Performed by a trained perinatal specialist, many methods of massage and somatic therapies are both effective and safe prenatally and during labor and postpartum periods of women’s pregnancies. Prenatally, specific techniques can reduce pregnancy discomforts and concerns and enhance the physiological and emotional well-being of both mother and fetus. Skilled, appropriate touch facilitates labor, shortening labor times and easing pain and anxiety. In the postpartum period, specialized techniques rebalance structure, physiology, and emotions of the new mother and may help her to bond with and care for her infant. Specialized, advanced training in the anatomy, physiology, complications, precautions, and contraindications is highly recommended, and many practitioners require referrals from physicians prior to therapy.
Prenatal / Pregnancy Massage
Samantha Pope
While studying psychology and dance at the University of Florida, Sam took a semester of Thai massage within the dance department, and the spell was cast. After graduating, Sam found herself reconnecting with her Thai teacher, and an opportunity she couldn’t refuse appeared; an intimate apprenticeship to learn the art of Thai massage. For several years, Sam studied & practiced daily with her teacher, and eventually became a co-teacher in all workshops and classes.
In 2017, Sam attended the Florida School of Massage to broaden her training and knowledge and became a licensed Massage Therapist. There she studied several modalities including Swedish, Connective Tissue Therapy, Reflexology, Polarity, Sports Massage & Neuromuscular Therapy. In 2022, Sam moved to Santa Cruz and joined the team at Well Within. Her sessions include elements of the modalities listed above, as well as space for intuition and in the moment discoveries. Her current specialty massage offerings include Deep Tissue, Prenatal, Thai Foot Reflexology, and Thai Massage.
Sarah Joy Zell
Sarah has been practicing massage since 2006 and she shares a lifelong passion for health and wellness for all people. Her sessions invite a sense of connection: connection to yourself and connection to the world around you. She loves how massage gives people the kinesthetic information they need to help heal from injuries and feel a greater sense of ease and wellbeing. Her modalities include Swedish Relaxation Massage, Pregnancy Massage, and Craniosacral Therapy.
Stacy Day
Stacy is a long-time bodywork practitioner, having been Nationally Certified in therapeutic massage and bodywork since 1994. Various trainings include: Swedish-Esalen, Deep Massage, including techniques for frozen shoulder, carpel tunnel, knee and hip concerns, Prenatal massage, Jin Shin Do Acupressure, Cranial-Sacral, Reiki, Ashiatsu DeepFeet Bar and Sarga Silks, etc., and a graduate of Wat Po Thai Massage school. UCSC graduate with Psychobiology major, SFSU M.A. in Holistic Health & Philosophy. Past work as a birth Doula and Yoga instructor. Stacy is an annual guest bodyworker at the Tassajara Zen Mountain Center. At the Well, she also enjoys doing special treatments such as relaxation facials, foot treatments, aromatherapy, and hair & scalp conditioning.
Tomek Walas
Tomek offers a wide variety of modalities for massage therapy including: Swedish, Deep Tissue, Trigger Point Release, Clinical Therapy, Pregnancy, Sports, Myofacial Release, Lymphatic Drainage, Post Operative Massage as well as Cranio Sacral Therapy. He combines these modalities to relieve the client’s symptoms which may include sports and work injuries, as well as aid in stress reduction and relaxation.