Life, as of Late

This past April, I celebrated my 27th birthday while 38 weeks pregnant, and a week later, gave birth to my second daughter. Although it’d been my third pregnancy, it was the first year I was pregnant on my actual birthday. I wanted to treat myself to something relaxing and beneficial, seeing as I was in my final trimester. I’d initially learned about floatation therapy, also known as isolation tank therapy, online and had seen raving reviews from individuals who weren’t pregnant. I thought, surely this would be even better for someone carrying around 30 extra pounds in one concentrated area. I searched for spas in my area that offered floatation therapy and was lucky enough to find one only a few miles away from home.

Floatation therapy essentially allows you to freely float in a tank of water containing a high concentration of Epsom salt solution. Most tanks are in a private, soundproof room, creating a quiet, peaceful ambience. The water within the tank is warm, similar to the temperature of your body, making it effortless to relax. Many spas offer the option to turn the lights off in your private suite completely, minimizing your auditorial and visual input. The spa I booked with had automatically dimming lights within the private suite, however, the lights in the tank remained on, with the option to turn them off for a completely dark room. The buoyancy the saltwater creates really allows you to experience the feeling of true weightlessness. This can be beneficial for a number of reasons.

The sensation of weightlessness can help to relieve pain by alleviating pressure on your muscles or joints, something many pregnant women, in particular, can benefit from. Additionally, it can help athletes with muscle recover and minimize soreness. It can offer relaxation as well as improved mental focus and sleep. I found it to be particularly beneficial for relieving stress and tightness pent up in my pregnant body, allowing me to fully relax my back and muscles in ways I simply wouldn’t be able to properly address otherwise.

I booked my session with Body Balance Massage and Float in American Fork, Utah. They offer a generous 25% discount for all first-time clients and provide a brief explanatory video on their site to prepare you prior to your appointment. The float times offered vary by 30 minute increments starting from 1 hour and going up to 2 hours. I opted for the shortest float session of 60 minutes, however, I got out of the tank around the 45-50 minute mark after getting a bit restless. They recommend that you arrive 15 minutes early to your appointment to complete all paperwork, use the restroom, and receive a brief instructional tutorial/tour.

At Body Balance Massage and Float, you are provided with ear plugs that mold to your ear shape as well as petroleum jelly to cover any open cuts/sores while in the saltwater. Because I was so far along in my pregnancy, I was advised to apply some to my bikini area prior to getting in. Showering beforehand to ensure all makeup, lotions, or topicals are thoroughly removed is required so as to not contaminate the water. The room is heated with the help of humidifiers, making it feel somewhat like a sauna inside. A few inflatable pillows are provided specifically for pregnant women who might prefer a little more support for their belly or back. Towels are also provided and kept within reach in case saltwater accidentally gets in your eyes.

I found the entire experience to be incredibly relaxing and unlike anything I’d ever experienced. I’ve always enjoyed being in water, so this was right up my alley. The room was pleasantly clean and the tank perfectly warm. While inside the floatation tank, I initially found it to be quite eerie and the enclosure made me feel a bit anxious and vulnerable. However, after some time, I was able to fully relax, even closing my eyes and taking a nap for what felt like a very long time, but in reality, was more likely around 15-20 minutes. Throughout my session, I was able to feel my daughter’s movements so distinctly while floating. I found it to be a very beautiful, serene moment I thoroughly enjoyed. 🙂

After my float session, I showered, dressed and made my way to the spa restroom, equipped with hairdryers, cotton balls, q-tips, and everything else you might need. At Body Balance Massage and Float, you receive a complimentary hot tea or bottled water at the end of your session. There are several tea flavors available. I went with a lavender tea to continue with the theme of relaxation.

Should I choose to have any more children in the future, I’ll definitely be frequenting a floatation tank regularly throughout that pregnancy. I imagine that it’s a great and enjoyable experience for most, but especially for pregnant women when your body is just at the point of exhaustion from carrying all that extra weight. I couldn’t recommend this type of therapy more!