Pregnancy and Post Partum Massage

Pregnancy and postpartum massage offers a gentle, therapeutic approach to supporting the physical and emotional well-being of both mother and baby. Prenatal massage helps alleviate common pregnancy discomforts like muscle aches, swelling, and emotional stress, promoting relaxation and a sense of calm during this transformative time.

 

Pregnancy can lead to muscle imbalances and aches, especially in the back, shoulders, and hips. Prenatal massage can help to alleviate these tensions and improve circulation. The hormonal changes and physical demands of pregnancy can contribute to stress and anxiety. Prenatal massage can promote relaxation and calm alongside helping to reduce tension, which can lead to better sleep quality, especially during the later stages of pregnancy.

 

Postpartum massage aids in recovery from childbirth, reducing pain, swelling, and fatigue, while also helping with breastfeeding and promoting hormonal balance.  It can also aid in physical recovery by reducing  swelling, relieving muscle tension, and promoting lymphatic drainage, aiding in the body's natural healing process.

 

This massage may also help to improve circulation, relax muscles, and reduce anxiety, all of which can support successful breastfeeding. The postpartum period can be emotionally challenging. Postpartum massage can provide a sense of comfort and support, helping to reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. It can also help to reduce pain, swelling, and scar tissue formation especially after a traumatic birth or c-section. 

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Both Pregnancy and post partum massages are conducted in line with the Mizan portocols and similar to the fertility/reproductive health massage, I will concentrate on massaging the lower and upper abdomen, nerve innervations of the spine with some lymphatic and sacral massage depending on stage of pregnancy or duration since having given birth.

 

Post partum massage can be as important and beneficial as massage during pregnancy, but there are some contraindications , including:

-Severe hypertension

-Recent major abdominal surgery (you can been seen 6 weeks post c-section)

-Active cancer 

-Recent traumatic injury/fractures to legs, hips, pelvic or spine

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Please always ensure your practitioner is registered with a professional body, you can do this by checking on the corresponding professional body's website  usually under the 'Practitioner listing'.