Specially catered to new mothers, post pregnancy massages are not only a good way to facilitate rapid recovery and better health after delivery, these massages also promote emotional balance and offer stress relief.
Massages offer many health benefits including stress reduction, pain relief and relaxation. For women who have just given birth, there are massages which are specifically suited to their needs. From neck and shoulder massages to full-body massages, these post pregnancy massages provide benefits like hormone regulation, increased breast milk production, reduced swelling as well as improved sleep to help new mothers ease into their new maternal role.
Before getting started on any postnatal massages, new mothers are advised to first confirm with their doctors to ensure that they are physically ready for any form of massages. While you can start massage therapy as soon as you feel comfortable after giving birth, should your abdomen or breasts still feel sore, check in with your doctor. Also, if you have given birth via Caesarean section, you would have to wait a while longer until the wound has healed.
Additionally, women who have medical complications or hernia are advised to seek their doctor’s advice before attempting postnatal massages. Skin problems such as eczema, rash, blisters and boils will also deter you from getting the full benefits of post pregnancy massage. If you have a medical history of high blood pressure, opt for a lighter pampering massage instead. Above all, it is important to get your doctor’s approval before commencing the massages.
Table of Contents
The Healing Benefits
Post-natal massages come with a host of benefits that help new mothers recover and find relief from the pain and aches that may come up after delivery. For instance, it is natural for new mothers to feel exhausted after giving birth. Massages have been known to promote relaxation and promote sleep. Very often people would fall asleep halfway through a massage session. This is due to the fact that massage therapy increases delta brain waves, which co-occur with deep sleep. By getting adequate sleep, you will be able to speed up your postpartum recovery.
Lingering body aches from pregnancy is also common. Your arms, shoulders and back may also ache more due to breastfeeding and infant care. Post-partum massage is an effective form of pain relief without medication – something which is essential when you are nursing your newborn. Numbness and tingling can also be relieved from massages.
After delivering your baby, there will be an increase of about 50% in fluid volume, in which case a massage may help to shift water to the right places through tissue stimulation. Massages eliminate excess fluid and waste products via increasing the circulation and lymphatic drainage in your body.
The combination of emotional support and benefits of massages can also aid recovery from postpartum blues. About two-thirds of new mothers are prone to bouts of mild depression after pregnancy – some of which stem from their new responsibilities as a mother and adjustments to their lifestyles. Here’s where post-natal massages can help them relax and soothe their emotions so they would be able to deal with their new role as a mother better. Studies have shown that massage helps to reduce stress hormones, known as cortisol, and depression hormones, such as dopamine and serotonin. The essential oils used in massages can also balance hormones and your mood.
Selecting Your Massage Therapy
How do you go about choosing the right massage therapy? Think about what works for you. While some women prefer lighter pampering massages, others enjoy deeper techniques to loosen out their muscles. It is up to your personal preference when it comes to choosing the intensity of the body massage that you prefer.
There are many traditional massages in Malaysia which help to improve blood circulation, expel lochia, lift the womb to prevent it from sagging as well as break down fat. Lochia is the discharge from the uterus after giving birth. Apart from that, traditional massages also help to tone and shape the body to pre-baby body state while speeding up overall recovery from labour and birth.
The most common traditional postnatal massage is the Jamu massage which originated from Indonesia, and has been around before the 17th century. Chinese and Westerners have also been known to endorse this form of massage. Jamu means “herb” in the Malay language. This type of massage incorporates the Jamu herb with oil massage. Some Jamu massages also offer breast massage, which helps to promote better milk flow and clear blocked ducts for better lactation.
DID YOU KNOW:
The kneading and stroking motions of a massage can also firm and tone stretched areas, especially around your tummy area. However, always inform your massage therapist if there is pain anywhere.
SMART TIP:
How do I look for a good massage therapist who specialiazes in post pregnancy massages?
By word of mouth: Recommendations from your mother, mother-in-law, colleagues or friends who have used these services before.
Postnatal service centres: Some centres provide postnatal massage services as part of their package.
