FCMT

We are a massage therapy centre dedicated to providing the best quality of massage therapy possible. We value and promote the benefits of massage therapy for women in the childbearing years, children and youth, and the development of strong family units. We continuously strive to expand the utilization of our massage therapy services through our clinic, community outreach, education and research development. We endeavor to create an environment based on communication, education, trust, and compassion.

Paula was a Speaker at the 2004 DONA International Conference!
Paula Jaspar had been invited to speak at the 2004 DONA International Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana in July 2004. She spoke last year and was excited to participate again this year. She did a hands on workshop about massage during an epidural and a fun and informative workshop about the function of the pelvic floor. Paula also attended a preconference workshop and is certified to use TENS during birth with Penny Simkins. Her highlights of the trip were making lots new friends, sharing and learning, walking the boardwalk and Bourbon Street, and having dinner with Dr. Marshal Klaus, Phyllis Klaus, Dr. John Kennell and his wife, Dr Kevin Nugent and Jane Honikman.

Massage Therapy for the Childbearing Year Part 1: Pregnancy- 17 CMT Credits
Open only to Registered Massage Therapists. Learn anatomy, physiology, common complaints, remedial exercise, assessment and treatment for women during pregnancy. Information packed with cases, videos, group work, hands on and lecture. Manual included. Class size limited to 12 students.

Location and Date: Vancouver September 24-26, 2004
Fee: $350 (Early Bird one month before, $300)
Pre registration is Required

Massage Therapy for the Childbearing Year Part 2: Labour & Delivery – 17 CMT Credits
Open only to Registered Massage Therapists. Learn anatomy, physiology, common complaints, assessment and treatment for women during labour, delivery and postpartum. Understand techniques for preparation for labour and comfort measures. Information packed with cases, group work, videos, hands on and lecture. Manual included. Class size limited to 12 students.

Location and Date: Vancouver October 15-17, 2004
Fee: $350 (Early Bird one month before $300)
Pre registration is Required

Massage Therapy for the Childbearing Year Part 3: The Complicated Pregnancy – 12 CMT Credits
Open only to Registered Massage Therapists. Learn anatomy, physiology, common complaints, assessment and treatment for women during the complicated pregnancy.. Information packed with cases, group work, hands on and lecture. Practical portion at a maternity unit. Manual included. Class size limited to 5 students. Prerequisite Part 1 or equivalent.

Location and Date: Vancouver November 13-14, 2004
Fee: $300 (Early Bird one month before, $275)
Pre registration is Required

Massage Therapy for the Childbearing Yea Part 4: Infant Massage – 7 CMT Credits
Open only to Registered Massage Therapists. The amazing newborn! Review gross anatomy, physiology, common complaints of the newborn. Discussion of recent research supporting infant massage and family bonding. Learn teaching techniques and how to share information about infant massage including techniques for healthy babies. Information packed with lecture, videos and hands on practice dolls. Manual included. Class size limited to 12 students.

Location and Date: Vancouver December 4, 2004
Fee: $150 (Early Bird one month before, $125)
Pre registration is Required

Please e-mail for more information.

Massage for Birth Professionals and Labour Support Coaches
There are many studies indicating how important touch is during labour. Learn how to provide mother massage safely. Topics will include anatomy and physiology, indications and contraindications, as well as positioning. Special techniques focus on relaxation, early labour and transition labour. There will be discussion on post partum massage. Please note this course is only available to participants that have experience working with or intend to work with women during their childbearing year. Workbook, linens, oil, pillows supplied.

Date: October 2-3, 9 2004
Location: Vancouver
Fee: $350.00 (Early Bird fee $300)
Pre registration is Required

Infant Massage Course
Studies document how infant massage can improve digestion, sleep and infant bonding. Learn the fundamentals and basic strokes for infant massage in a hands on class. Booklet, oil and light snack included.

Date: Will be starting again in January 2005! Private classes available.
Location: TBA
Fee: $80 /couple, $60 /individual
Pre registration is Required

Paula was energized from Speaking in California July 2003
Paula Jaspar was invited to speak at the 2003 DONA International Conference in Millbrae, California in July 2003. She had a terrific time sharing Canadian information with 270 DONA participants. Highlights included the many of the Canadian Representatives and personally meeting Dr Marshall Klaus, Phyillis Klaus, Dr John Kendell, Penny Simkin and lots of other knowledgeable and passionate people.

November2002 was a busy month for Paula:
Paula Jaspar was invited to speak in Toronto about massage during birth and had a great session. The feedback was that all found it useful and fun. Everyone said that they learned at least one new thing! Paula had an opportunity to participate in lots of excellent workshops and will be incorporating new information in to her practice.

The following weekend, Elizabeth Noble, physio and author of Essential Exercises During the Childbearing Year, Having Twins, and Primal Connections, came to Vancouver. Her lecture on Primal Connections was interesting and discussed how conception and birth can influence us at a cellular level. More information at www.birthpsychology.com.

As well, Elizabeth Noble taught a keen group of physiotherapists,registered massage therapists and a prenatal yoga instructor, all about prenatal and postpartum exercise. We learned anatomy, physiology, assessment, and appropriate massage. We learned with pregnancy and new moms with babies. Keep your eyes out for new prenatal and postpartum exercise classes that follow the Elizabeth Noble philosophy of body awareness, core stabilization and lots of opportunity to socialize. It was an inspiring month!

See more FCMT classes! Please e-mail for more information

Family Center Massage Therapy is proud to be recognized as an excellent source of information.

Today’s Parent
The Massage Message By Teresa Pitman
Massage isn’t just for grown-ups. If you’re looking to incorporate more skin-to-skin contact into your baby’s daily activities, why not give her a rub-down?

MTABC News
Maternity Massage Therapy -
Time Out for Moms-to-be
An increasing number of B.C. women are taking a unique approach to dealing with the aches and stresses that come with being pregnant.

Please e-mail for more information.

At Family Center Massage Therapy we love what we do, and it shows. Keep reading to learn how our clients found their FCMT experience.

October 8, 2002

To Whom It May Concern:

The moment Andrew and I met Paula, we knew she was the Doula for us. When we told her we were excited about having a baby, but also a little bit nervous, she immediately set our minds at ease by explaining that childbirth is the beginning of a wonderful adventure called parenthood. She reassured us that as our Doula she would do her best to manage our fears and make the birth process as enjoyable as possible for both of us. It was this positive and energetic outlook that immediately drew us to Paula. We felt completely comfortable with Paula and just knowing she was going to be with us gave Andrew and I much confidence as we awaited my labour to begin.

Paula was excellent through my long and often difficult labour. During the early stages she was in constant telephone contact with us and when we wanted her to come over, she was there immediately. We laboured at home for much of my labour, where Paula proved to be an energetic and fun labour coach, teaching us on the spot how to manage the pain of each contraction. She encouraged us to use gravity to our advantage and we spent a lot of time walking in a park near our home. Paula was particularly wonderful at guiding Andrew how to best help and support me, thus allowing him to take an active part in my labour. I really enjoyed the early part of my labour, which was spent walking, talking, laughing and fantasising about the baby we would soon meet.

Paula encouraged me to trust my body, so when I felt it was time to go to the hospital, no time was wasted. Paula was well mannered and co-operative with our first nurse who seemed a little hesitant about her presence in the labour and delivery room. As my labour and pain intensified, Paula provided constant physical and emotional support, allowing Andrew and I to stay well focussed throughout each painful contraction. When it came time to push, Paula was a true team player and worked tirelessly with Andrew, Nuri (the second nurse), and Dr. P to help me through this extremely difficult part of childbirth. Paula kept telling me how great my breathing was and how well I was doing. When Sera was finally born, Paula praised me on a job well done and really made me feel good about myself and the birth of my daughter. Paula treated Sera’s arrival into the world as the same kind of miracle it was for Andrew and I. Paula also did a fantastic job taking pictures and videotaping for us and keeping our families in the waiting room well informed of my progress.

We can’t express in words how grateful we our to have had Paula present for the birth of our daughter. Paula never left our side for 18 hours. Just having someone with her nature and touch beside us made all the difference. There was a tremendous feeling of security with Paula’s presence. Paula’s wonderful personality and all the great qualities she has to offer made this challenging and rewarding experience easier. Paula, we honestly could not have done it without you.

The next morning when Dr. P came to check on us, she complimented Paula as being some of the best labour support she has ever seen during childbirth. Andrew and I couldn’t agree more. We really feel that Paula has a heart for being a Doula and we can not recommend her highly enough to parents-to-be who want to be in excellent hands.

Sincerely,

Kari K and Andrew W