In addition to the demands of caring for a newborn, people who give birth also face challenges due to hormonal changes and physical strain. Post partum massage aims to help new parents recover and heal after childbirth. It offers physical, emotional, and mental benefits during the postpartum period.
In this blog we will look at the many benefits of post partum massage, how soon to start massage therapy after giving birth, and how post partum massage works.
Table of Contents
Benefits of Post Partum Massage
After delivering the baby, joints ache less due to the relief of pressure. However, the muscles that helped keep the baby safe and snug over the last nine months are now over stretched and need some help to get back to where they were before. This is where post partum massage therapy can help.
The many benefits of post partum massage include:
- Pain Relief – Post partum massage can help recovery from labour, and ease the aches and pains from new parenthood. It also helps with any discomfort that was felt during sleeping, carrying your child, moving and allowing you to get a better night’s sleep and help you get back to your pre-pregnancy normal..
- Hormone Regulation – Massage therapy promotes the release of oxytocin, helping with milk production and stress reduction, while helping balance postpartum hormonal changes.[i]
- Improved Circulation – Massage therapy helps cycle the fluid faster through the body allowing you to move faster and with less pressure on the limbs. Post partum massage helps reduce the amount of swelling and helps promote a faster recovery allowing you to spend more time with your new little one.
- Stress Relief – Massage provides relaxation and can help reduce postpartum depression or anxiety.[ii]
When Can You Start Post Partum Massage?
Post partum massage can start between 2-8 weeks after delivering the baby (with a doctor’s clearance) and can promote a faster healing process helping you spend more time with your little one without the discomfort in your joints and muscles and tiredness from lack of quality sleep.
Your therapist will help you find a comfortable position if there are any areas of soreness or tenderness. Using cushions, pillows and wedges, therapists are able to best support you to find a position that works for you.
How Post Partum Massage Works
Massage therapy increases circulation and lymphatic drainage to help reduce excess fluids in the body. This swelling is also affected by hormonal changes that happen after delivery. Post partum massage increases the feel-good chemicals like dopamine and serotonin. It also works to improve blood flow to restricted or tight muscles and joints.
Whether you’re easing sore muscles, seeking emotional wellbeing, or simply craving a moment of calm amidst the demands of new motherhood, postpartum massage can be a powerful tool to support your well-being. Prioritize your recovery—you deserve to feel whole, empowered, and ready to thrive in this beautiful new chapter. At Propel Physiotherapy, our massage therapists offer personal tailored treatment plans that are custom made for every individual.
References
[i] Şeyma Ki̇lci̇ Erci̇yas, Oya Kavlak, The effect of back and breast massage on the amount of milk and anxiety level of mothers with preterm birth: A randomized controlled study, Journal of Neonatal Nursing,
Volume 30, Issue 3, 2024, Pages 251-257, ISSN 1355-1841, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnn.2023.10.003.
[ii]Pachtman Shetty, Sarah L. MD, MSE*; Fogarty, Sarah PhD†. Massage During Pregnancy and Postpartum. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology 64(3):p 648-660, September 2021. | DOI: 10.1097/GRF.0000000000000638
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