December 2022 Update:

In 2020, my practice was disrupted like many aspects of our lives, and in 2021, after some deep self-reflection following the loss of my mother to cancer in January 2021, I returned to birth work with a clear heart. It is my hope and intention to strongly finish 2022 and enter 2023 with a clear vision.

Part of my vision for 2023 is to expand my training and services to include preconception, infertility support, and well-womb bodywork therapies.

As a future certified Mercier Therapy practitioner, my vision is to help clients with pelvic pain, C-section recovery, and other pelvic issues (such as PCOS, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, irregular periods, painful periods, painful intercourse, and pelvic scarring from Cesarean birth).

Mercier Therapy (MT) is a safe and gentle external pelvic visceral manipulation technique designed to restore the health and function of the pelvis by addressing adhesions, scar tissue, and decreased mobility of the pelvic and reproductive structures. Mercier Therapy restores mobility and proper blood flow to the pelvic organs, which optimizes their function.

The training I hope to attend and complete is only offered in Chicago, IL over 4 days and is $2500 without food, lodging, or transportation included. In order to attend this training, I will need to be out of town and away from my practice for over of week. I am asking you to help me grow in New Year to further expand the reach and offerings of SageFemme Wellness!

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Hi! I'm Lydia-Carlie Tilus and I have been a certified massage therapist specializing in chronic pain relief, prenatal massage, and postpartum recovery since 2013.

My mission is to bridge a gap in prenatal and postpartum care.

My vision is to see massage therapy become a standard aspect of prenatal and postpartum care.

My approach to pregnancy care is centered on advocacy, communication, and education:

Advocacy for my client.

Communication between them, myself, and their healthcare team.

Education to ensure informed decisions can be made by them where their pregnancy is concerned.

My Story:

This desire to help and support comes from my childhood. I grew up in a Haitian household with a rich exposure to Haitian culture and traditions. My Haitian grandparents integrated aspects of Haitian Healing Arts into my everyday life. For nearly every ailment my grandfather had a tea to ease it and my grandmother taught me the importance of intention and intuition. These were important lessons and teachings that have fostered my passion for helping others in all aspects of care.

Along with that desire to help and support has always been a deep love of babies from as long as I can remember. Growing up in a multi-generational Haitian household, I witnessed the many aspects in which a family becomes the village that raises a child and creates space for the becoming of a new family unit. I have quite actually loved babies since I can remember. At one point, when one of my youngest cousins was born, I remember telling my uncle I wanted to become a pediatrician so it could be my job to play with babies.

When I decided to return to school and become a massage therapist, after being laid off in 2012, my love for babies and family was redirected. I rediscovered my love of knowledge in new ways as I explored anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology with a passion for learning I had forgotten. After taking my first prenatal massage therapy class, I realized just how little support we emphasize in pregnancy. I decided this is where I wanted to make a difference as a massage therapist.

My philosophy:

I want to provide emotional, educational, and physical support needed throughout the pregnancy, labor, and postpartum journeys that rivals that of an athlete preparing for a super marathon or century ride. I want to see pregnant people have a massage therapist, a physical therapist, and birthing coach all on their team much like a marathon runner would have a strength and conditioning coach, physical therapist, and athletic trainer on theirs. In the last year, I became a doula so that I can provide even more care and support to those on their pregnancy journey.

How you can help:

I need your support is to secure an office, to create and hold space for a variety of pregnancy experiences to be fully supported. A space where the care of pregnant people feels just as supported as athletes preparing for a marathon. A space to help facilitate safe, positive, and empowering birthing experiences by offering the necessary information, emotional support, and physical support.

These funds are securing office space and supply me with working capital as I get my name out there and get things fully up and running. 

I am honored to help pregnant people and their partners make these experiences as positive and healthy as possible. I am proud to have received my certifications through the National Holistic Institute, Body Therapy Associates, and Cornerstone Doula Trainings, so I can offer comprehensive support to families across the San Francisco Bay area.