Getting a postnatal massage is an ancient tradition that started when almost all women stayed in confinement for the first time period (usually forty days) after giving birth.
It is still a common practice for those who follow confinement, but even if you do not, there are many benefits to including massages into your post-labour life.
First of all, giving birth is a taxing process, and a postnatal massage helps treat sore spots, relax your muscles (which are probably stiff from both giving birth and the stress you may be feeling have a newborn in the house), and actually helps your body heal and recover faster.
Additionally, when you get a gentle massage (which postnatal massages are), endorphins are released, which make you feel good, can help you sleep better, and can help you cope with any postpartum depression you may be dealing with.
A post-natal massage can also help you breastfeed and ease any mastitis (infection of your breast tissue) you may have. To book a post-natal massage in London, contact us today on 07904 786 888.
During your pregnancy, your body has high levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. All the excess hormones can feel like a lot, but the drastic changes after you give birth can feel even more overwhelming, especially if you are not prepared for it.
After you give birth, your estrogen and progesterone levels will both decrease significantly, but other hormones like prolactin and oxytocin increase for breastfeeding. After labour, you will also probably have an excess of the hormone cortisol, a stress hormone.
The massage, combined with certain essential oils, will help bring down your cortisol levels and regulate various other hormones and neurotransmitters linked to depression and cardiovascular problems.
This Southeast Asian massage is named for a herbal remedy used during the massage that has natural healing properties. Additionally, this kind of massage includes both head and breast massages and a wrap that goes around the mother’s abdomen to realign the spine.
TCM, or Traditional Chinese Medicine massage, features herbal baths, belly banding, dietary recommendations, and, of course, the massage itself. The main goal of TCM is to promote blood flow and relax muscles, but it also works to reposition both the spine and the uterus.
Swedish massages are not just for mothers, but it is great for women who just gave birth. Gentle kneading and stroking help muscles relax, blood to circulate, and toxins to be released.
This is an Indian tradition that utilizes not only the massage, but also yoga, dieting, belly wraps, and various lifestyle choices. The goal of this tradition is to keep the skin hydrated, promote circulation, pain and tension relief, and cell regeneration.
Postpartum swelling can be uncomfortable and frustrating, which makes a postnatal massage a great option as, when combined with belly wraps, it significantly decreases swelling.
Swelling is natural because during pregnancy, the body develops a lot of excess fluid, and it takes some time for it to go away after labour.
There are several things you can do to help the drainage process to go faster. On top of the massage, keep your legs elevated, do not stand for long periods of time, and drink plenty of hydrating fluids.
Sleep can be hard to come by as a new mom. Whether the baby is awake or you are awake worried about the baby, you spend most of the day and night up.
When your eyes finally do get a chance to rest, it is important that it is good, quality rest for the sake of you and your baby.
Getting postnatal massages helps you sleep better do to the chemicals (like serotonin) released during the process and because it can help you learn to relax again.
Breastfeeding is hard. Having to be the sole provider of food for a tiny human can be a lot, and at times it may feel like as soon as you are done changing their diaper, they are hungry again.
Sadly, the more stressed a mother gets when breastfeeding, the harder it can be for the body to produce the milk necessary.
Because it is so hard, anything, you can do to make it easier is smart. Postnatal massages help a mother feel less stressed (which will make breastfeeding easier), and many massages include breast massages that help reduce inflammation and clear out clogged pores and ducts.
As a mother, you spend a lot of your time caring for other people. In fact, the majority (if not all) of your day is spent caring for other people. This can be extremely taxing on even the most proficient moms. Most people can not successfully keep that much up without taking any time for themselves. Taking a little piece of the day or little piece of the week to rejuvenate will not only make you feel better but make you a better mother. It is extraordinarily hard to take care of other people if you are not taking care of yourself. Your kids need you to take time for yourself, even if they do not realize it.
Make sure you tell your massage therapist any areas of your body that may be hurting you, but here are the common ones people face.
You can still get a postnatal message if you get a c-section, but there are a few things you need to be careful of. First of all, you need to get someone that is trained not only in postnatal massages but post-c-section massages.
Additionally, your massage therapist should avoid the incision site and the abdomen in general in order to avoid the incision. Finally, you should lay on your side while the massage is being performed and only have the masseuse massages your head, back, arms, and legs.
It really depends on you and your doctor as to when you should get a postnatal massage. The most important thing is your comfort, and the second is what the doctors says.
Some people like to wait six to eight weeks after labour to get a massage, but others like to get very gentle ones early in the process. Remember, if your masseuse ever does anything that hurts or bothers you, speak up. You know your body best, and what it needs for recovery is gentle care, not even more pain than there was before.
Positioning really depends on your and your masseuse’s preference. For a c-section, you have to be on your side or in a seated position, but for regular labour, you have a lot of options open to you. The biggest goal of these massages is for you to have some time for yourself and relax.
Whatever position does that for you, choose whether that is on your side, on your back, on your stomach, or sitting up. Once again, if any position is uncomfortable, let the massage therapist know so that you can adjust. This time is for you.
Once the baby comes, you may be wondering how you could possibly find time to take 30 minutes to an hour to yourself without the baby. The truth is, it may not be easy, but it is important. You will need to ask for help.
That means asking the dad, a grandmother, a friend, or other trusted caregiver to step in and help care for your baby. You will have to plan ahead for this time, but it is doable.
Additionally, planning ahead means you do not have to worry much (if that is even possible) about your baby while you are getting the massage.
Additionally, if you can have the massage therapist come to your house, that can be a lot easier then trying to get somewhere else, especially in the early periods of your child’s life.
You should never do anything without first talking to a medical professional, but some clear times you should consider skipping the massage is:
To book your post-natal massage in London, contact us today on 07904 786 888.
My name is Lubna and I am a Holistic Food Coach, Natural Chef, Massage Specialist & Yoga teacher. I am passionate about your health and well-being. After spending years working in property management in London I was left feeling stressed and unfulfilled.
07904 786 888
