Who doesn’t love massages after a long day? They calm our minds, soothe our bodies and help us relax. But postpartum massages do much more than just these. Postnatal or postpartum massage is the term used to define full-body massages which are given to new moms after their babies’ birth.
While new moms do need a relaxing retreat after some 280-odd long days, the benefits of this traditional therapy (yes therapy!) stretch beyond relaxation. Postpartum massage is a part of the recovery process after giving birth that heals minds & bodies both.
If you’re a soon-to-be mom or have just given birth, you can’t afford to miss reading this blog. Here we’ll be uncovering surprising and lesser-known advantages of postpartum massage & how you can get it done right. We’ll also talk about Post Natal Massage Oil and why it’s a must-have for all new moms.
Let’s explore the benefits first.
Benefits Of Postpartum Massage
- Reduces Stress: New moms often face the emotional brunt of hormonal swings. The ‘new mom’ stress can be exacerbated by body changes & added responsibilities. Roughly 15% of women may go through postpartum depression after delivering the baby. Massage techniques, for instance, myofascial release and craniosacral therapy, may help you relax and regulate the stress.
- Offers Pain Relief: Some pain can linger in a woman’s body even after the pregnancy is over. And that’s normal. But with the right postpartum massage techniques, you can get these alleviated. Do note that the number of sessions needed in such cases may vary depending on how bad the pain is.
- Regulates Your Hormones: Hormonal fluctuations are part of the pregnancy and post-pregnancy journey. And these don’t just cause mood swings but sometimes make motherhood challenging. But a good massage can come to your rescue, and put a leash on stress hormones like cortisol, dopamine & serotonin. Do note that the benefits of massage for stress relief can be expanded by incorporating certain essential oils into your routine.
- Reduces Swelling: In certain cases, pregnancy leads to an increase in body fluid volume by up to 50% which obviously needs to be drained in order to get back to normalcy. Which is exactly what massages do – help in lymphatic drainage by improving circulation. They also aid in reducing swelling attributed to the hormones (because postpartum massage also regulates hormones).
- Improves Sleep: A good sleep is key to better recovery after giving birth. Postpartum massage may help your body relax, and rid itself of pain & fatigue. And all this can contribute to better sleep. And that’s why it’s not uncommon to fall asleep during a massage session. In fact, studies have found a close correlation between deep sleep and massage therapy.
- Improves Breastfeeding: The improved circulation due to massage also improves milk production in new moms. Additionally, massage boosts the hormone prolactin, which is essential for breastfeeding & lactation. Research has also found that back massage increases growth factors (essential for newborn development) in breast milk.
- Reduces Blood Loss: There’s a specific type of massage called uterine massage. It’s known to reduce blood loss after delivery. This type of massage is done on the abdominal region to stimulate the uterus and stop bleeding. While a uterine massage may not be so comforting, it’s definitely worth it, as supported by several studies.
How To Do Postpartum Massage?
While it’s crucial to consult your doctor first for safety reasons, postpartum massages are generally safe. You can start receiving them as soon as you feel ready after birth. And you and your therapist can jointly decide on a position that you’re comfortable with. Some ladies choose to lie on their backs because of issues with breasts or leaking milk. While others prefer lying on their stomachs because of not being able to lie on their back for long. You may also opt for a side position which is quite comfortable and efficient for a massage.
Conclusion
By now you would have understood how potent these postpartum massages are. And with the right technique, you and your baby can get the best out of it. For accentuating your massage experience you can opt for a topical lotion or oil such as Bullet Coffee Post Natal Massage Oil by AreoVeda. Packed with the goodness of ghee, 6 natural oils & 24 herbs, this wonderful potion works to nourish and deeply moisturise your skin.
If you wish to know more about Bullet Coffee Postnatal Massage Oil, visit www.areoveda.in.
*Disclaimer: Check with your doctor before initiating any massage session for more personalised advice.
FAQs
Q1. When To Start Postpartum Massage?
You can start with the massage as and when you’re comfortable & ready for the same after childbirth. But make sure to consult your doctor first, especially if you have had any complications.
Q2. Is Postpartum Massage Safe?
Postpartum massages, when performed by certified therapists, are generally safe. But again, consult your doctor first, just to be double sure.
Q3. Can I Bring My Baby To The Session?
It depends on your preference. Some women wish to take some time off from their baby duties while for others it’s too difficult to stay apart for long. So check with the massage parlour if they have the provision to watch over your baby while you enjoy your massage.
Q4. Can Postpartum Massage Ease Postpartum Depression?
Yes, postpartum massage holds the potential to treat postpartum depression.