What is Prenatal massage?

Massage during pregnancy is a therapeutic bodywork which focuses on the special needs of the mother-to-be as her body goes through the dramatic changes of the childbirth experience. Massage therapy enhances the function of muscles ad joints, improves circulation and general body tone, and relieves mental and physical fatigue.

Benefits of prenatal massage

Not only does massage during pregnancy feel good, there are also many other benefits for the mom-to-be and her baby. Touch is vital to the mother’s physical and emotional well-being as she adapts to the changes in her body. A pregnant woman’s body that is changing may be challenging and stressful in many ways. Massage aids in reducing stress hormones in the body. Other benefits include:

• Massage helps eliminate waste products through the lymphatic and circulatory system
• Massage eases the load on the heart and helps keep blood pressure in check
• Alleviates muscle discomfort, cramping, tightening, stiffness, tension, and knots
• Relieves backaches, stiff neck, leg cramps, edema, sciatica , headaches
• Increases local and general blood circulation - which brings more oxygen and nutrients to the cells of both the mother and fetus

Is massage for you?

Massage during pregnancy is usually safe for mothers. It is very important to inform the massage therapist of any problems or complications during your pregnancy. If you are experiencing any complications, approval and written consent will be required from your primary health care provider before proceeding. The fallowing are circumstances in which massage should NOT be performed:

• Heavy discharge( watery or bloody)
• Diabetes
• Contagious illness
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Morning sickness
• Unusual pain
• Pre-eclampsia
• High blood pressure
• Excessive swelling in arms, legs, hands, or feet
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Any malignant condition

Postpartum Massage

Postpartum massage is designed to address the stress of carrying and caring for a newborn. In the postpartum period you may suffer from fatigue and soreness from overused birthing muscles. Massage can help with both the physical and psychological recuperation process. Some benefits of postpartum massage include:

• Massage can help mom readjust and heal more quickly
• Decreases metabolic toxin accumulation in musculature
• Re-establishes muscle tone in the abdomen and other areas
• Decreases muscle tension/ eliminates adhesions
• Provides emotional support

With a normal delivery massage may safely begin 24 hours after delivery if you are not experiencing heavy bleeding. However, if there were complications or if a Cesarean delivery was performed, a written release must be provided. Massage after 6 weeks recovery and when bleeding has stopped will be safely performed.

Contraindications for postpartum massage

• Heavy vaginal bleeding or discharge
• Exhaustion
• Post-cesarean incision infection