Postpartum Massage Explained: Steps & Benefits for New Moms
Every mother’s journey is special. Pregnancy brings major changes, and recovery takes time, rest, and care. Postpartum massage is a full-body therapy that promotes physical and emotional well-being. It helps new mothers heal and can also support recovery after miscarriage or stillbirth.
This blog explores the many benefits of postpartum massage and how it can help you regain strength, relaxation, and balance after childbirth.
Table of Contents
What Is a Postpartum Massage?
Postpartum massage is a full-body massage given after childbirth to help mothers recover. A trained masseuse starts with the feet and moves up, ending with a relaxing head massage. Ayurveda recommends 40 days of special care for the mother and baby. This includes daily massages, herbal baths, and natural remedies to promote healing, relaxation, and overall well-being.
Why Do Women Need Post Natal Massage?
Postnatal massage and postpartum massage refer to the same practice. It helps women manage physical and mental changes after childbirth and is effective in treating:
Baby Blues and Postpartum
New mothers often experience stress after childbirth, though its intensity and duration vary. Postnatal massage is a proven way to relieve stress and manage postpartum depression and baby blues.
Stretch marks and body aches
Stretch marks often appear on a mother’s stomach after childbirth. Postnatal massage helps reduce their appearance and relieve muscle pain.
Vascular Issues
Massage after birth helps ease the extra-tired feeling during post-pregnancy. It is also effective against pressure on leg veins, and increased pressure on the abdomen and back.
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7 Benefits of Postpartum Massage Explained
Stress Reduction
Hormonal fluctuations, the sudden responsibility of being a new mother, and physical labor play a crucial role in disturbing the mental health of a new mother. Massage after birth significantly helps reduce mental stress and offers relief.
Hormonal regulation
The postpartum body experiences fluctuating hormones. Massage, combined with essential oils, helps improve mood and restore hormonal balance.
Muscle relaxation
Postpartum massage relaxes muscles, improves circulation, and reduces stress hormones. It provides both physical and emotional relief. Some women prefer a gentle touch, while others choose a deeper massage for better healing.
Pain relief
Sore muscles after childbirth are normal. Postpartum massage helps ease pain, especially in the arms, shoulders, and back. Massaging the chest also opens the shoulders and relieves breast pain.
Blood Circulation And Decreased Swelling
After childbirth, swelling is common due to fluid imbalance. After delivery body massage improves circulation and lymphatic drainage, helping the body reduce excess fluid.
Improved Breastfeeding
Facing difficulty in lactation is also common among new mothers. Post natal massage helps improve lactation. Back and breast massages are effective in producing prolactin hormone, which improves lactation and helps feed the baby.
Improved sleep
Feeling exhausted is common after childbirth and while caring for a newborn. Postnatal massage helps reduce fatigue, promote relaxation, and improve sleep quality.
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How to Massage After Delivery: Post Natal Massage Steps
Postpartum massage requires special training and a proper understanding of muscle stimulation. Here’s how to proceed with this practice
Foot massage: It starts from your feet. This step includes pressure on your soles to get rid of sore spots and helps you to relax.
Each toe massage: Involves massaging the base of each toe and finishing it off by sliding all five fingers between your toes and through gentle pulling.
Calf muscle massage: Massage the calf muscles using upward strokes from the ankle to the knee. This helps relieve sore leg muscles, improve blood circulation, and reduce swelling.
Knee and thigh muscle massage: Thigh massage with firm strokes from knee to hip. These long strokes help decrease tension in the thigh and hip muscles.
Clockwise strokes for the stomach: Involves using the palms of both hands to do clockwise strokes on the stomach. The clockwise motion helps to improve digestion.
Back massage: Lie on your stomach to get a massage on your back. Some ladies prefer to start the massage with a back massage.
Shoulder and neck massage: Use kneading actions on shoulder muscles to relax. Apply gentle pressure with your thumbs to massage the neck.
Arms massage: Massage the arms using gentle strokes that move from the shoulders to the hands. This helps improve circulation, relieve tension, and promote relaxation.
Fingers massage: Includes palm and in-between finger massage for complete relaxation. Remember to take off any rings or bangles to prevent obstructions while massaging.
Head massage: The final step of a postnatal massage is a head massage. It Includes the use of finger pads to rub your head in circular movements.
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Benefits of Body Massage After C Section Recovery
Wondering, when you can I have a body massage after C-section. You’re in the right place. You can start massaging your C-section scar once you’ve healed and your doctor approves. This can help reduce pain, improve sensitivity, and enhance sleep quality.
When to start?
- Wait at least 6 weeks after your C-section, or until your scar is fully healed
- Avoid massaging if there are open areas, scabs, or signs of infection
How to massage?
- Start by gently massaging the skin above and below the scar
- As the scar becomes less tender, you can apply more pressure and massage directly on the scar
- Use your fingertips to move the skin in different directions, such as up and down, side to side, and in circles
- You can also try pinching and rolling the skin
Why Is Body Massage After a C-Section Essential?
- Pain relief: Massage can help reduce pain by stimulating non-painful nerve fibers.
- Desensitization: Massage can help reduce sensitivity to the scar
- Improved sleep: Massage can help you relax and fall asleep, which can improve your postpartum recovery.
- Therapeutic: Massage can help you work through difficult emotions.
You can consult with a women’s health pelvic physiotherapist to learn more about C-section scar massage and how to regain mobility.
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Conclusion
Postpartum massage provides many benefits to women. As a mother of a newborn, you can get a full body massage, which can be adjusted and customized as per your comfort and convenience. In case of any query or concerns related to postnatal massage, consult with your doctor for the best recommendations.
FAQs
How to massage a lady after delivery?
The post-pregnancy massage starts with soft and gentle strokes, known as effleurage, to prepare your body for a deeper massage.
Can I get a massage while breastfeeding?
Undergoing a massage during breastfeeding is an amazing solution to relax and get strength.
What position is the postpartum massage?
Postpartum massage is performed on either side-lying or as normal lying on the back and front. This depends on how the mother is feeling.
What is the best resting position for postpartum?
Resting in a horizontal position. Lying in bed/on the couch (on your back or side) is the best resting position for postpartum.
How many days after C-section delivery can I massage?
For a caesarian section, you need to wait 4-6 weeks before you can start with your body massage. But you can resume the massage of the shoulder, hands, and legs earlier.
Is coconut oil good for massage after delivery?
Coconut oil is highly effective for postpartum massage due to its medium-chain fatty acids that contain microbial properties. These properties help defend the skin from infections, making it a safer option for new mothers with sensitive skin.
Is it OK to get a foot massage after C-section delivery?
Foot and head massage is a complementary method to decrease the pain of C-section effectively and reduce the amount of medications and their side effects.
Is massage safe after pregnancy?
In the case of a healthy pregnancy and delivery without major complications, a massage can safely be given as soon as you feel better.
Can a breastfeeding mom have a massage?
Back massage is effective in improving lactation in all parameters examined. It is recommended for all breastfeeding mothers, especially those facing problems in initiating and sustaining breastfeeding.
Is massage necessary for a mother after delivery?
Estrogen and progesterone levels are high during pregnancy but drop after delivery. Meanwhile, prolactin and oxytocin increase to support breastfeeding. Studies show that massage helps lower the stress hormone cortisol.
