Postpartum massages take place within the first 12 weeks after giving birth, however it's best
to talk with your doctor prior to booking your massage, to ensure it is safe for you. If you had a cesarean delivery, some therapists won’t massage patients after surgery for a minimum of 6 weeks. Also, if you struggled with blood clots during your pregnancy, your doctor may suggest you avoid massages for the time being. However, there are many benefits of postpartum massage.
Reduced Swelling
Some mothers will notice their body will swell during labour. Postpartum massage can help redistribute the water in the body and encourage draining of excess fluids and circulation to decrease the swelling.
Improved Milk Production
Massage can be an effective way to increase milk production by boosting circulation and the hormones needed to make the milk.
Hormone Regulation
While the stereotype is that pregnant women are constantly moody, no one seems to mention the increase in moodiness once they have given birth. New mothers have to work to balance their hormones, and postpartum massage that incorporates essential oils can help to elevate one’s mood and balance hormones.
Reduced Anxiety and Depression
Unfortunately newborns are not the best communicators, which tend to overwhelm a lot of new parents. This leads to what’s known as the “baby blues” or postpartum depression. Getting a massage can help to decrease the stress that contributes to these anxious and depressed feelings.
Better Sleep
Unlike teenagers, babies would rather do anything but sleep. This ultimately means that parents lose out on a few hours of Z’s. Massage can help new parents get their bodies ready for a deep, relaxing sleep.
So when do you start?
Technically you could start with small back massages one day after delivery to help reduce anxiety in new moms. Some hospitals have introduced in-hospital massage services just for their postpartum moms in the days following their birth! It’s important to note that certain techniques may be required for your recovery.
Ultimately there is no specific timeline for how often you should get a massage, as new moms can enjoy massages every week or two during the first few months after they give birth, but some will opt for only one or two massages. Taking into consideration time, finances, and health considerations, can all play into how many massages a new mother will receive postpartum and how frequently.
If you have any questions about Mobile Massage, please reach out to us through the contact us page on our website. Also, be sure to follow Mobile Massage on social media for more information about new locations, therapists and wellness!