Prenatal & Postpartum Massage
Having a baby can be a very exciting time. Pregnancy announcements, Baby showers, Sonogram photos and Baby shopping! Unfortunately, there are some uglier truths to having a baby. Pain, nausea, bloating, weight gain and sleepless nights. This is also true for women who have just had their babies. Massages for moms are very important to keep baby happy and healthy.
Prenatal Massage
Prenatal massage is done with the client lying on her side with pillows to stabilize and comfort her. This ensures safety for mom and baby. This massage can be done in all trimesters but is a bit gentler in the first trimester for safety reasons. No matter what stage of pregnancy you are in, you will be side lying throughout the massage. Don't worry, it's super comfortable.
Benefits of Prenatal Massage include:
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Relaxation and stress reduction
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Relief from spasms, cramps and myofascial pain especially in the neck, hips, lower back and legs.
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Reduces joint pain
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Enhances skin pliability
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Increases lymph and blood circulation which reduces swelling
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Improves outcome of labor and eases labor pain
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Hormone regulation
It is important to consult with your healthcare provider before receiving this type of treatment especially if you are considered "high risk."
Examples of what may be considered high risk include:
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Preeclampsia
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Previous Pre-term labor
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Severe Headaches
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Uncontrolled high blood pressure
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Gestational diabetes
If you are feeling ill, please contact your doctor before receiving massage as this may be a sign of an underlying issue.
Postpartum Massage
Postpartum Massage is not much different from regular massage. Postpartum women tend to enjoy a lighter pressure massage they sometimes also have a hard time laying on their stomach, so they may opt for a side lying massage for comfort. Women who have had a Cesarean should avoid massage for at least 6 weeks or until your healthcare provider clears you.
Benefits of Postpartum Massage are:
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Hormone Regulation
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Improved milk production
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Better sleep
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Reduction of anxiety and depression
I recommend light abdominal massage for women who are comfortable with it. This helps with swelling reduction, blood flow for healing and soothing pain and inflammation.
Massage can also be very effective for epidural site pain by reducing pain and inflammation. Massage won't be directly on the epidural site until fully healed to avoid reoccurring pain. Working around the epidural site can be very effective for pain relief.
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