Course – Practitioner of Pregnancy Massage

• On enrolment, you receive a welcome email and an extensive training manual to support your  learning
• You will receive access to the online coourse to complete the theory prior to attending he face to face training, study is self-paced
• You will have access to the online course for 2 years while you refine and perfect your skills
• Each module has multiple lessons to help you gain a greater understanding of each subject
• The theory component is broken up into individual 15-30 minute lessons which you can complete at your own pace
• You will have access to review the practical massage techniques and you are supported with videos to guide you through each technique, with a revision of the anatomy of the region and purpose of treatment, signs and symptoms including specialised massage and mobilisation techniques
• We will invite you to a Zoom Classroom to gain greater knowledge and understanding, and to connect with likeminded therapists. This is an opportunity to refine your skills. There will be two 3 hour Zoom Classrooms to cover techniques in detail and give students the opportunity to ask questions (we will send you a recording if you can’t make the session)
• You will be invited into the closed Pregnancy Massage Australia® Therapists Q&A Facebook Group, which is a supportive forum to ask questions and share your experiences
• To successfully complete the course, you will have to pass the simple assessments by:
  • Answering the questions in each section of the online training
  • Completing a review of six (6) High Risk Pregnancy Conditions
  • Revising your ‘Pregnancy Client Health Assessment Form’ (how to do this is covered in the training, along with an example form)
  • Completing two (2) case studies of ‘Treat a Pregnant Client’ twice and outline your massage treatment with a focus on the new techniques
  • Providing a photo of your pregnancy massage table set-up

Module 1: Understanding Pregnancy & Maternal Change

• Understand the “why” behind every technique.
• Learn how the body transforms through each trimester. Explore hormonal shifts, anatomy, and the physiology of pregnancy, along with safe, trimester-specific massage recommendations.

Module 2: Conditions Unique to Pregnancy

• Recognise what’s safe, when to adapt, and when to refer.
• Identify and manage conditions such as oedema, carpal tunnel, and ligament pain. Understand contraindications, safety principles, and referral boundaries for high-risk pregnancies.

Module 3: Complex & High-Risk Pregnancy Care

• Develop confidence in working with complexity — both physically and emotionally.
• Delve deeper into clinical complexities including pre-eclampsia, cholestasis, gestational diabetes, and hypertension. Learn when and how to adapt treatments or refer to healthcare professionals.

Module 4: Client Positioning, Assessment & Safety

• Because safety and comfort are the foundation of every effective treatment.
• Master positioning for every stage of pregnancy. Learn assessment techniques for hips, pelvis, spine, and neck to ensure safety and comfort during each session.

Module 5: Specialised Techniques for Pregnancy Discomforts

• Restore balance, reduce pain, and promote mobility with confidence.
• Address pregnancy pain patterns with effective approaches — including Release Point Therapy (RPT) and myofascial techniques for hips, back, and pelvis. Treatment for Pelvic Girdle Pain (PrPGP) including Anterior Groin Pain, Coccyx Pain; Lower Back Pain, Sciatic Nerve Release; Reduce Guarding in the Hip

Module 6: Thoracic, Neck & Upper Body Treatment

• Help mothers breathe, move, and rest more comfortably.
• Target postural tension and upper body discomfort. Learn techniques for rib release, shoulder mobility, and neck METs to improve posture and breathing comfort.

Module 7: Carpal Tunnel, Oedema & Leg Support

• Support relaxation, circulation, and lightness — even in the later trimesters.
• Reduce swelling and pain through safe circulatory techniques. Learn how to relieve carpal tunnel, restless legs, and calf cramping.

Module 8: Abdominal Massage & Emotional Connection

• Facilitate physical healing and emotional reconnection.
• Support digestion, core function, and emotional bonding. Learn techniques for diastasis recti, scar recovery, and gentle postnatal abdominal care.

Module 9: Professional Practice & Referral Pathways

• Grow a practice that’s both heart-led and professionally recognised.
• Integrate your new skills into professional practice. Build referral networks, create women-centred treatment plans, and access mentoring through the NurtureLife® Network.

Upon successful completion, you’ll be qualified to:

• Deliver safe, effective pregnancy and postnatal massage treatments
• Assess and adapt care for complex and high-risk clients
• Confidently support women through pregnancy, birth, and postnatal recovery
• Join the NurtureLife® Practitioner Directory for professional recognition and referrals

Flexible Study Options

Choose a learning format that fits your lifestyle and professional goals:

Face-to-Face Training
Join practical workshops with expert educators for hands-on experience and personalised feedback.

Online Learning (24-Month Access)
Study at your own pace with video tutorials, theory modules, and anatomy reviews available 24/7.

Interactive Zoom Classrooms
Optional live sessions to reinforce key techniques and connect with peers and mentors.

Ongoing Support
Gain access to the exclusive Pregnancy Massage Australia® Therapists Q&A Group, plus continuous mentoring and research updates.

Course Assessments
To complete the course, students will:

• Answer short knowledge checks after each module
• Review six high-risk pregnancy conditions
• Submit a Pregnancy Client Health Assessment Form (template provided)
• Complete two case studies with photo evidence of setup and treatment design