Supporting Your Healing Journey After Birth

Postpartum massage is a specialized full-body massage designed for mothers following childbirth - beneficial anytime from immediately after birth up to a year later.

This type of massage isn't one-size-fits-all. Techniques can range from manual lymphatic drainage and deep tissue work to targeted abdominal massage. Here at the Prenatal Massage & Movement Center in New York City, we understand every birth experience is unique. Our expert therapists customize each session, considering the nature of your delivery and addressing your specific physical needs to ensure the most effective and comfortable treatment.

Why Choose Postpartum Massage?

Giving birth is a monumental event, and your body deserves dedicated care during recovery. Postpartum massage offers a wealth of advantages specifically tailored to the needs of new mothers. Here’s why investing in a massage after birth is so valuable:

• Deep Relaxation and Stress Relief: Labor and the early days of parenting can leave stress lingering in your body. A postpartum massage melts away tension, promoting profound relaxation and often leading to improved sleep quality – essential for any new parent.

• Potential Enhancement of Milk Production: Massage techniques like manual lymphatic drainage can boost circulation and encourage the release of hormones like oxytocin, potentially supporting and increasing milk supply for breastfeeding mothers.

• Reduced Swelling & Improved Lymphatic Drainage: Pregnancy often leads to fluid retention. Postpartum massage aids the lymphatic system in efficiently expelling excess fluids, helping to reduce swelling (edema).

• Improved Blood Circulation: Enhanced blood flow speeds up recovery by delivering oxygen and nutrients throughout the body more effectively. This supports overall physical well-being and aids other bodily functions, including lymphatic drainage.

• Promotes Hormone Regulation: The postpartum period involves significant hormonal shifts. Massage can help regulate these fluctuations, including reducing stress hormones like cortisol, contributing to emotional balance.

• Relief for Achy Muscles: Caring for a newborn and recovering from labor can lead to sore muscles in the back, shoulders, and neck. Massage provides targeted relief for these aches and pains.

• Restores Balance to the Body: Postpartum massage assists in encouraging the uterus and ligaments to return to their optimal pre-pregnancy positions and helps re-align the pelvis.

Specialized Postpartum Massage at NYC's Prenatal Massage & Movement Center

At the Prenatal Massage & Movement Center, our licensed therapists possess extensive experience in postpartum recovery. We blend various effective techniques, including Swedish massage, reflexology, and gentle stretching, to effectively release physical tension and support your body’s natural healing processes.

We are also proud to offer the highly regarded Arvigo® Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy®. This specialized massage focuses on repositioning internal abdominal organs, rebalancing pelvic muscles, facilitating emotional release, and can even improve the potential for a successful VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) in future pregnancies.

FAQs

How soon after giving birth can I get a massage in NYC? 

You can generally receive a postpartum massage as soon as you feel ready. It can be a wonderful way to support immediate recovery. However, if you had complications during delivery (like preeclampsia) , it's always best to get clearance from your doctor before booking your first postpartum massage.

Can I get a postpartum massage if I had a C-section? 

Yes, but with modifications. Direct, deep abdominal massage over the incision site is typically avoided for at least 6 weeks post-C-section to allow for proper healing. However, massage on other areas like your back, shoulders, legs, and feet can provide significant relief sooner.

How often should I get a postpartum massage? 

Some new moms benefit from weekly or bi-weekly massages initially, while others find one or two sessions sufficient. Listen to your body and consider your specific recovery needs, budget, and schedule. Discuss frequency options with your massage therapist.

Can I use my insurance or FSA/HSA for postpartum massage?  

Yes! While we do not bill insurance companies directly at the Prenatal Massage & Movement Center, we are happy to provide you with a  receipt upon request. You can submit this receipt to your insurance provider for potential out-of-network reimbursement. We strongly recommend checking with your insurance provider, FSA, or HSA administrator before your appointment to confirm their requirements for reimbursement, such as needing a physician's referral or prescription. In our experience, most standard FSAs simply require an insurance-friendly receipt, which we can readily provide.

Is postpartum massage suitable if I am breastfeeding? 

Absolutely. Postpartum massage is perfectly safe and can even be beneficial for breastfeeding mothers as it can help with relaxation and circulation, potentially supporting milk production. Our therapists are experienced in positioning clients comfortably, using pillows or side-lying positions as needed to accommodate tender breasts. Let your therapist know you are breastfeeding so they can ensure your comfort throughout the session.