Whether a woman is pregnant for the first time or an experienced mother, pregnancy can be stressful for women’s muscles and body. A woman’s body undergoes tremendous changes over the course of 42 weeks. It can also be confusing to most of the mothers who may not know what to expect of their body, more so when it is the first time being pregnant. However, natural therapy such as post-natal massage can soothe discomfort caused during labour and helps in rejuvenating mother’s energy levels. A therapeutic post-natal massage eases postpartum stress and provides flexibility of muscles. In addition to this, massage helps in releasing Oxytocin, a hormone that boosts milk production. Also, a good body massage induces good sleep and improves blood circulation. Dr Subhashini N.S, Research Associate – R&D, The Himalaya Drug Company, answers questions on all you need to know about postnatal massage How soon can a new mother get a massage after delivery? Massage therapy after delivery can be a wonderful experience for new mothers. New mothers can receive her much-needed postpartum massage therapy soon after delivery. However, most doctors suggest that you wait to get massages post a C- section until the cut is completely healed, which normally takes about 6-7 weeks. Read: Is it safe to get pedicures during pregnancy? Will postnatal massage really help? How? According to studies, massage therapy after delivery can 1. Reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, 2. Relieve muscle aches and joint pains, and 3. Improve new mothers health. 4. Massage increases circulation and lymphatic drainage to facilitate elimination of excess fluids and waste products, boosts milk production, 5. Improves skin firmness, keeps the skin hydrated, soft, and supple. 6.Postnatal massage helps ease backaches, stress, fatigue, headaches and postpartum depression. In line with relaxation 7.Reduced stress, a postnatal massage eases exhaustion and assists you towards getting much-needed deeper sleep. Read: 8 ways to counter hair fall postpartum. How often should I get a postnatal massage? Post- natal massage helps in reconnecting with mind and body. It creates a balance between a woman’s emotional and physical needs. Generally, oil massage is recommended daily for up to one-month post-delivery. For most new mothers, the regimen would also be recommended as 7-15 sessions within the first six months after delivery. Here are five things that happen to you after delivery that no one talks about. What measures should be taken for a post-natal massage? Choosing the right massage oil and using the right massaging technique is an essential criteria for a postnatal massage. Various oils come with their own set of benefits, and choosing the right one for an effective massage is essential. Herbal ingredients such as Sesame oil, winter cherry, Aloe vera and country mallow have synergistic effects and can help in relaxation and rejuvenation. Choosing right massage therapy also plays an important role before performing the massage. The energy aspect of the physical body affects the overall health of the body. How long should a postnatal massage last? It recommended that each postnatal massage should range from 60-90 minutes. The therapeutic effects promote faster recuperation and more enjoyable days of motherhood. http://www.thehealthsite.com
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8/2/2017 0 Comments Postpartum MassageBy MASSAGE Magazine September 29, 2010
Maternity massage addresses the many needs of women throughout an entire childbearing cycle, rather than just during pregnancy. If you are considering entering the world of bellies roiling with life, labor’s powerful groans and the sweetness of a mom embracing her newborn, you will need a sense of what this really entails. by Judith Koch Much has been written about special concerns for massaging women during pregnancy, but less attention has been paid to the topic of postpartum massage. The postpartum period is defined as the length of time it takes the uterus to return to its nonpregnant size, which is generally six weeks. During this time, massage therapists should still give consideration to positioning and modifying abdominal bodywork. During the first week or two of the postpartum phase, the uterus can still be quite large and continuing to contract. The breasts are also often quite tender, as they become engorged and as the nipples adapt to the effects of suckling the newborn. As a result, the massage therapist should give the client the option to continue in a side-lying position to keep pressure off of the chest and abdomen. If the client prefers a prone position, a soft, round cushion placed on the table below the shoulders and just above the breasts can help take pressure off the breasts. Often by the end of the second week of the postpartum period, the client is perfectly comfortable in a fully prone position. While performing your abdominal routine, you may feel the uterus contract. Firm pressure to the uterus, although it may cause some discomfort in the form of cramping, is indicated during the postpartum period. Immediately upon delivery, the medical staff often performs very firm compressions to the uterus to promote contractions. This is important to prevent hemorrhaging. When the placenta is delivered during the third stage of labor, it essentially leaves an open wound to the uterus, much like a wound when a scab has been picked. The compressions cause the uterus to contract, which helps to close off the blood flow. By massaging the uterus during your postpartum massage sessions, you are encouraging it to continue to contract and return to its normal size. Another thing to look for is to see if the pregnancy caused a separation (diastasis) along the linea alba, which runs between the left and right rectus abdominis muscles. This can be easily detected by firming placing your fingertips, parallel to the linea alba just above or below the naval, and pressing in slightly as you have the client contract her abdomen by bringing her chin toward her chest, as if doing a mini sit-up. As the muscles contract, if one or more of your fingers drop into a depression between the two rectus muscles, it would indicate a separation. If you find this separation, you should advise your client to bring the muscles together (either by placing a belt or towel around the waist and bringing the two ends together, or by crisscrossing her hands across her waist and pulling them together) when performing any abdominal exercises. This will train the muscles to remain side-by-side as they are strengthened. These techniques can help your client return to normal more quickly after giving birth, which will make her eternally grateful. Judith Koch is the director of education with the Institute of Somatic Therapy, and founder of the Massage Doula Network. To learn more about serving your clients during their childbearing years, visitwww.massagecredits.com. |
Q & AContraindication for a postnatal / postpartum massage?
A massage will not be performed with: |