Milk and Oil by Kate Brinch Sand

29/04/2025

Therapeutic Massage or MLD During Pregnancy?

While both practices offer relaxation and therapeutic benefits, their techniques and effects differ in subtle but important ways.

Pregnancy massage is safe throughout a healthy pregnancy unless the mother or baby’s health is at risk. There’s no strict timeline for when it can be performed, but certain health conditions—like high blood pressure, inflammation, or gestational diabetes—may limit eligibility, particularly for MLD (Manual Lymphatic Drainage). MLD is very gentle, but always consult your healthcare provider if you’re unsure or have any health concerns.

Pregnancy massage is typically done with the mother lying on her side. During the first 12–16 weeks, lying face down briefly may still be comfortable. MLD is performed in a side-lying or semi-reclined position for optimal support.

Deep pressure should be avoided in pregnancy massage. Techniques may involve firm strokes and trigger points, and oils can be used, but aroma-infused ones should only be applied by certified aromatherapists.

MLD uses gentle, rhythmic movements to stimulate lymph flow, focusing only on the limbs—neck, arms, and legs—where swelling is common in pregnancy.
Ultimately, massage can be beneficial at any stage of a healthy pregnancy, but always seek medical clearance if you have concerns.

Most massage techniques (with a few exceptions) are safe from early pregnancy to delivery. So, how do you choose between Therapeutic Massage and Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)?

Pregnancy Therapeutic Massage is great for addressing pain, stress, headaches, and general discomfort—anything not otherwise contraindicated. It also supports better sleep, relaxation, and emotional well-being.

MLD offers similar benefits while also supporting the lymphatic system, which can become compressed as the uterus grows. Healthy lymph flow helps boost immunity, reduce swelling, and support overall body function—especially in later pregnancy.

Ideally, both should be part of a regular routine. Massage isn’t just a reward at the end—it’s essential support throughout your pregnancy journey.

28/04/2025

01/12/2024

This was a real treat. And now ready to offer in combo with therapeutic massage and Ayurvedic wellness guidance.

23/08/2024

The booking page is open at www.milkandoil.no

4 spots available.

OBS! The time will be 16:30-19:30

This is an introduction mini-workshop to discover the world of rebozo or, if you have experience, to learn some new skills or maybe even correct some old bad habits we all develop as therapists.

This mini workshop is NOT limited to birth and postpartum. I will in fact NOT teach birth techniques because that is a midwifery level skill I am humble enough to say I do not possess.

We will learn about Rebozo, the real deal Mexican tool and maybe even a bit about Mexico (after all September 16 is Mexico’s birthday!)

We will look at some basic techniques and some essential elements of rebozo bodywork with the goal to introduce this very misunderstood tool. With Rebozo, the sky is the limit ! But maybe you aren’t sure is worth doing 12, 18, 30 hrs of it.

This mini-workshop is the first of a series of deeper trainings I intend to do in Therapeutic Rebozo Techniques and other Motherhood Massage sessions for pregnancy and postpartum. So come join if you are curious or if you are keen to start developing some advanced skills.

Everything I will show in this mini-workshop is my own work.

Looking forward to this and know that if all I need is ONE person and then it is on !

*I am a double certified massage therapist with education in eastern and western techniques as well as traditional forms of bodywork. I have 19 years of experience as massage therapist / educator. I am specialized in female wellness, pregnancy and postpartum bodyworker. I am a certified postpartum professional (Innate) and birth story listener (BSM) and I am currently on my second year of education as an Ayurvedic Health Counselor and Wellness Coach. I was born and raised in Mexico City and Rebozos are in my lineage.

*I cannot guarantee you will walk out of here mastering the art of Rebozo. As a certified bodyworker and therapist it has taken me some deep studying and practice to master this art at a therapeutic level. You will definitely know, however, how much deeper you want to go and decide if you want to learn more through a deeper training Im launching in 2025 or even a mentorship.

15/08/2024

I’m gonna do it because if I don’t, I never will. I have been thinking about teaching massage for a long time now, particularly pregnancy and postpartum massage as well as a workshop/course in rebozo techniques. It is never a good time. It is never a safe time. I will never feel 100% ready. But with 19 years as a therapist under my belt, plus hundreds of rebozo sessions done in the last 7 years, I’m ready to at least take a chance.

This will not be a one off. I will risk it more than once.

This is a 3hrs mini-workshop on rebozo. A chance to learn about this technique or grab some new skills if you are already trained in it.

The best part is, I will do it even if one 1 lady signs up because I really really wat to share the knowledge. I can take up to 4 lovely ladies in this class.

September 16 in ZEN HOUSE.

I will open for bookings this weekend. I’m just putting it out there for the universe to do its thing.

You do not need any experience nor a rebozo. But if you have both, I promise you you will take something new from this, because rebozo is so vast and there is so much to learn that I even I keep learning every time I have the chance.

This mini workshop is great for anyone keen on an introduction to rebozo as well as those looking to improve their skills, especially if you have never had training focused on YOU the provider.

More info coming over the weekend.

24/06/2024

Rebozo Bodywork Workshop in Oslo

September 16, 2024 4-8pm

At Zen House in Majorstua

Hi ! I’m a Mexican born and raised massage therapist living in Oslo and I have been working towards this for a long time. There’s a lot of buzz around rebozo usage for bodywork and for postpartum specifically. But there is little education on what a rebozo actually is, how to use it properly and respectfully, and when not to use it. In this 4 hour workshop I will be teaching the basics of the technique I use in my sessions so you can also begin to use it with confidence and respect to the tradition on Mexico. I will not be teaching rebozo for birth as that requieres a specific training and experience I do not claim to have. I will teach the basics and general technique as the basis for future workshops on rebozo for postpartum. This workshop is for anyone who wants to learn how to work with rebozo in bodywork sessions while honoring the origin and lineage of the technique. This is not a course to do ceremonies but if you do work in that scope, you will learn the basis to use a rebozo with better results.

4 spots available

More information coming soon. Feel free to send me your email to receive more information.

24/06/2024

New space at ZEN HOUSE !

Now the session will be in a bigger room.

With better flow of movement and energy.

With more space for the “bring your baby” postpartum sessions.

With space for 1:1 Ayurvedic Coaching sessions.

With Space for small group massage mentorships.

New setting, let’s see how this goes !

31/05/2024

I’m taking the deep dive !