Pregnancy Massage

Massage therapy during pregnancy is a wonderful complementary choice for prenatal care. It is a healthy way to reduce stress and promote overall wellness. Massage relieves many of the normal discomforts experienced during pregnancy, such as backaches, stiff neck, leg cramps, headaches and oedema (or swelling).

In addition, massage for pregnant women reduces stress on weight-bearing joints, encourages blood and lymph circulation, helps to relax nervous tension — which aids in better sleep — and can help relieve depression or anxiety caused by hormonal changes.

Massage for pregnant women offers a number of benefits, and it’s always a good idea to discuss with your therapist any everyday symptoms you’d like to see relieved. Those might include:

• ✔ Headaches can be relieved by massage focusing on the head, neck and shoulders. In addition, maintaining optimal levels of stress relief through massage reduces the chances of migraines or tension headaches by relaxing trigger points and muscle spasms.
• ✔ Muscle tension created by carrying the extra weight of a baby can be relieved by encouraging blood flow to the afflicted areas. This provides more nutrient-rich oxygen and also increases the flow of lymphatic fluid, which sweeps away toxins and metabolic waste.
• ✔ Fatigue, backaches, leg cramps and swelling/oedema can all be relieved through various types of massage for pregnant women.
• ✔ The ordinary aches and pains of pregnancy are countered by the release of serotonin, your body’s natural anti-pain chemical, which is stimulated by massage.

While a massage can’t promise that your newborn will sleep through the night, it can provide you with a better night’s sleep both during pregnancy and afterwards. Regular massage therapy not only helps diminish anxiety and discomfort but boosts relaxation as well. This ultimately can lead to improved sleep patterns.

Post- Natal Massage
Postnatal massage has been shown to be effective for a quicker recovery and better health. Integration of maternal bodywork may add welcome value to your healing journey and transition to motherhood.

Massage relaxes muscles, increases circulation and lowers stress hormones, bringing relaxation and stress relief. All body systems appreciate treatment after nine months of change, culminating with the delivery of the greatest miracle in life.

Some women prefer lighter pampering massage while others enjoy deeper techniques to work out the knots. Adding myofascial release and pelvic therapy which reaches deeper into the body for more complete healing. Any of these massage styles will bring relaxation and stress reduction.

Baby Blues and Postnatal Depression
Postnatal massage helps with the “Baby Blues.” About two-thirds of new mums experience temporary postnatal blues. Postnatal massage provides emotional support and releases endorphins (a natural painkiller), which trigger a positive feeling in the body. Postnatal depression affects 10-15% of all mothers. Studies have shown that massage is beneficial in treating postnatal depression, but don’t hesitate to consult with your other healthcare providers for additional help with postnatal depression.

Massage greatly improves postnatal hormone balance. Estrogen and progesterone are very high during pregnancy and decrease after delivery. Oxytocin and endorphins rise during labour. Prolactin and oxytocin hormone levels rise to facilitate breastfeeding.