Road test: Prenatal Massage at Sui Spa

Posted on 28 September, 2016

I’ve always been a fan of a regular massage.

The difference they can make to in my mood alone is pretty astonishing – I can go from Dr. House to Mary Poppins within the hour.

But now that I’m pregnant, it’s a whole new kettle of fish.

I’m only four months along, but already I can feel extra tension in my lower back, neck and feet as my belly expands. (I can’t begin to think how I’ll be in the third trimester, but let’s take it one day at a time, shall we?)

So when I heard a new day spa was opening in the city, my ears naturally pricked up. Many places don’t offer massage in your first trimester for safety reasons, so now that I’m was in my second trimester, I was long due. Prenatal massage? Sign me up.

Plonked in the middle of Northbourne Avenue within the Melbourne Building, Sui Spa is a welcome sanctuary from the hustle and bustle outside.

The space, which occupies two floors with seven rooms including a yoga studio, has been gorgeously refurbished, with a Japanese-influenced fit out and soft lighting. It’s one of those spaces where you can feel the weight lifting off you as soon as you walk in.

Upon stepping inside, I was asked to take a seat and change out of my shoes into a beautiful pair of sandals.

I was then introduced to my lovely massage therapist, Pery, who led me to a cosy room which I was pleased to find was beautifully heated (you’d be surprised by how many massages I’ve had where I’m lying there with goosebumps!)

I was asked to lay under a blanket on my side while Pery prepared the oils. I was told I was getting the baby moon massage, a nurturing and balancing ritual for mums-to-be.

Once I was ready Pery turned the lights down and gently kneaded my back, neck and shoulders, which were particularly tight after a stressful day at work. The massage on my feet was light (to avoid any pressure points).

The best indication of a top-notch massage, for me, is whether or not you fall asleep – the ultimate state of relaxation. Within about ten minutes, I can safely say I was on my way. What meetings? What deadlines? I couldn’t care less at that point.

Pery was clearly very well trained as she had the expert touch – so many times I’ve had massages where the masseuse is trying to knead my bones (not fun) or it’s too soft and I can barely feel it. This was the perfect pressure.

After the massage was over, I reluctantly got dressed (I could have stayed for another hour or two, to be honest!)

As my bump grows week by week and the tension in my back grows with it, no doubt I’ll be knocking on Sui’s doors again! Come February? I might just be living there.

Sui offer Baby Moon massages from $90 for an hour. Visit suispacanberra.com.au for more information. 

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