A postnatal, or postpartum, massage can be just as important and helpful as a prenatal session. Regulation of hormones, improved sleep, and increased milk production are just a few of the benefits.
How Soon After Birth Can I Get a Postnatal Massage?
In short, you can get a massage as soon as you feel comfortable enough to lie still for an hour or more. You may be absolutely thrilled to be able to lie on your belly again, but other positions may be more comfortable at first.
Benefits of a Postnatal Massage
In addition to the benefits you receive from a normal mobile massage session, there are others that are of particular importance after birth.
Hormone Regulation
Pregnancy-elevated estrogen and progesterone hormone levels decrease after delivery. Other hormones are produced in higher amounts to stimulate breast milk production. Massage reduces the stress hormone cortisol.
Post-Partum Depression Treatment
More than two thirds of all new mothers experience some degree of depression following birth. This depression can be triggered by the profound life change, fluctuating hormone levels, and emotional stress during adjustment.
Pain Relief
The sudden change in body weight, removal of physical stress on the low back and pelvis, breastfeeding, and childcare can all wreak havoc on your body. Massage relaxes muscles and relieves pain without medication. Chronic or severe pain may require multiple sessions for resolution.
Improved Sleep with a PostNatal Massage
Taking care of a newborn is a 24 hour daily job. Sleep can be very hard to come by. Massage can ease fatigue, provide relaxation, and assist with sleep disruptions.
Increased Breast Milk Production
Addressing the muscles of the chest can actually open up the shoulders which improves production.
A Mobile Massage Session Means No Need to Travel with the Baby
Because I can travel to you for your postnatal massage, there’s no need to wrangle a car seat, stroller, diaper bags, bottles, wipes, tiny shoes and hats, and child. You can choose to have the baby right by your side during your massage. There’s no need to hire a babysitter!
