Having a baby takes a lot of preparation—mental and physical. And while a little stress isn’t so bad (it can make us more productive), too much stress has been shown to have a negative impact on a child’s birth. In fact, the American Pregnancy Association recommends massage therapy as a way to support the emotional and physical health of a pregnant mum.
If you are a new or expectant mum or you’re looking for the perfect gift for a friend, check out these treatments for some extra-special pampering.
Therapies such as these can be a welcome relief to any mother, whether she be a new mum, or let’s be honest, a mum of a 16-year-old!
Most therapists prefer not to see prenatal clients until after the first trimester (12 weeks) of pregnancy. Massages are generally considered safe two weeks after a normal birth and six weeks post-caesarean section, but always check with your obstetrician before making an appointment.
Glow American Salon
With three locations in Doha, Glow American Salon has a reputation for being one of the forerunners of pre/postnatal pampering in the city. Consider their prenatal massage for one hour of relaxed bliss or try something different and book the Indian head massage, which just might help you to forget your stress for 30 minutes. Glow uses formaldehyde-free OPI products for manicures and pedicures. For facials, they use Dermalogica products, which are hypoallergenic and perfect for sensitive skin. Glow covers all bases when it comes to pre/postnatal treatments as they also offer 60-minute reflexology sessions.
The Nitty-Gritty
Prices: Prenatal massage, QR 250 (60 minutes) Indian head massage, QR 125 (30 minutes) Reflexology, QR 200 (60 minutes)
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-19:00, Friday 11:00-20:00, closed on Mondays
Location: West Bay Lagoon, Beach Tower (near City Center Mall) and Salwa Road
Contact: +974 6686-4220
glowamericansalon.com
Bliss Spa
Bliss Spa, conveniently located inside the W Doha Hotel, is another oasis for expectant mums. Bliss uses special pregnancy pillows for the comfort of mums-to-be during their treatments. Book a relaxing facial or a mani/pedi either before or after your massage to enjoy your day to the fullest. Extra bonus—check out the complimentary brownie buffet!
The Nitty-Gritty
Prices: Pre/postnatal massage, QR 600 (75 minutes)
Hours: Daily 09:00-23:00, last booking is at 21:00
Location: West Bay, across from City Center Mall
Contact: +974 4453-5555
blissdoha.com
Dados Beauty
Another well-known spa for pre/postnatal massages is Dados Beauty. Dados has an array of choices for pregnant ladies. Farina Latif, massage therapist says, “Postnatal massage is also important to encourage the body to recover after birth. Massage can improve skin texture, help reduce cellulite, ease water retention, increase circulation and generally relax any tired new mother.”
The Nitty-Gritty
Prices: Pre/postnatal massage, QR 210-450 (30-60 minutes); Pre/postnatal treatment package, QR 450 (90 minutes)
Hours: Saturday-Tuesday 09:00-20:00 and Friday 12:00-20:00
Location: Al Seal Residence, West Bay, near the W Doha Hotel
Contact: +974 4498-0033
dadosbeauty.com
Desert Princess British Hair & Beauty Salon
This full-service salon uses Ramburi Spa products that use naturally derived ingredients. A relaxing full-body massage can help improve skin elasticity, reduce fatigue and target areas prone to tension during pregnancy. Check out their rejuvenating “Lighter Legs” treatment for especially weary pregnant legs and feet. Sign up for the Desert Princess monthly email newsletter when you make your appointment and receive access to regular specials and offers.
The Nitty-Gritty
Prices: Pre/postnatal massage, QR 325 (60 minutes); Oasis Manicure, QR 120; Lighter Legs massage, QR 150 (25 minutes)
Hours: Sunday, Monday, Thursday 08:00-18:00; Tuesday and Wednesday 10:00-20:00; Friday Closed; Saturday 10:00-18:00; last booking is one hour before closing time
Location: Salwa Road
Contact: +974 4486-4169
desert-princess.com
Spa and Wellness Centre
Discover luxury at its best with a reservation at the Spa and Wellness Centre at Four Seasons Hotel Doha. This three-storey spa offers a wide choice of pre/postnatal relaxing choices. Try the “Mother To Be” massage for the ultimate pampering experience.
The Nitty-Gritty
Prices: Mother To Be massage, QR 725 (60 minutes)
Hours: Daily 10:00-22:00, last booking for massage is 21:00
Location: Four Seasons Hotel Doha, West Bay
Contact: +974 4494-8802
fourseasons.com/doha/spa
Noon Beauty Centre
The newly rebranded Noon Beauty Centre has been making waves online as an organic and holistic beauty and lifestyle salon. Their Swedish massage for pregnant mums uses organic Charme d’Orient or Shankara Ayurvedic massage oils—ideal for the sensitive skin of mums-to-be.
The Nitty-Gritty
Prices: Prenatal massage, QR 350 (60 minutes)
Hours: Saturday to Thursday 11:00-20:00, Friday 16:00-20:00
Location: 68 Al Tarafa, Duhail South (opposite the College of the North Atlantic Qatar)
Contact: +974 4492-2330
facebook.com/Noonbeautycentre
Doha’s “Mobile Masseuse”
Nurin Abdul, a U.S.-certified massage therapist with more than nine years of experience, is Doha’s “Mobile Masseuse.” Abdul will come to your house for relaxing pre/postnatal massages. She’s well known in the new mum community in Doha as being an expert on pregnancy massage and postnatal relaxation. Abdul gives the perfect light-touch full-body massage, depending on the preferences of the mum-to-be. She focuses on the typical pregnancy sore spots—back, hips, shoulders and necks. Equally important, Abdul says, is the postnatal massage therapy, which some new mums tend to forget or don’t consider. “Postnatal massage helps the body to adapt back to its normal state. It also helps to remove toxins and re-align the uterus,” she says.
The Nitty-Gritty
Price: Pre/postnatal massage, QR 250 (90 minutes), fees may vary depending on your location
Contact: +974 5039-7821
Reflexology
Pre/postnatal reflexology focuses on the link between relaxation and reflex points on the feet during pregnancy. Certified by the International Institute of Reflexology, Caroline Scott-Gale has over 12 years of experience helping expectant mums find a moment of Zen in their busy, about-to-change lives. Reflexology is a non-invasive, holistic approach to pregnancy and post-partum health that can help de-stress and relax mums-to-be and help relieve many of the discomforts associated with pregnancy. Reflexology can even help to create a more positive birthing experience.
Scott-Gale prefers that her clients come to her fully equipped home studio where they can have a truly relaxing, Zen experience.
The Nitty-Gritty
Price: First session, QR 350 (90 minutes); Continuing sessions, QR 300 (60-75 minutes)
Contact: +974 6660-5432
therapyforthesole@gmail.com
TARA KNIES-FRAITURE IS A FORMER FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHER WHO HAS SPENT THE PAST DECADE AS A GLOBAL NOMAD WITH HER HUSBAND AND THREE SPUNKY DAUGHTERS. SHE HAS BEEN FREELANCE WRITING AND EDITING FOR YEARS WITH A FOCUS ON EXPAT FAMILY LIFE. SHE BELIEVES HUMOUR IS A KEY PART OF LOVING LIFE. IN HER FREE TIME, TARA IS AN EXPERT CHOCOLATE TASTER. SHE HAS BEEN LIVING IN DOHA FOR JUST OVER A YEAR.
