About Cradling Arms LLC  . . .

  

My name is Laurie, and I "gave birth" to Cradling Arms LLC about five years ago.  (Yes, I was in the other balloon taking this picture on the right.) Working as a massage therapist for several years, I developed specialties in prenatal massage and working with clients deemed "medically frail" or considered to have "medically-complex" health conditions. Through working with so many women over the years, I developed an increasing desire to better serve and support women and their families by furthering my education and broadening my scope of practice. In the summer of 2021, I became a birth and postpartum doula. I am a member of the Childbirth and Postpartum Association (CAPPA). 

 

As a doula and perinatal massage therapist, I am passionate about helping growing families prepare for childbirth and have the best possible prenatal, birth and postpartum experience. I believe that the mother receiving adequate support  is crucial to achieving better outcomes.  When mom does better, baby does better.  I also believe in the family and that dads need support just like moms.  And let's not forget the older children... it's an adjustment for them too.  Even the family pets will need to adjust to the new family dynamic.  I enjoy supporting women and men as they become mothers and fathers. I have a special place in my heart for single moms, young and inexperienced first-time moms, and teenage moms; moms considering giving up their babies for adoption; and parents who are adopting.   

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I work with doula clients in their homes within a 30-minute drive of either Mechanicsville or Hopewell.   Virtual visits are also an option for doula clients, especially clients living at a greater travel distance.  I can also see these clients in their homes, however, there is a $35 travel fee for each visit because of the distance.

 

Oncology massage was always an interest of mine and I volunteered with UVa doing chair massage for the nurses and staff in the Oncology Department while I was in school.  Nothing more came of it because I moved back to Richmond shortly after graduation.  However, we are all touched personally by cancer in some way.  I am currently studying to become a preferred provider of oncology massage with the Society of Oncology Massage which is the most advanced training currently available for massage therapists. 

 

Prenatal clients must be under a doctor's care before receiving services.  All prenatal clients considered "high risk" should wait until their 2nd trimester to begin receiving massage.

 

All oncology clients who are being actively treated should clear receiving massage with their oncologist and bring a written referral with them to their first appointment.

 

We accept some insurances.  Please let us know at the time of starting services whether you want to insurance bill.  All insurance billing requires a written referral from your doctor.  You can get your insurance verified on this website.