Elective Course

Prenatal Massage

Prenatal Massage prepares students to work with pregnant, laboring, postpartum, and infant clients using safe positioning, appropriate technique adjustments, and comfort-focused care. The course emphasizes responsive support through each stage and includes introductory infant massage routines.

35 Total Hours 20 lecture hours and 15 lab hours
Prerequisite Acceptance into the program plus a high school diploma or GED
Textbook No textbook required

What Students Build

Prenatal Support
Safe Positioning
Infant Massage
Comfort-Based Care

Overview

Course Description

A bodywork and techniques elective focused on safe prenatal, labor, postpartum, and infant-support applications.

What You Learn

Core Areas of Study

  • Pregnancy Stage Considerations Learn safety principles and common adaptations across prenatal, labor, and postpartum contexts.
  • Positioning and Support Use side-lying and supportive setups that prioritize comfort and safety.
  • Technique Adaptation Modify massage flow, pacing, and pressure for changing client needs.
  • Infant Massage Basics Practice simple infant massage routines appropriate to course scope.
Prenatal Massage supports safe adaptation, client comfort, and responsive care planning within the AFSM elective curriculum.

Learning Outcomes

Course Outcomes

Students strengthen practical decision-making and applied course competency.

By the End of This Course

  • Develop safe techniques for all pregnancy stages.
  • Use side-lying positioning for comfort and safety.
  • Practice infant massage techniques.

Hours Overview

Lecture hours slightly exceed lab time, supporting safety, planning, and hands-on application.

TypeHoursPercent
Lecture2057%
Lab1543%

Evaluation

Grading Summary

Student progress is measured across course activities, labs, and final assessment work.

Graded Items
Value
Tests
50%
Class Participation
25%
Absence / Lateness
25%
Total
100%

Explore

A few related courses in the elective curriculum.

Resources

Helpful References

A few public resources related to the course topic.

Course Planning Note

Prenatal Massage supports safe adaptation, client comfort, and responsive care planning within the AFSM elective curriculum.