Customize and Communicate Communication is a crucial part of a mom-to-be’ s spa experience. Train your staff to communicate to clients not only the benefits of a treatment, but the precautions and risks as well.
“ Risks are managed by requiring guests to provide a doctor’ s note prior to any form of treatment,” says Arthur-Dick.“ We do not provide prenatal massage in the first trimester as this is a safety issue.”
Toth, on one hand, says their team of eight certified prenatal therapists is trained to recognize contraindications.“ They are empowered to make the decision to not perform the service if it is not in the best interest of the client.”
Regular consultation with clients while treatment is in progress is also critical. Therapists should often check with clients on pressure points and their comfort level.
Apart from the popular prenatal massage, pedicure and facial, The Spa at Ballantyne offers instructional classes that teach husbands and partners therapeutic techniques for expectant mothers, yoga instructions and thai massage for comfort during the birthing process.“ We notice we get the most opportunities from fathers-to-be looking for ways to spoil and refresh expectant mothers,” says Toth.
Offering customized treatments or those that provide a social experience give mothers more reasons to visit the spa. Their Spa Mixer service where groups of 10 or more can hold baby showers and try mini treatments in various spa station areas, is one of those“ little extras” that the spa offers.
Bottom line, treatments that sell the best are those that are packaged with real value or benefits. Mayo Clinic staff and ISPA Medical Advisor Dr. Brent Bauer suggests incorporating some form of mind-body training into an expectant mother’ s daily routine.
“ This could be meditation, guided imagery, or practices such as tai chi. The goal is to do a formal practice for 30-40 minutes per day, but then carry this more relaxed state throughout. The more routine the practice, the more likely the mother will be able to respond in a more healthy fashion when the inevitable daily stressors do occur,” he advises. ■
For a quick glance of other ISPA members offering prenatal treatments, visit digital Pulse at experienceispa. com.
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March / April 2011 ■ PULSE 35