Laura Favin's support and skills were integral to the success of my pregnancy. Having previously had back surgery with severe sciatica, I was concerned about the impact on my back from carrying a baby and the potential for intense pain. Weekly sessions with Laura kept the necessary muscles relaxed, allowing me to adapt to my changing shape and size without pain. Her soothing approach, gentle manner and intense caring helped with the emotional rollercoaster of pregnancy--especially one as complicated as mine. On bedrest in the hospital, she made "housecalls" to help me stay calm and pain-free. Perhaps most important, I felt calm and supported. Laura provided a level of caring that is impossible to describe, especially on her visit the morning of my son's birth and throughout the medical drama that ensued. I ended up with no back pain or sciatica for the entire pregnancy and a beautiful son. Laura's talented massage skills and genuine caring were instrumental in the management of my pregnancy. She is gifted and giving to a level that reaches beyond tense muscles and straight to the heart--and that makes all the difference.

--Elena Strothenke

Katonah, NY

My older sister, due to give birth any day now, told me as soon as I found out I was pregnant that the one "must" for my pregnancy is to find a prenatal massage therapist as soon as possible. I found Laura straight way as she came highly recommended through Choices in Childbirth and from the very first massage I knew that my sister had given me a great gift and the best possible advice. Laura's prenatal massage has done far more than simply relax my muscles and help keep the tensions of carrying my son to a minimum (which is no small benefit!). Laura's massage also allows me to feel fully present in my body throughout this very unique and special time in my life. I feel calmed to my core, to my soul. Laura has an exceptional way of creating a very sacred milieu for the massage which adds to the healing, restoring feel to the experience. I'm entering into my third trimester now and I feel so grateful that I have treated my body to a weekly massage. It's such an essential time to take care of ourselves and our bodies as the day of the baby's birth arrives. Laura has been an integral part of my positive experience of pregnancy. I cannot recommend Laura more highly to any and all mothers-to-be and I pass on to all pregnant women the gift my sister gave me which is the advice to treat your hard working bodies to prenatal massage throughout your pregnancy.

--Meggan Watterson, NYC

I was lucky enough to get massages during both of my pregnancies. I only wish I could have had more (massages, that is). Laura is both expert and warm, and she made each session an individual experience, paying attention to my always-changing physical and mental state. I recommend Laura to all of my pregnant friends.

--Barbara, NYC

Though I have not been pregnant, I can certainly testify that Laura's skill as a massage therapist are extraordinary. I have known Laura for about 20 years (yikes!) . She has an ability to relax and heal that is reflected not only in her massage technique, but as a warm and calming person as well. She has seen me through many difficult times in my life and I always leave her feeling renewed.

Patty Forbes-Pedzwater, NY

When I was 6.5 months pregnant, I had my first maternity massage, and it was divine! I'd been having cramping issues along with awful heartburn. After one relaxing session with Laura, the cramping subsided, and there was no more heartburn. I just fel better overall and in a much better from o fmind to become a first-time mother. I highly recommend you give the gift of maternity massage to you and your baby within.

Cindi Weiss, Matawan, NJ