Therapeutic post-natal massage offers new mothers more than a wonderful way to relax and release stress. In fact, many studies have linked post-natal massage to better overall health for both mother and baby.
Post Natal Massage Benefits
- Hormone Regulation – Approximately two-thirds of new mothers experience some degree of anxiety and what’s been coined as the “Baby Blues.” This is due to drastic changes in hormone levels after giving birth, along with the new challenges a baby brings. Post-natal massage coupled with emotional support has been shown to be a powerful tool in relieving temporary postpartum depression.
- Swelling/Water Weight Reduction – New mothers often experience a great deal of swelling, up to a 50% increase in water weight, during the weeks following pregnancy. Skilled massage helps restore proper fluid balance to the body, increasing circulation and stimulating the lymphatic system to eliminate waste. Tissue massage allows the transfer of fluids to the proper areas of the body.
- Better Sleep – Better or deeper sleep is imperative for new mothers who are often overwhelmed, exhausted and sleep deprived. Studies have linked post-natal massage to better sleep among new mothers, showing an increase in the brain waves associated with deep sleep. Many new mothers fall asleep during massage, which is perfectly natural. Deeper improved sleep is one of the most important factors that influences healing, happiness and overall well-being.
- Improved Breast Feeding – Breast feeding can be a beautiful yet challenging experience for new mothers. Post natal massage relaxes the chest and shoulder muscles, which in turn increases milk production by heightening the levels of the lactation hormone prolactin and opening the chest wall.
- Pain Relief – The majority of new mothers have various aches and pains associated with childbirth and infant care. Massage relieves aches and pains holistically as the body releases endorphins, barring the need for pain medication that can negatively affect new mothers, actually increasing feelings of fatigue.
- Pre-Pregnancy Body – One study suggests that post-natal massage may also help women return to their pre-pregnancy body by reducing belly fat through kneading and stroking motions. This is exciting news for most postpartum women.
- Stress Relief – Giving birth and caring for a new baby can lead to stress for new mothers. Post-natal massage relaxes tense muscles and lowers stress hormones in the body, while increasing “feel good” endorphins, which ultimately causes a feeling of overall well-being and calm.
- C-section Recovery/Lightening Stretch Marks – Post natal massage helps speed up recovery after a C-section and may lighten stretch marks. Gently massaging scar tissue as it heals helps keep the tissue soft and supple, smoothing out the injured skin and increasing circulation to the area.
How Soon After Birth Can You Receive a Massage?
You may safely receive your first post natal massage immediately following birth, and are encouraged to do so.
The exception to this is new mothers who have had a Cesarean section. In this case, you must wait until your scar has healed completely. Most women heal in a one to two-week time frame. Be sure to confirm that you have healed enough to receive a post-natal massage with your physician.
Include Post Natal Massage In Your After Pregnancy Care
As a new mother, it’s important to make time for yourself. When you feel relaxed and peaceful, that feeling extends to your little one. Make post natal massage a part of your after birth recovery, and begin your journey towards overall well-being. Schedule your first massage postpartum with Matrix today. Rediscover total relaxation. After all – you’re worth it.
