Profile

Anne Heckheimer has specialized in prenatal and postpartum massage since earning her certification as a massage therapist in 1998; she opened her Upper West Side center in 2001. With its relaxing lavender walls, low lighting, and classical music, her treatment room is outfitted with a bodyCushion, which allows a pregnant client to lie comfortably facedown or on her side. Then Heckheimer uses a combination of Swedish deep-tissue massage and reflexology techniques to ease and relax areas such as the lower back and legs, all the while readjusting the amount of pressure to suit each client's response. Women come to her before and after giving birth, she says, for both the psychological and physical benefits (improved circulation flow, lessened cramps). An additional pleasure for an expectant mother: The endorphins released during massage help comfort the baby-to-be. — Karen Hudes