Receiving Postpartum Massage

Receiving Postpartum  Massage 

When can I come in for my postpartum massage?

This is a common question with many answers. Below are some ways to best navigate when coming in for a postpartum massage is right for you and some guidelines.

When is it safe to come in?

The answer to this is per individual based on several factors.

1) Check in with your Birth Team & Medical Professionals. They will know based on your health & birth when would be best for you. Typically this whole team has your best health interest at heart and are all very happy to help you navigate postpartum care.

2) If you are before 6 weeks after giving vaginal birth, it is not recommended for you to lie on your stomach for prolonged periods. This is because it can place unnecessary pressure on your abdominal area and perineum. If you've had stitches in a vaginal delivery this position can be uncomfortable and potentially hinder healing. Many healthcare professionals advise sleeping on your side after giving birth.

This does not mean that you can not receive bodywork before 6 weeks. It just means that for your overall well-being, you would most likely be more comfortable and safe with softer bodywork modalities and in a sideline or face-up position. Acupressure, Acupuncture, Swedish Massage, Lymphatic Massage, and Craniosacral are all excellent choices when practiced in these positions. I advise giving it a go, yes it's not ideal and I understand that you can't wait to lie face down for bodywork but the benefits of receiving body care in any safe position outweigh not receiving at all.

3) If you have had a cesarean or c-section birth; you have had major surgery and all those the same regulations apply for bodywork.

a) Check in with your birth and health care teams first about when and what type of bodywork is recommended and safe for you. They can also check for infection and other factors that could become worse by receiving bodywork that increases circulation.

b) Most health care professionals and the standard of care say that waiting 4-8 weeks after any major surgery is recommended. This is because of a variety of factors including, allowing time for your body and the incision to heal properly & making sure there are no factors that would become worse by receiving bodywork.

c) This does not mean that you can not receive bodywork before 6 weeks. It just means that for your overall well-being, you would most likely be more comfortable and safe with minimal pressure bodywork modalities and in a face-up position. Acupressure, Acupuncture, and Craniosacral are all excellent choices when practiced in these positions. I advise giving it a go, yes it's not ideal and I understand that you can't wait to get that deep tissue massage but the benefits of receiving body care in any safe modality outweigh not receiving at all.

4) If you are feeling great, you've received the green light from your birth team & health professionals and you are 6 weeks or more after birth you are welcome to book any bodywork that feels right for you!!!

Benefits of Postpartum Massage & Bodywork

The benefits of receiving postpartum care are vast and here are three major reasons to say yes to a massage.

1) Coming back into your body.

You as the birthing person have spent the last 9 months (generally) carrying, developing, and experiencing all that being pregnant has to offer, and that can bring challenges to the mind and body. You have now given birth and are caring for an infant, possibly chest-feeding, and may have a general lack of sleep. Many birthing people say it's the most physically demanding and stressful time in their lives thus far. Taking time away to ground back into your body is a great way to practice self-care when every part of your world is asking you to give.

2) Physical Relief & Reset

You've just carried somewhere near 30 pounds of baby, fluids, and body fat for months. Then you gave birth and that process can be shot or days long. You are also now navigating feeding, sleeping, and your regular life needs. Most people's bodies are tired and sore, to say the least. Receiving bodywork can greatly reduce pain and help restore the body to a more balanced state.

3) Help improve circulation

Swelling is a natural side effect of pregnancy and often can be stubborn to leave after birth for a variety of reasons. If you are experiencing this please check in with your health care team to make sure it isn't anything more serious than stagnation. If they give you the green light bodywork can greatly improve circulation and as a result may help the body eliminate extra fluids, flush excess hormones, and help improve circulation to the body parts that are still healing.

a) Lymphatic Massage is a specific type of massage that is customized to help promote lymphatic circulation in the body. This is the system that helps flush out excess fluids in the body and promotes a healthy immune system.

Overall, if you have any questions please feel free to send me an email and I will happily email you back and will work with you and other professionals to best address your needs.