Congratulations! You just had a baby! As a mom, it goes naturally that your focus is set on your newborn alone. But don’t forget to look for yourself as well.
You must give your body the time and care it requires to relax and recover as it underwent a number of changes throughout your pregnancy.
Treat yourself to something relaxing and comforting for you. One thing is getting a postpartum massage.
Massage after birth: Postpartum massage
Postpartum massage
A postpartum massage is a full-body massage done within the first 12 weeks after childbirth. While a “postpartum massage” may not sound very special, obtaining one could lift your spirits and speed up the healing process.
Postpartum massages usually contain many of the same elements as regular massages. Women who receive massages after giving birth are likely to experience many of the normal physical and psychological benefits of massages.
You can even have a post-pregnancy massage at home!
Postpartum massage benefits
The benefits of massage, in general, include the following:
- easing of pain
- reduction of tension
- relaxation
But there’s more to postpartum massage than these postpartum massage benefits!
A postpartum massage may help you handle any stress you may be feeling as a result of your child’s birth, resolve sleep-related problems, and generally make you feel more in control and at ease. This is in addition to a number of health benefits.
Postpartum massage lowers both physical and mental stress by lowering stress hormones, relaxing muscles, and enhancing circulation. For a more comprehensive recuperation, some women choose a deeper massage that penetrates the body’s muscles and soft tissues.
It’s normal to feel tired after giving birth, especially as you tend to your newborn. Massage can help you unwind, feel less worn out, and get better sleep.
Estrogen levels greatly increase throughout pregnancy and then decrease after birth. With postpartum massage, you can balance your hormones and mood.
Two naturally occurring neurotransmitters that have been linked to depression are dopamine and serotonin. These hormones can be balanced by massage.
It has been shown that postpartum massage increases milk production by increasing the lactation hormone prolactin.
Aches in the muscles are common following labor. A postpartum massage can help relieve discomfort, especially in sore, vulnerable areas like the back, shoulders, and aching arms. Additionally, chest massage opens up the shoulders and eases breast sensitivity.
When a woman is pregnant, her body fluids frequently increase by 50%. After birth, a postpartum massage can help to improve lymphatic drainage and circulation to help the body handle additional fluid and regain equilibrium.
Best positions for postpartum massage
The comfortable side-lying or seated position is ideal for patients who have had a cesarean section and enables the massage therapist to focus on the shoulders, legs, and pelvis.
Some mothers may appreciate doing so because they were not allowed to lie face down on their stomachs for a significant time in their pregnancies. However, some people could experience unease as a result of their larger or dilated breasts.
Any position is appropriate for a full-body massage, which can be performed as comfortably as possible. If you have any concerns or problems with postpartum massage, speak with your doctor.
Postpartum massage techniques
There are a variety of postpartum massage modalities that are safe. A postpartum massage may include acupressure and foot reflexology.
You can also integrate Swedish massages and Jamu massages, which are traditional postpartum massages from Southeast Asia meant to calm and restore the postpartum body.
When you seek the assistance of an experienced therapist, massage therapy is beneficial after delivery. These therapists might think about using the following treatments after birth.
- The Swedish massage often referred to as the Classic massage, uses long strokes in addition to kneading, shaking, and tapping motions. It is a tranquil and invigorating massage that raises your mood in general.
- The widely used Jamu massage in Indonesia employs a variety of herbs made from the roots, barks, and petals of curative plants. The powerful massage strokes may aid in flattening the stomach by supporting and tightening the muscles of the stomach.
- Foot reflexology. Acupressure points on the feet connected to various body organs are activated by the basic foot massage. As a result, it can alleviate postpartum depression, tiredness, and stress.
- An example of a postnatal massage is a herbal bath, which uses water that has been infused with a variety of herbs, spices, and roots. After the massage, the body is given a wash to help relieve sore veins and rejuvenate them.
- Acupressure. By pressing on specific pressure points, pain and suffering are reduced.
Essential oils and personal contact are frequently used in postpartum massages. These can be added to lotions, massage oils, or diffused in the air. Make careful to speak with your doctor before using essential oils to guarantee their safety.
Inquire about your masseuse or therapist’s experience with prenatal and postpartum massage, regardless of the type of massage you choose. They should be willing to work with you to establish a suitable massage position.
What is a uterus massage after birth?
After the birth, you most likely received a fundal massage from the nurses or the midwife. Medical professionals use a uterine massage technique called fundal massage to help the uterus contract back to its normal size.
After giving birth, light abdominal massage is thought to be beneficial for up to 2 or 3 weeks, or until the
lochia is clean. However, proceed with caution because uterine massage could be dangerous if too much pressure is applied.
Consult your doctor or another healthcare provider before attempting an abdominal massage at home or with a massage therapist.
Massage after delivery cesarean
It is not advisable to massage the abdomen for six weeks following cesarean delivery.
Even though postpartum massage is secure and beneficial, it is best to consult your doctor if you have experienced a challenging birth or underwent a c-section.
Doula and postpartum massage specialist Alexa Dean urges expecting mothers to talk about what they want from a massage after giving birth, especially if you had a c-section.
Because your body is more susceptible to infection in the first few weeks after a C-section delivery, you might not be ready for a body massage.
This is because your
scar needs to heal before you start experimenting with the skin around that area. Even after the session has begun, request that the massage therapist avoid massaging that area and concentrate solely on the other sections.
Massage after birth safety precautions
Although postpartum massage provides many benefits for women, certain risks should also be considered.
Massage can increase blood flow and possibly have an effect on some medical conditions. Consult with your doctor before scheduling a postpartum massage if you have the following:
- a high blood pressure level
- either a fetal heart defect or preeclampsia
- recent surgery or injuries
- modern organ transplantation
When selecting a postpartum massage therapist, keep an eye out for the following:
- a neat and hygienic workplace
- an expert massage therapist for expectant mothers (look for their certification in their office or online)
- the proper equipment, like high-end massage tables with pillows and belly-rest cutouts
A postpartum massage should be avoided if you have or had:
- Cesarean section.
- Boils, eczema, rashes, and blisters or skin conditions
- Hernia and high blood pressure
Do not get a massage if you have not spoken to your doctor first. This information might help you choose the appropriate massage kind and timing.
Here at theAsianparent Philippines, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advise or medical treatment. theAsianparent Philippines is not responsible to those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend to consult your doctor for clearer information.
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