I think pregnancy massage tables are not very good - they put too much strain on the back and the uterine ligaments. Would you lie flat over a hole and have a few pounds of sugar put on your back and think it's recommended?I use the bodyCushion. I've used it for about 7 years now and it is wonderful. For a while Body Support were not recommending using it face down for pregnancy because of concerns about uterine ligament strain, but they're obviously figured out it's not an issue in the position they use
If you look at the picture down the bottom you'll see that the cushions support the body in between a on hands and knees position and flat on a table - women have been using on hands and knees for stretching the back during pregnancy for ages, it doesn't cause undue strain on uterine ligaments. I've had a lot of clients comment that they had a massage on a pregnancy table before they found me and they felt back strain but they felt no discomfort with the bodyCushion at all, felt so good they hardly ever want to turn over.You do need all the extras found in the full kits for pregnancy - some of those bellies stick out a long way
I got the Full Pro Plus System and actually use the arm rests under the chest section, so I don't need as many other extra bits, means they are even closer to being on hands and knees than in the picture, and it feels very secure. I don't think it was designed that way, but it works for me
The arm rests are worth the investment.http://www.spinningbabies.com/pregnancy.html recommends keeping the belly lower than the hips and I think the bodyCushion does it wonderfully.The bodyCushion also works well for men with large bellies and women with a large chest - natural or enhanced. It works very well for very tall clients that don't fit on your table - that extra bit of bending the knees usually allows them to just fit (OK maybe not once they get past 6'6"). The bodyCushion is a lot more than just a pregnancy cushioning system. It's very light and can allow you to massage on any flat surface with a comfortable client - you don't even need a massage table, might not be the right height/width for your body mechanics, but it can be done. Also quite good for chair massages without a massage chair...When my lower back plays up, I just lie on the bodyCushion and get some instant relief. When my back was at its worst, I was sleeping on it, more comfortable than bed. I don't use it in every massage (I do a lot of stone and lomi lomi and it doesn't quite work with that). I use it for post natal massage due to the chest tenderness and have had a few clients that won't let me stop using it even though the babies are 3 years old and stopped being fed years ago....