Massage is Key to Happier,
Healthier Moms and Babies

Deliveries at Southview Maternity Center have been coming with less stress for the parents, thanks to the comforting touch of Gloria Scott.

A graduate of the Self Help Institute, Gloria is a relaxation practitioner who runs a unique program at Southview. She goes room to room offering her comforting touch to mothers and teaching new parents how to solve common problems by learning the art of massage for their newborns. No other maternity center in Dayton offers this type of service.

"Having a baby is one of the most stressful things a person can do," Scott said. "I think with massage the birth is faster and much easier. It also helps after the birth, stabilizing hormone levels to relieve issues like post-partum depression."

Using a doll, Gloria demonstrates to new parents how they can create a suckling urge for newborns who resist breastfeeding. She also demonstrates abdominal massage that can relieve constipation, or other techniques that can improve circulation or range of motion.

"Gloria is such an asset to our team here at Southview," said Clinical Nurse Manager Belinda Masters. "She even massages the staff here from time to time. This can be a very stressful and emotional job, and Gloria has a way of unknotting the muscles and making the stress melt away. Our parents just love her, and I think our outcomes are better because of her."

Aromatherapy, music and positive image visualization are also used in Gloria's battle against stress. The program got going shortly after Gloria, who is also a surgical tech, offered relaxation techniques to a surgeon she had been assisting in the operating room.

"We had worked a long time in surgery, and his back and neck were really hurting," Scott said. "He told me, 'You've got a gift.' Then he went to the president of the medical center and the doors opened. I am so glad this opportunity came along. At that time, I wanted more out of my life and wanted to give. This is my calling . . . my ministry."

Scott currently serves a dual role at the hospital, still serving as a surgical tech while also offering her relaxation services and teaching an infant massage course at Southview Medical Center.

"I hear stories all the time about how a couple raised one child without the massage techniques and then raised a much more content child with the massage," Masters said. "They really notice a difference and appreciate what Gloria does. And so do we."

For more information, call 401-6850.