Nurturing the Mother

Nurturing the Mother Hello! I'm Janelle, a Registered Massage Therapist, Postpartum Doula & creator of The Cesarean Recovery Guide.
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I am here to support and empower you in pregnancy, postpartum and especially post csection. Nurturing the Mother is the result of an evolution of care. Through the years I, Janelle Fontaine, have grown my practice from being a massage therapist to the general public to narrowing my skills in supporting birthing folks in pregnancy and postpartum. After the birth of my first son, I saw the need for postpartum support and became a postpartum doula. Being a postpartum doula allowed me to support birthing folks in a different way. It gave me the insight and tools to empower parents to be the parents they want to be. The next layer has been the addition of The Cesarean Recovery Guide. Seeing clients after their cesarean, I noticed a need for reconnection to self as well as a deep interest from clients to know what to do with their scar and abdomen. That’s when The Cesarean Recovery Guide was born - a guide meant to empower a client’s healing journey with self paced learning of hands on massage therapy. What drives all this is my belief that if a parent is supported, they can care for themselves and for their child. And the question that keeps pushing the evolution of Nurturing the Mother is - how good can this get? So join me, lean in to the support, and let me nurture you so you can be the best version of the parent you and your family needs.

✨ It was 2016… ✨
01/17/2026

✨ It was 2016… ✨

A few ways to work with me ✨From cesarean massage to The Cesarean Recovery Guide to Continuing Education for Healthcare ...
01/16/2026

A few ways to work with me ✨

From cesarean massage to The Cesarean Recovery Guide to Continuing Education for Healthcare Professionals. From mothers to professionals. I am here to support you all.

Lets Nurture the Mothers and change the standard of care.

I’m glad you’re here. ✨

Here are the top 5 reasons you should see a pelvic floor physiotherapist after a c-section:😵💫 Stress incontinence😣 Pelvi...
01/14/2026

Here are the top 5 reasons you should see a pelvic floor physiotherapist after a c-section:

😵💫 Stress incontinence
😣 Pelvic pain
😳 Diastasis recti
🫣 Scar rehab
😊 Strengthen core

You can see your pelvic floor physiotherapist as soon as you’re ready (typically in the first two weeks post birth).

✨The first visit can be a virtual one to make it more accessible. ✨

🙌 Not all physiotherapists are pelvic floor physios - PFPs have extra training 🧠

Looking for a pelvic floor physiotherapist recommendation? Ask me 🙋♀️ I know a few 💕

Hello! 👋 I’m Janelle, a Registered Massage Therapist with a focus on c-section recovery. Whether you just had a c-section or had one long ago, follow along for tips and tricks and all things cesarean healing related and put c-section recovery into your own hands✨ Have questions? My DMs are always open 🫶

[ c-section recovery, scar massage, core rehab, pelvic floor recovery, postpartum healing, compression therapy, scar desensitization, postpartum wellness, cesarean care plan, holistic healing ]

Join Rebekah Blankenship from & myself, Janelle from .ca for our next Nurturing Talks on Friday January 16th at 11am PS...
01/14/2026

Join Rebekah Blankenship from & myself, Janelle from .ca for our next Nurturing Talks on Friday January 16th at 11am PST and join in on the conversation.

Rebekah is a pediatrician physician assistant and mom coach. Join us as she shares how she supports folks in pregnancy, postpartum and parenthood.

Can’t make it on Friday? Catch the replay!

In the meantime, if you have any questions for Rebekah or myself, drop them below and tag us! We can’t wait to connect.

✨

Nurturing Talks is a weekly series of Instagram Lives where I chat with some inspiring folks who work to support people in pregnancy, postpartum and parenthood.



Hello! 👋 I’m Janelle, a Registered Massage Therapist with a focus on c-section recovery. Whether you just had a c-section or had one long ago, follow along for tips and tricks and all things cesarean healing related and out c-section recovery into your own hands✨

Have questions? My DMs are always open 🫶

01/14/2026

There’s a subtle trend that I see in my treatment room.

Mamas compare their recovery to those of others.

But here’s the thing, there are so many factors that affect recovery - from whether it was a planned or unplanned caesarean, how active a person was before or during pregnancy, medications used, diet, lifestyle, stress... the list goes on!

And our bodies are all so different!

We cannot compare.

So meet yourself where you are at. Healing takes time and that is ok. By taking small steps to support your recovery, you can support yourself during this time. But know that you will heal in your own time and that is the perfect timeline for you.



c-section recovery, scar massage, core rehab, pelvic floor recovery, postpartum healing, compression therapy, scar desensitization, postpartum wellness, cesarean care plan, holistic healing

Hello! 👋 I’m Janelle, a Registered Massage Therapist with a focus on c-section recovery. Whether you just had a c-section or had one long ago, follow along for tips and tricks and all things cesarean healing related and put c-section recovery into your own hands✨ Have questions? My DMs are always open 🫶

Early bird is flying away soon 🐦✨If you’ve been thinking about joining Nurturing the Mother: Cesarean Massage & Rehab fo...
01/13/2026

Early bird is flying away soon 🐦✨

If you’ve been thinking about joining Nurturing the Mother: Cesarean Massage & Rehab for Health Care Professionals, now’s the time.

FEBRUARY IN PERSON VANCOUVER early bird ends in 48 hours!

This course/hands-on training is such a special gathering of thoughtful practitioners and professionals like you who want to learn, connect, and offer more to the cesarean mothers they care for. If that sounds like you — we’d love to welcome you in 💜

If you’ve been waiting for a nudge; this is it. Come as you are, leave with tools, connection, and perspective you can bring right back to your clients 💫

👉 Link in bio to save your spot before the rate changes.

✨ 2026 is here and it’s time to get pumped about this year’s continuing education! ✨If you’re looking to expand your kno...
01/12/2026

✨ 2026 is here and it’s time to get pumped about this year’s continuing education! ✨

If you’re looking to expand your knowledge in ways to support birthing folks, look no further.

❄️ Nurturing the Mother: Cesarean Massage and Rehab for Health Care Professionals 2026 schedule is here ❄️

LIVE VIRTUAL

🌸 March 8th & 9th | Online | Via Zoom

☀️ June 6th & 7th | Online | Via Zoom

🍂 October 4th & 5th | Online | Via Zoom

IN PERSON

📍February 7th & 8th , East Vancouver BC

📍April 18th & 19th , Guelph ON

📍September 26th & 27th , East Vancouver BC

Cesarean births make up over 1 in 3 births in Canada, and most are unplanned. That means thousands of people are recovering from major abdominal surgery while learning how to care for a newborn—often with very little support for their own healing.

That’s where you come in.

Join me for a two-day, in-person or online training designed for health care professionals who want to show up more fully for this often-overlooked population.

✨ Want to join a room full of heart-led professionals learning this work together? DM me or email hello@nurturingthemother.ca for details and registration.

Let’s nurture the nurturers. Let’s change the standard of care.



Hello! 👋 I’m Janelle, a Registered Massage Therapist with a focus on c-section recovery. Whether you just had a C-section or had one long ago, follow along for tips and tricks and all things cesarean healing related

✨ Have questions? My DMs are always open 🫶

01/08/2026

If you’re having a cesarean birth, here’s a few items you may have missed when you initially pack your hospital bag but you definitely should have to recover with ease 📝 👇

🫖 Chewing gum – rumour has it on the street that chewing gum may help move trapped shoulder gas that sometimes occurs for folks after their c-section.

🩹Ab wrap () – gentle compression + support for your core muscles while tissues are freshly healing.

🧴 Dry shampoo – A shower may not happen after surgery while you are still in the hospital, this is a way to care for yourself and help you feel freshened up.

🥿 Slip-on shoes -bending, twisting, and tying laces isn’t the vibe post-op. Easy on, easy off = less strain, more comfort.

📖 Things to keep you occupied – waiting, feeding, resting, repeating. You will appreciate something familiar to pass the time before and after your birth. You will likely be there for minimum 48 hours after birth.

🛋 Soft warm blanket – No brainer! Get your fav throw blanket for comfort.

🛏 Pillow from home – hospital pillows may be flimsy and unsupportive. It will be nice to have a good pillow to rest, support your body, or support you feeding from your body if you choose.

A few other things in case you forgot... toiletries, a bag for your birth partner, chargers, lip balm (!!), a reusable water bottle with a straw, and a robe or soft pyjamas can be nice to have.

Save this. Share it. Ask questions in the comments 🤎

Hello! 👋 I’m Janelle, a Registered Massage Therapist with a focus on c-section recovery. Whether you just had a c-section or had one long ago, follow along for tips and tricks and all things cesarean healing related and put c-section recovery into your own hands✨ Have questions? My DMs are always open 🫶

[ c-section recovery, scar massage, core rehab, pelvic floor recovery, postpartum healing, compression therapy, scar desensitization, postpartum wellness, cesarean care plan, holistic healing ]

01/08/2026

If you’re having a cesarean birth, here's a few items you may have missed when you initially pack your hospital bag but you definitely should have to recover with ease 📝 👇

🫖 Chewing gum – rumour has it on the street that chewing gum may help move trapped shoulder gas that sometimes occurs for folks after their c-section.

🩹Ab wrap () – gentle compression + support for your core muscles while tissues are freshly healing.

🧴 Dry shampoo – A shower may not happen after surgery while you are still in the hospital, this is a way to care for yourself and help you feel freshened up.

🥿 Slip-on shoes -bending, twisting, and tying laces isn’t the vibe post-op. Easy on, easy off = less strain, more comfort.

📖 Things to keep you occupied – waiting, feeding, resting, repeating. You will appreciate something familiar to pass the time before and after your birth. You will likely be there for minimum 48 hours after birth.

🛋 Soft warm blanket – No brainer! Get your fav throw blanket for comfort.

🛏 Pillow from home – hospital pillows may be flimsy and unsupportive. It will be nice to have a good pillow to rest, support your body, or support you feeding from your body if you choose.

A few other things in case you forgot... toiletries, a bag for your birth partner, chargers, lip balm (!!), a reusable water bottle with a straw, and a robe or soft pyjamas can be nice to have.

Save this. Share it. Ask questions in the comments 🤎

Hello! 👋 I’m Janelle, a Registered Massage Therapist with a focus on c-section recovery. Whether you just had a c-section or had one long ago, follow along for tips and tricks and all things cesarean healing related and put c-section recovery into your own hands✨ Have questions? My DMs are always open 🫶

[ c-section recovery, scar massage, core rehab, pelvic floor recovery, postpartum healing, compression therapy, scar desensitization, postpartum wellness, cesarean care plan, holistic healing ]

Pain, pulling, or discomfort months or years later isn’t something you just “live with.” Understanding the difference be...
01/07/2026

Pain, pulling, or discomfort months or years later isn’t something you just “live with.” Understanding the difference between a typical scar and one that needs support can change how your body feels long-term.

Let’s talk about what’s normal, and what deserves attention ⚠️

Save this. Share it. Ask questions in the comments 🤎

Hello! 👋 I’m Janelle, a Registered Massage Therapist with a focus on c-section recovery. Whether you just had a c-section or had one long ago, follow along for tips and tricks and all things cesarean healing related and put c-section recovery into your own hands✨ Have questions? My DMs are always open 🫶

[ c-section recovery, scar massage, core rehab, pelvic floor recovery, postpartum healing, compression therapy, scar desensitization, postpartum wellness, cesarean care plan, holistic healing ]

01/06/2026

Believe it or not if you’re feeling some pain or discomfort during or after s*x it may be due to your c-section scar.

How? 🤔

Scar tissue can cause pulling to the tissue surrounding it. This can be immediately around the scar itself or can pull things further away, sometimes extending to the tissues (connective tissue, muscle etc) of your pelvic floor.

This may lead to tightness or discomfort that we may not notice until we do certain activities (like s*x… but also like yoga or running or picking something up or reaching etc) 😣

So what can we do about it? 💡

🙌 Get curious. Massage your scar and the tissues around it and see if the sensations decrease or disappear. That’ll tell you if you’re on the right track.

You can also see a pelvic floor physiotherapist who can do a thorough assessment to see what may be the cause of the pain and discomfort.

✨ Want to know how to massage your c-section scar? Head to the link in bio and check out The Cesarean Recovery Guide. It’ll teach you everything you need to know about c-section scar massage (at any point in your c-section recovery, even if it’s months or years after).



Hello! 👋 I’m Janelle, a Registered Massage Therapist with a focus on c-section recovery. Whether you just had a c-section or had one long ago, follow along for tips and tricks and all things cesarean healing related and put c-section recovery into your own hands✨ Have questions? My DMs are always open 🫶

✨ 2026 is here and it’s time to get pumped about this year’s continuing education! ✨If you’re looking to expand your kno...
01/06/2026

✨ 2026 is here and it’s time to get pumped about this year’s continuing education! ✨

If you’re looking to expand your knowledge in ways to support birthin folks, look no further.

❄️ Nurturing the Mother: Cesarean Massage and Rehab for Health Care Professionals Winter Cohort is here ❄️

Kick off 2026 with these virtual & in person offerings

📍February 7th & 8th | In-Person | , East Vancouver BC

📍March 8th & 9th | Online | Via Zoom

📍April 18th & 19th | In-Person | , Guelph ON

🌱 2026 Spring onwards TBD 🌸

Cesarean births make up over 1 in 3 births in Canada, and most are unplanned. That means thousands of people are recovering from major abdominal surgery while learning how to care for a newborn—often with very little support for their own healing.

That’s where you come in.

Join me for a two-day, in-person or online training designed for health care professionals who want to show up more fully for this often-overlooked population.

✨ Want to join a room full of heart-led professionals learning this work together? DM me or email hello@nurturingthemother.ca for details and registration.

Let’s nurture the nurturers. Let’s change the standard of care.



Hello! 👋 I’m Janelle, a Registered Massage Therapist with a focus on c-section recovery. Whether you just had a C-section or had one long ago, follow along for tips and tricks and all things cesarean healing related

✨ Have questions? My DMs are always open 🫶

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Vancouver, BC
V5Z3N8

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+16043141727

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