Postpartum massage benefits, techniques, and safety precaution

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

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.

• Muscle Relaxation

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.

• Better Sleep

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.

• Hormone Regulation

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.

• Improved Breastfeeding

It has been shown that postpartum massage increases milk production by increasing the lactation hormone prolactin.

• Pain relief

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.

• Decreased Swelling

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

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Acupressure. By pressing on specific pressure points, pain and suffering are reduced.

What is a uterus massage after birth?

Massage after delivery cesarean

It is not advisable to massage the abdomen for six weeks following cesarean delivery. 

Massage after birth safety precautions

• 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:

1. Cesarean section.
2. Boils, eczema, rashes, and blisters or skin conditions
3. Hernia and high blood pressure

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.