Meaningful Mothering

Sure, having a baby is one of the most wonderful things that can happen to a woman. But what about all those aches, from the ankles to the neck?

All you would-be moms, Angela Cortright knows your pain. As manager of Spa Gregorie’s in Newport Beach, she’s introduced a program of massages and other body/beauty treatments designed exclusively for pregnant women.

“This is a joyful time, an exciting time for them,” Cortright says. “However, it does come with its problems. Their body is changing, and so is their carriage from carrying the baby. They need relief, and massage is a great way to give it.

“We try to pamper them.”

The trick to this specialized massage is being very gentle and focusing on stress points common to most pregnant women. Cortright explains that the masseuse gives attention to the back (especially the lower back) and legs while watching out for parts of the body that may be out of balance. Masks and body oils that Cortright says are “organic and holistic” are used during the massage to add elasticity and fight against stretch marks.

“Since there’s water retention [and] women feel bloated, we give treatments to relieve swelling around the ankles,” Cortright says. “There’s usually no massage around the baby area.”

Spa Gregorie’s has been offering the massages for about a year. How popular are they?

“Oh my gosh, this place has become maternity central,” Cortright says. “I’m thinking I should build a maternity room around here somewhere.

“We also do wonderful treatments for non-pregnant people,” she adds quickly.

Wendy Bennett of Newport Beach held her bachelorette party at the spa, and now, pregnant with twin boys, she returns for sculptural body masks that she hopes will combat stretch marks and loose skin. In between maternity massages, she has her fingernails and toenails polished.

For more information, call (714) 644-6672 or visit the spa’s Web site at https://www.spagregories.com.