Post Natal Recovery Massage - a must for all Mums!

Photo by Sydney Sims on Unsplash

Motherhood is one of the most exciting and magical times in our lives. However, the first few months or even the first year can be tough both physically and emotionally. Pregnancy and birth put an enormous strain on our bodies; not just immediately after giving birth but it can have an impact in later years, mainly because we do not allow our bodies the time to fully recover and heal.

During pregnancy and childbirth, mums receive an amazing amount of care from their health care providers, however there is a gap in post-partum support to ensure all mums are in optimal health to be able to look after themselves and their newborn. In the nine months it takes for us to grow our baby, our bodies stretch and change shape in ways we never thought possible. Pregnancy changes our posture, core integrity and the way we walk, and if left untreated these can have a lifelong impact on our bodies. So, it’s incredibly important that we look after ourselves during this time, and we help our body to realign and readapt. Similarly, when looking after your newborn you become accustomed to lifting, bending and even sleeping and breastfeeding in awkward and uncomfortable positions and this creates significant tension throughout your body, particularly in your back, neck and shoulders.

Post Natal Recovery massage is just as important as a Pregnancy Massage. Your body doesn’t recover instantly after you’ve given birth, and in fact, most women need help to recover fully from the rigours of both Pregnancy and Childbirth. There is a lot of emphasis whilst pregnant to indulge or pamper ourselves however, what happens after we give birth? Does self-care stop then? It’s understandable that our focus shifts to looking after the newborn but in order for us to be healthy and happy we should be allowing ourselves time to heal and recover.

On an emotional level, Post Natal Recovery massage can help us to heal mentally and emotionally. When we have a massage, our body naturally releases hormones such as serotonin and oxytocin leaving you feel well rested and relaxed and able to cope with the stresses and strains of motherhood. Serotonin is good for balancing mood and oxytocin, which is commonly known as the ‘love hormone’ encourages positive relationships with others, something particularly important at this time. Additionally, massage stimulates the production of prolactin and combined with oxytocin they work together to make milk and trigger the let-down reflex.

Post Natal Recovery massage is not just for new mums. Some women continue to feel the affects of pregnancy and childbirth years after giving birth. And, having endured years of sleepless nights and carrying children in awkward positions, they may crave some time to relax and restore their energy whilst alleviating aches and pains which have accumulated in the post-partum period.

Post Natal Recovery massage is similar to Pregnancy massage, and each session can be adapted to your individual needs. Each session will involve a full consultation, therapeutic massage bodywork and gentle soft tissue movements and stretches where appropriate. You can have a Post Natal Recovery Massage once you have had the all clear from your doctor after the six-week check. Mummies who have had a C-section and would like Scar Therapy should ensure their scar is fully healed before treatment can commence.

Benefits of Post Natal Massage:

• Relieves muscle strain from the rigours of pregnancy and childbirth.

• Improves posture and helps to restore normal walking patterns.

• Help regain core function.

• Promote pelvic floor healing and re-balance the spine and pelvis.

• Improve Diastasis Recti.

• Eases tension around the back, neck and shoulders from breastfeeding and carrying baby.

• Speeds up recovery from C-section and helps the scar to heal; improving movement and feeling around the scar.

• Increases circulation and allowing fresh blood and oxygen to travel to the muscles, getting rid of toxins and reducing swelling.

• May help and promote breastfeeding by releasing the hormones prolactin and oxytocin, which trigger the let-down reflex.

• May help to relieve post-natal depression and baby blues, by releasing endorphins.

If nothing else, a Post Natal Recovery massage will give you some valuable me-time, where you can relax and rejuvenate, restoring your energy away from the stresses of parenting.

To book your Post Natal Recovery Massage email Cat at bloomandgrowmassage@yahoo.com