Massage therapy is a wonderful way to relax, relieve pain, and improve your well-being. But did you know that massage can also be beneficial for pregnant and postpartum women? In this blog post, we will explore how massage can help you during and after your pregnancy, and what you need to know before booking a session.
10 Benefits of Massage During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a beautiful and exciting time, but it can also bring some challenges and discomforts. Massage can help you cope with some of the common physical and emotional changes that occur during pregnancy, such as:
- Reduced stress and anxiety. Massage can lower your levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, and increase your levels of serotonin and dopamine, the feel-good hormones. This can help you feel more calm, happy, and relaxed.1
- Improved sleep. Massage can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply, by relaxing your muscles and nervous system. This can improve your energy, mood, and immune system.2
- Relieved pain. Massage can ease the tension and soreness in your muscles and joints, especially in your back, neck, shoulders, hips, and legs. Massage can also help with headaches, sciatica, and carpal tunnel syndrome.3
- Reduced swelling. Massage can stimulate your blood and lymph circulation, which can help reduce the fluid retention and edema that often occur during pregnancy. This can also prevent varicose veins and lower your blood pressure.4
- Improved digestion. Massage can help with common digestive issues during pregnancy, such as nausea, constipation, and heartburn. Massage can also stimulate the release of endorphins, which can reduce nausea and vomiting.5
- Enhanced immune system. Massage can boost your natural defenses by increasing the number and activity of your white blood cells, which fight infections and diseases. This can help you and your baby stay healthy and prevent complications.6
- Better breathing. Massage can relax your chest and diaphragm muscles, which can improve your breathing capacity and oxygen intake. This can help you cope with the increased demand for oxygen during pregnancy and labor.7
- Hormone regulation. Massage can balance your hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, and oxytocin, which play important roles in your pregnancy and labor. Massage can also lower the levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can interfere with labor and delivery.8
- Improved fetal development. Massage can improve the blood flow and oxygen delivery to your placenta and your baby, which can support their growth and development. Massage can also increase the levels of oxytocin, the bonding hormone, which can enhance your connection with your baby.
- Easier labor and delivery. Massage can prepare your body and mind for labor and delivery, by relaxing your muscles, improving your flexibility, and reducing your fear and anxiety. Massage can also shorten your labor time, reduce your need for pain medication, and lower the risk of interventions, such as cesarean section.
5 Reasons Why You Should Get a Postnatal Massage
After giving birth, your body and mind need time and care to recover and adjust to your new role as a mother. Massage can help you with this transition, by offering the following benefits:
- Faster recovery. Massage can help your body heal faster from the physical and emotional stress of childbirth, by reducing inflammation, promoting tissue repair, and restoring your hormonal balance. Massage can also help your uterus contract and return to its normal size, and prevent postpartum hemorrhage.
- Reduced pain and discomfort. Massage can relieve the pain and discomfort that you may experience after giving birth, such as sore muscles, cramps, stitches, and engorgement. Massage can also help with headaches, backaches, and neck aches, which can result from breastfeeding and carrying your baby.
- Improved mood and mental health. Massage can lift your mood and mental health, by increasing your levels of serotonin and dopamine, the feel-good hormones, and decreasing your levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. This can help you cope with the baby blues, postpartum depression, and anxiety.
- Increased milk production. Massage can stimulate the production of prolactin, the hormone that regulates milk production. Massage can also help with breast engorgement, clogged ducts, and mastitis, by improving the blood and lymph flow in your breasts.
- Better bonding with your baby. Massage can enhance your bonding with your baby, by increasing the levels of oxytocin, the bonding hormone, and reducing the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Massage can also help you relax and enjoy your time with your baby, and improve your confidence and self-esteem as a mother.
What You Need to Know Before Booking a Massage
Massage can be a safe and effective way to support your health and well-being during and after your pregnancy, but there are some things you need to know before booking a session:
- Consult your doctor. Before getting a massage, you should consult your doctor or midwife, especially if you have any medical conditions or complications, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, preeclampsia, or placenta previa. Your doctor can advise you on the best time and frequency for getting a massage, and any precautions or contraindications you need to follow.
- Choose a qualified therapist. Not all massage therapists are trained and experienced in pregnancy and postnatal massage. You should choose a therapist who has the appropriate certification and knowledge to work with pregnant and postpartum women. You can ask for recommendations from your doctor, midwife, doula, or friends, or look for online reviews and testimonials.
- Communicate your needs and preferences. Before and during your massage, you should communicate your needs and preferences to your therapist, such as your health history, your goals, your comfort level, your pain threshold, and any areas you want to avoid or focus on. You should also give feedback to your therapist during the massage, and let them know if you feel any pain, discomfort, or nausea.
- Find a comfortable position. Depending on your stage of pregnancy or postpartum, you may need to find a comfortable position for your massage. You may lie on your side, on your back, or on a specially designed table or cushion that can accommodate your belly and breasts. You should also use pillows, blankets, and towels to support your body and keep you warm and cozy.
- Enjoy and relax. The most important thing is to enjoy and relax during your massage. Massage can be a wonderful way to pamper yourself, connect with your body and baby, and improve your health and happiness. So, take a deep breath, close your eyes, and let go of any worries or stress. You deserve it!