Health

The Advantages of a Postpartum Massage

Do you find a massage to help relieve aches and pains when pregnant? Do you want to be pampered and healed now that your baby has arrived? 

We’re here to offer you the lowdown if you respond yes to any of these questions.

Simply described, a postpartum massage is a full-body massage that occurs within the first 12 weeks after your baby is born. Continue reading to learn how postpartum massage can help you and what to expect.

Table of Contents

Advantages

While the definition of a post-natal massage may not seem particularly noteworthy, obtaining one might improve your attitude and hasten your body’s healing.

Many of the same aspects found in regular massages are found in post-maternity massages. Mothers who receive a massage after giving birth are likely to experience many advantages of massage.

If you had a caesarean delivery, consult with your doctor and massage therapist to ensure your safety. Some massage therapists will not work with patients who have undergone surgery within the past 6 weeks.

If you had blood clots during your pregnancy or before, your doctor would most likely have advised you to avoid massage. When it is safe to resume massage, see your doctor.

Some of the general advantages of massage include:

  • Pain alleviation 
  • Stress relief
  • Relaxation

While these are compelling reasons for anybody to get a massage, new moms may benefit from it. Massage has unique health advantages throughout the fourth trimester.

Massage has several advantages for postpartum mothers, including:

  • Decreased swelling. During childbirth, many moms notice that their bodies enlarge. Massaging the body can assist in redistributing water and stimulate the emptying and circulating of excess fluids.
  • Increased milk output. Massage can be an excellent technique to enhance circulation and the required hormones for parents looking to improve their breast milk production.
  • Hormone control. The postpartum body is a roller coaster of hormones. Many massages use essential oils, which may help improve one’s mood and support hormonal balance in addition to touch.
  • Decreased depression and anxiety. Many new parents suffer from “baby blues” or postpartum depression. Getting a massage can help reduce stress, which can contribute to these anxious and melancholy sensations.
  • Improved sleep. Everyone understands that new parents require as much sleep as possible! Massage can help parents unwind and prepare their bodies for deep, restful sleep.

Timing

As soon as you feel ready, you can begin the postpartum massage. Some hospitals even provide postpartum massage treatments to mothers in the days after their delivery! 

Check with your doctor before obtaining your first postpartum massage if you had a C-section or a difficult birth. Specific massage techniques may not be suitable for your particular recovery.

There is no set schedule for how often you should have postpartum massages. Many new mothers enjoy massages once or twice a week during the first several months after giving birth, whereas others may only have one or two massages.

Time, personal resources, and health considerations can all influence how many and how regularly you have postpartum massages.