Pregnancy & Postnatal Massage in Exeter

Pregnancy and the postnatal period are times of profound physical and emotional change. Your body adapts through pregnancy, birth, and recovery, while your nervous system continues to respond to new demands, responsibilities, and routines, and you may notice a growing need for rest, comfort, and care.
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0333 577 9192

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Pregnancy Massage

What is pregnancy & postnatal massage?

Pregnancy and postnatal massage is a therapeutic massage adapted to support you through pregnancy, after birth, and the transitions that come with both.

At Barefoot Physio, our approach is calm, personalised, and evidence-informed — facilitating a nurturing, supportive space to slow down, feel held, and reconnect with your body in a gentle and reassuring way. Each session is guided around where you are in your journey, with your comfort and wellbeing at the centre of everything we do.

We offer a variety of supportive positions, including side-lying, semi-reclined, seated, and lying face down using the award-winning Belloost Pillow. The pillow is designed to support your body comfortably during pregnancy and postnatally. For many women, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy, this can feel like a novel and deeply comforting experience, offering a sense of familiarity and ease that can be hard to find elsewhere.

How pregnancy & postnatal massage may support you

Every experience is individual, but many clients tell us that massage during pregnancy and the postnatal period helps them to:

  • Feel more relaxed and settled
  • Enjoy moments of rest and calm
  • Ease areas of tension or heaviness
  • Feel more comfortable in their body
  • Support better sleep
  • Feel nurtured and cared for

During pregnancy, massage can offer space to slow down and support comfort as the body adapts.

In the postnatal period, massage can provide a chance to pause, rest, and reconnect with your body — whether you’re navigating recovery from birth, the physical demands of caring for a baby, or the mental load of early parenthood. These moments of relaxation and comfort can be deeply supportive and often become an important part of ongoing self-care.

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0333 577 9192

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Fran Morgan

Massage and pelvic pain

A calm, modern approach grounded in evidence

Pelvic pain is common and can affect women during pregnancy, after birth, or across both stages. Experiencing pelvic pain does not mean that anything is “wrong” or damaged.

We understand that pelvic pain is influenced less by structural “misalignment” or instability, and more by how the nervous system is responding to the physical, emotional, and mental demands placed on the body. During pregnancy and the postnatal period, factors such as stress, tiredness, hormonal change, recovery from birth, and feeling overwhelmed can all influence how pain is experienced.

Massage isn’t about correcting alignment or “fixing” the pelvis. Instead, it works by helping the body and nervous system settle. Research shows that hands-on therapy can produce a short-term hypoalgesic effect — a reduction in pain sensitivity, as well as encourage deep relaxation, reduce stress and muscle tension, calm the nervous system, and improve comfort and body awareness.

Clients often tell us how important it feels to receive kind, therapeutic touch during this stage of life, rather than only clinical or functional contact. Feeling supported, listened to, and cared for can make a meaningful difference to overall wellbeing during pregnancy and the postnatal period.

By helping you feel more at ease in your body and less guarded or tense, massage can be a supportive part of easing pelvic discomfort.

Who delivers pregnancy & postnatal massage?

Pregnancy and postnatal massage at Barefoot is delivered by experienced massage therapists Fran and John, who have both completed additional training in pregnancy & postnatal massage — bringing a modern, evidence-informed approach to their work. Their support goes beyond hands-on treatment alone. Fran and John bring a wealth of knowledge and are able to share guidance, trusted resources, and signposting where helpful — supporting clients through pregnancy and into the postnatal period.

Working within a physiotherapy-led clinic means care is joined-up and thoughtful.

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0333 577 9192

Online Booking

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Appointment options & pricing

We offer pregnancy and postnatal massage appointments in two time options, allowing space for unhurried care and individual needs.
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£60

60-minute appointment

A focused session, ideal if you have specific areas of tension or particular concerns you’d like us to prioritise. This option still allows time to settle, get comfortable, and tailor the treatment to how you’re feeling on the day.
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£80

90-minute appointment

A longer, more spacious session. This can be used to spend more time working through specific concerns, or to enjoy a full-body massage with plenty of time to rest and unwind.
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Massage Subscriptions

We believe that a regular massage is one of the best commitments you can make to yourself as part of a healthy, sustainable lifestyle.

We believe that a regular massage is one of the best commitments you can make to yourself as part of a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. To help you to prioritise your self-care and allow you consistent access to monthly massages at an affordable rate we have created two massage packages.
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Reviews

What Our Clients Say..

I saw James regarding my Achilles problems which I have been suffering with for a while, I found him very knowledgeable and informative. My only regret Is that I didn’t make the appointment sooner. After a proper diagnosis James gave me an exercise plan to follow which he emailed to me, Just by having the correct information I am now well on my way to recovery, I would 100% recommend Barefoot Physio and will definitely return there should I need to in the future.

Lesley Allen

I can’t thank the team at Barefoot Physio enough, and in particular Elly Skinner. Elly is clearly passionate about what she does, incredibly knowledgeable and thoroughly nice. Service has been excellent from beginning to end. Location is great with parking nearby, facilities are clean, modern and clinical, and most importantly the treatment has been excellent. Elly quickly identified what my injury was, how I was aggravating it and set me clear, achievable exercises to make it better. I had suffered for months with no improvement before going to Barefoot, and after 6 sessions I’m no longer struggling with constant pain and my quality of life has improved dramatically.

John Friskey

I’ve tried 3 separate physios for runners knee issues, over 8 years, with no success. Then I came to see James! I’ve managed to get back to skateboarding, ,surfing, cycling and running, which has been great. With the strengthening exercises he showed me, I have for the first time in 8 years been pain free doing the exercises I love. I’d definitely recommend James and his approach. He takes a holistic, ‘whole picture’ view of your situation, and is very switched on and savvy in his approach. I’ve learnt a lot from him in a few months and would definitely recommend the Barefoot Physio Clinic. Thanks James!

zulusoundboy

I have used James and Barefoot for many years now and always had first class care. My most common reason for seeing James has been my back and although I understand “physio” (exercises) are also good habits I should maintain, his manual manipulation has also provided instant pain relief on several occasions. I find James gives an honest service never prescribing more visits then required as other physios can do. I have found the whole Barefoot team professional but also relaxed and approachable. Central location with a carpark right nextdoor. Highly recommend.

Mowgli Kipling

I saw James regarding my Achilles problems which I have been suffering with for a while, I found him very knowledgeable and informative. My only regret Is that I didn’t make the appointment sooner. After a proper diagnosis James gave me an exercise plan to follow which he emailed to me, Just by having the correct information I am now well on my way to recovery, I would 100% recommend Barefoot Physio and will definitely return there should I need to in the future.

Lesley Allen

I’ve been visiting Barefoot physio on and off for a while. Chronic pain is like that. But happily the experience is always positive. The team is knowledgeable, friendly, and supportive. I’ve been helped enormously by James’s expertise in managing complex conditions and am now benefitting from supportive massage with Fran. It is great to have a plan as well as access to multiple people and approaches in one place, and the space they have created is a pleasure to spend time in and feels recuperative in itself.

Gail

Had a great couple of appointments with James to sort out my back spasm. Great holistic approach not only to ease the spasm but also preventative maintenance to stop it reoccurring. Highly recommended physiotherapist for personalized and effective treatment. Thanks James.

Grant Thompson

Having had a very successful course of treatment for a frozen shoulder last year at this physio centre, I have now completed a course of sessions to treat a very painful foot condition. James provided an excellent service, making a swift diagnosis, giving clear explanations and set a course of exercises. These are backed up on a very straightforward phone app, so I had no difficulty following them. Exercise, alongside some shock wave treatment has been most effective and walking is no longer the painful challenge it was. I am approaching full fitness now. The centre has a positive atmosphere with excellent facilities. I have recommended Barefoot to friends who have received similar positive treatment.

ChasC

I have had hundreds of hours of physio over the years post-knee surgeries, but 1 hour with James to tackle the source of a running injury was one of the most useful, productive and helpful sessions I’ve ever had! I came away feeling motivated and in control of a swift recovery, and learnt a lot about my running style and ways to prevent further injuries. Really grateful!

Sophie Pavelle

I can’t thank the team at Barefoot Physio enough, and in particular Elly Skinner. Elly is clearly passionate about what she does, incredibly knowledgeable and thoroughly nice. Service has been excellent from beginning to end. Location is great with parking nearby, facilities are clean, modern and clinical, and most importantly the treatment has been excellent. Elly quickly identified what my injury was, how I was aggravating it and set me clear, achievable exercises to make it better. I had suffered for months with no improvement before going to Barefoot, and after 6 sessions I’m no longer struggling with constant pain and my quality of life has improved dramatically.

John Friskey

Rated 5 out of 5
I have been seeing Fran for regular deep tissue massage, initially for on going back pain and stiffness, I am now pain free. Fran takes time at the beginning of every session to check in, discuss any issues / concerns and ensures she takes a holistic approach. This means that the focus of the massage is always where it needs to be for me, I particularly like the hots stones, and attention to detail in terms of comfort and warmth. It is truly relaxing and rejuvenating.
Lorna Wagstaff
Over the years I’ve been to many massage clinics, but Barefoot is by far the best. Fran is excellent, she is so attuned to her client’s needs and will always take the time to understand your needs on the day, tailoring her approach. Fran can do both relaxing and deep tissue massages depending on what you’re after, can’t recommend her enough!
Emma Wills-Fuest
I had such a wonderful Indian Head Massage with Gemma today. She was very welcoming and kind, and I especially liked how she did a thorough consultation before the massage to make sure all of my needs were met. She even let me pick which oils she used for the massage which was lovely! I also really enjoyed the cool stones she used to help with tension in my jaw, that was a really nice added touch. Thank you for a really calming and relaxing experience, Gemma!
Tyler Grupen
I had a wonderful head and back massage today. I was very well looked after by Gemma and the whole experience was amazing. I would recommend Gemma for her massage techniques, personal manner, making me feel comfortable and ensuring I enjoyed the massage. I will definitely be returning soon.
Julie Lawry
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Pregnancy Massage

Frequently Asked Questions

Massage is safe during all stages of pregnancy and can be very beneficial for ‘mums to be’.

We understand the concerns of expectant mothers, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy and we would like to reassure you that our therapists are highly trained and certified in clinical prenatal massage, with specialised knowledge to safely and effectively provide massage during all stages of pregnancy. Your health and relaxation are our top priorities and we are committed to offering a nurturing experience tailored to support your pregnancy journey.

You may have experienced speculation into whether massage is safe during the first trimester of pregnancy – as an evidenced based practice we can assure you that massage received by a qualified therapist is not harmful to you or your baby at any stage of pregnancy. We want to de-bunk the myths around pregnancy and massage and make massage inclusive to everyone so that we can all enjoy the benefits.

Please get in touch with us if you have any questions, as we understand each pregnancy is unique and your well-being is our priority.

Absolutely! We are able to offer prone lying massage thanks to the award winning Belloost pregnancy pillow. The specialised pillow is designed to allow ‘mums to be’ the ability to lie face down to enjoy their massage.

Adjustable sections support both bump and mum, allowing comfort without compromise throughout pregnancy.

Our therapists are able to offer various options for positioning during massage and make recommendations depending on your comfort and how far you are into your pregnancy, so that you can get the most from your treatment.

A postnatal massage is a great way to honour all that your body has been through after pregnancy and birth. Massage can provide you with that much needed self-care and nourish your well-being, relieving stress and anxiety. If you have had a caesarean you may wish to consult with your doctor before booking a massage to make sure your body is fully healed. Alternatively, you can contact us to discuss any queries or concerns. We are very accommodating to women postnatally and welcome you to bring your baby with you to your treatment should you wish to.

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