Why You May Need Pregnancy Massage Therapy

What is pregnancy massage therapy? The modern mum-to-be is a stressed out individual, having to cater to increasing pressures of a fast paced society and work place. Yet at the same time, she knows that her wellness is crucial especially during her pregnancy if she wants a smooth delivery process and the birth of a healthy happy baby.

This increased awareness has led to the search for alternative approaches in addition to traditional approaches such as exercise during pregnancy. Pregnancy massage therapy is one such alternative approach. It has much therapeutic value as it enhances the function of muscles and joints, improves blood circulation and relieves mental and physical fatigue.

Pregnancy Massage can be prenatal, postnatal or during the labour process. Although many refer to pregnancy massage as just prenatal massage, post-natal massage means massage that takes place a few days after delivery.

Pre-natal massage therapy

When you are pregnant, your body is under tremendous pressure. Everything hurts, everything aches. But how can you get relief from this tension and stress, particularly in the first trimester. Massage after all is out of the question, isn’t it? Well maybe not. Many massage therapists today specialize in Prenatal Massages.

You may wonder how a prenatal massage differs from traditional massage. Well, your therapists will use a variety of different massage techniques. The techniques they use will concentrate on a woman’s, neck, back and pelvic regions. These are of course the areas that are most often negatively affected by a pregnancy.

If you are modest, don’t worry, your therapist will be able to customize the massage to you while respecting your personal limits.

Another big difference in a prenatal massage is your position. Since you cannot and should not lay on your stomach, you will most often be laid on your side with pillows for support. While there are special tables designed to allow room for a pregnant belly, most therapists will prefer to have you rest on your side.

Benefits of pre-natal massage

The benefits of massage during pregnancy are numerous. When you are under stress, your body produces stress hormones. Stress hormones that you produce will be felt by not only you, but also your baby. By reducing your stress, through massage, you can increase the safety of your baby.

It can also ease your muscular aches and pains that can quite frankly make your life hell. This will let you enjoy this special time in your life that you may never experience again.

Pre-natal massage can help prevent stretch marks in pregnancy by strengthening your muscles and toning your body. Also, it can help you cope with symptoms of pregnancy.

Finding a therapist who specializes in prenatal massage might take you a little effort. Do not assume that any massage therapists can accommodate you. Some might not have the experience and some might not feel comfortable accepting you as a patient at all.

Ask your potential masseuse or masseur if they have experience dealing with pregnant clients. If they do not, they will probably at least be able to point you in the right direction.

Post-natal massage therapy

Some pregnant mums have it easy. Yet others have to go through many hours of labour.

But one thing’s for sure. After the delivery process, many are just plain tired. In addition, having to breastfeed and nurse a newborn several times a night can be exhausting.

The new mum today does not have much time to rest and relax during her confinement period at home. She needs to get back to work pretty quickly and that means facing added pressure to lose weight so that she can fit back to her office wear.

Massage after childbirth may just be the solution to her needs.

Here are 6 top benefits of post-natal massage therapy:

1. Relaxation

2. Stress Relief

3. Relieves aches on shoulders or neck

4. Hastens the reduction of fluid retention.

5. Helps uterus to shrink to original size

6. Reduces cellulite and help to tone up the body.

In many parts of Asia, many women before delivery would in fact, pre-book sessions with an Indonesian massage therapist for post-natal massage. The treatment is a traditional one which has been handed down several generations and even practiced today. This treatment involves the use of a massage oil applied to the stomach and a tummy wrap (bengkung), essentially a cotton cloth of several metres. The bengkung is used to wrap the body so as to push up the uterus, clear water retention, shrink the tummy and help reduce weight. Post-natal massage is usually done in the privacy of one’s own home.

Post-natal massage is safe after a natural childbirth

For a mother that has delivered her baby naturally, it is generally pretty safe to go for a post-natal massage. For those that delivered by caesarian section, be sure to consult your professional massage therapist or your doctor first. Most, in fact, would recommend that you wait a few more weeks before proceeding with a post-natal massage.

Post-natal massage provides a sense of continuing comfort for the new mother. The aim of this massage is to give nurturing and emotional support as well as alleviate the muscle strain of labor and childbirth. Some postnatal massage therapies also come with a detoxification ritual that rids the midriff of post birth bagginess.

In some instances, post-natal massage can also bring about a much shapelier silhouette, compared to the one just before pregnancy!C

Where to Get a Pregnancy Massage

Massage therapists are readily available. However, look for a licensed massage therapist who has additional certification in pregnancy massage. Your doctor is in a good position to recommend a qualified massage therapist in your area.

Final Thoughts On Pregnancy Massage Therapy

I will like to conclude by highlighting why you will need a pregnancy massage therapy.

Pre-natal massage

The massage is focused on reducing pregnancy discomforts. Also, it aims to enhance the physiological and emotional well-being of both mother and foetus. A relaxed mother also helps in the development of a brainy and healthy foetus. Additionally, the massage helps to strengthen and prepare the muscles that are useful for a natural delivery process.

Many women fear a long delivery process. Yet, many desire one that is as natural as possible and without the use of epidural or any other drugs. During labour, massage techniques exist to help shorten the delivery process while easing pain and anxiety.

Post-natal massage

Post-natal massage focuses on toning the new mother’s body. It reduces fluid retention and helps the body go back to balance and shape. It also helps to rejuvenate and re-energize the new mother and thus enhance her ability to bond with her baby.

Finally, the pregnant woman should always first consult her doctor if she is suitable for massage or for any other alternative therapies that she may wish to try. Her overall objective is to stay healthy during pregnancy, and to have a wonderful birthing experience.

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