Benefits of Postpartum Massage: How Postpartum Massage Can Help You to Recover From Birth
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One of the hardest things that many new moms struggle with is finding time for self-care. However, self-care is essential if you want to be in the right space to give your newborn all the love and attention that they need. This is why postpartum massage can be a wonderful therapy to receive after you give birth because, besides all of its wonderful benefits, it also gives you a little bit of ‘me’ time.
So what exactly is postpartum massage?
What is Postpartum Massage?
Postpartum massage is a full-body massage that usually occurs within the first 12 weeks after giving birth but can also take place anywhere from straight after birth up until the first year after delivery.
There are different types of postpartum massage. Some include craniosacral therapy, deep tissue or even abdominal massage. At the Prenatal Massage & Movement Center here in New York City, we customize each session to address your physical needs taking the nature of your birth into account.
Book a Postpartum Massage at one of our two Manhattan offices: Upper West Side & Upper East Side
Benefits of Postpartum Massage
So why is it worth getting a massage after giving birth? Well, postpartum massage has a huge range of benefits and can help your body to recover from the toll taken on it by pregnancy and labor.
Some of these benefits include:
Relaxation and Stress Relief
A postpartum massage can help your body and mind to properly relax. Labor can be a stressful process so it is most likely that some of that stress is still being held in your body. A massage can help to successfully release that tension in the body and help you to sleep better too.
Can Help to Enhance Milk Production
Massage can help to improve circulation as well as the release of hormones which help milk supply to increase.
Reduces Swelling & Improves Lymphatic Drainage
It improves lymphatic drainage which helps to reduce swelling by helping the body to expel the extra fluids that the body gained during pregnancy.
Improves Blood Circulation
Better blood circulation can help your body to recover more quickly and aids various functions in the body such as lymphatic drainage which we already mentioned. It also promotes general physical wellbeing.
Promotes Hormone Regulation
Postpartum massage has been found to assist in the regulation of hormones which can be incredibly beneficial to a new mom who is most likely experiencing great fluctuations in their hormones. It also helps to reduce stress hormones!
Provides Relief to Achy Muscles
Massage can help to relieve aches and pains in the muscles as the body recovers from labor, delivery and the everyday life of being a new parent.
Brings Balance Back to the Body
Postpartum massage helps the uterus and ligaments to return to an optimal position and helps bring the pelvis into balance.
What Can I Expect From a Postpartum Massage Session?
A postpartum massage is usually 60 or 90 minutes long depending on your preferences. Before the session begins, your massage therapist will ask you questions about the nature of your birth or delivery and what your current physical needs are. Based on this information, they will give you a massage that is suited to your needs.
Some people prefer a light touch massage and some prefer a firmer massage, so it is up to you how you want your therapist to massage you.
Just ensure that someone you trust is looking after your newborn during your appointment time so you can fully relax and enjoy your massage!
Postpartum Massage New York City - Book An Appointment at the Prenatal Massage & Movement Center
At the Prenatal Massage & Movement Center, our therapists have a lot of experience in helping new moms to recover from labor and birth. We combine different massage techniques including Swedish, reflexology and light stretching to release tension in your body and assist in its recovery.
We also use the highly sought-after Arvigo® Mayan Abdominal Therapy which can help to rebalance visceral organs and muscles. It also facilitates emotional healing and improves the potential for a successful VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean).
If you would like to speak to one of our therapists or book an appointment, please click the button below.
FAQs
How soon after giving birth can I have a massage?
You can have a massage as soon as you are ready. In fact, a postpartum massage can help your body to recover in the aftermath of labor. However, if you experienced severe complications such as preeclampsia during delivery or had a c-section, it is recommended that check with your doctor first before receiving a massage.
Can you receive a postpartum massage if you have had a c-section?
Abdominal massage is not recommended for at least 6 weeks after cesarean delivery, however, you may be massaged in other places of your body. Speak to your doctor if you are unsure.
How often should you get a massage after you have given birth?
Some people like to get a massage every week or two after they have given birth and some only have one or two massages in total. How often you should get a massage depends on your postpartum needs as well as what feels good for you!
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