.

If you're experiencing pain, significant instability, dizziness or concerns about your balance, bring it up with your prenatal healthcare provider.

Otherwise?

Maybe give yourself a little grace when your usual smooth turn around the kitchen island becomes a seven-point manoeuvre. 💗

Where is baby currently attacking you? 😂

Okay pregnant people…

Where has your baby decided their favourite kicking spot is? Show us with a react!

💖 Ribs
😭 Bladder
👍 One VERY specific side
😡 Somewhere you're pretty sure shouldn't be physically possible
😆 ALL OF THE ABOVE

I want to hear it.

👇 Where does your little roommate kick you the most?