Pregnancy Massage is rightly talked about in the antenatal months - it is increasingly common for women and pregnant people to book a massage or two to support them in the run up to birth. And this is a wonderful thing, as massage provides all sorts of benefits to the pregnant body and mind. But what about post-natal massage? That rarely gets a mention, yet in my opinion is even more important. In this blog I’ll explain exactly why.
The rise of pregnancy massage
Happily, more women and pregnant people, and their loved ones, recognise the many benefits of massage. And this is a great thing: I’m all for as many people as possible enjoying massage during their pregnancy, and for people gifting them vouchers to do so!
As your body changes to accommodate your baby, your muscles and joints come under increased pressure. This can lead to swelling, nerve pain and joint pain - all of which can be alleviated by pregnancy massage.
And pregnancy massage helps with emotional and mental stresses too. All the anxiety about the baby, and about the impending changes to your life: pregnancy massage offers both a respite and a reset, leaving you calmer and more about to cope.
It’s so important to see a specialist massage therapist who is trained in working with pregnant bodies. They will know how to support you during your massage to relieve rather than exacerbate any pregnancy symptoms. You can read all about the benefits of pregnancy massage in more detail here.
Massage soon after birth is safe
But what about post-natal massage? Why isn’t this becoming as common as pregnancy massage?
One reason is that there are confusing messages given out after birth. Many women and postnatal people are told not to do anything until after their six week check, including massage. But the six week check in the UK is simply a ten minute discussion with your GP, there’s rarely a physical check at all. So, as long as you are seeing a trained specialist who is aware of your post-natal state, a massage is a superb way to support your healing after birth.
Why do I say post-natal massage is even more important than pregnancy massage?
1. You need taking care of
Everything that was true about emotional and mental stress in pregnancy is often just as, or more, true once your baby is here! You now have a whole new human to look after 24/7. Your whole life is upside down as you get to grips with feeding, soothing, changing nappies and navigating ‘normal life’ again.
And while you do this, everyone wants to coo over the newborn and shower them with gifts. When all a newborn really wants is to snooze and feed in familiar, loving arms - they don’t care about anything else.
You are the one who needs cooing over and showering with gifts (and I’m not talking about baby equipment). You have been through a stressful emotional and physical experience with pregnancy and birth. But birth isn’t the end, it’s the beginning. Your stress levels may sky rocket (‘are they feeding okay, are they developing normally, why aren’t I on top of everything, why can’t I even shower until 3pm?’).
The post-natal days can be overwhelming. You may be feeling entirely at a loss over how to cope. Your identity has changed, and you are getting to grips with that. You need to feel seen. You need some time to pause, and rest. And your baby, as well as you, will be all the better for it.
I would love to see the attention given to pregnant people to continue right through to the parenting era, rather than the focus switching to the baby. The whole period of conception, pregnancy, birth and post-birth is one huge journey. It’s certainly not that your needs are less important once the baby’s here, though it can feel like it. Massage can help you restore some emotional balance and make a world of difference to how you feel, and your ability to cope.
2. Your body needs to heal, and massage helps
It’s frustrating that many people wait until 6 weeks postpartum before massage, when so often the most important healing work of massage can happen before then. In many cultures, all over the world, therapists would work with the recently postpartum body as a matter of course. Massage, and other bodywork, can ensure your bones and soft tissue returns to an optimal position, setting you up for a strong post-birth recovery.
I have spent years providing post-natal massage, sometimes as soon as 24 hours after birth. I have seen its value first hand: both in gently easing the body and helping with aches and pains, and in providing the wellbeing boost that comes from therapeutic touch. This is particularly important if your birth was difficult or traumatic. Massage can help you reconnect with your feelings and amplify your recovery process.
3. You are still you in your own right
Many people don’t want to leave their baby in the early days and weeks, and this is totally understandable - I was one of them! It felt impossible to even put them down for a second. But it is absolutely doable with a little planning. Your baby won’t even notice, and you’ll feel so much better for the short break.
I can come to you, and suggest we aim for a time when your baby has just had a feed so is more likely to snooze while you have your massage. If you have a friend on hand, they can be on temporary cuddle duty while you relax for an hour, or we can take a break if needed. I have provided massages to two friends who have taken turns to look after each other’s babies, which is a wonderful solution!
Or if you come to my clinic, you can bring your baby. I am happy to take breaks if needed, or a friend could take them for a walk in a sling or pram while you enjoy your massage.
I’m happy to be as flexible as possible to get you on the massage couch because it’s important! I know how intense the early weeks are. I remember losing myself in the whirlwind of caring for this new little human. It almost felt as though my baby and me were one person.
And, this feeling is entirely normal. But, it’s also healthy to remind yourself that you are a person in your own right, with your own specific needs. Yes, your life is focused on your baby full-time right now. But .... imagine the bliss of lifting that responsibility for just an hour, knowing your baby is safe. The peace and quiet. Sinking into deep relaxation. And knowing that it’s your turn to be nurtured and soothed. You’ll leave the massage replenished, which can only benefit your baby.
Don’t stop looking after yourself when your baby is here
So, in short: post-natal massage is even more important than pregnancy massage because you matter! And while our society recognises that pregnant people need care and attention, we don’t get those messages once the baby is here. There’s all sorts of pressure to ‘get back to normal’ and to feel like you’re failing if you’re not out of the house by 9am.
Post-natal massage is a reminder to see these messages for the toxic drivel they are. It’s a reminder that you are still on a journey as a mother or new parent. That your life and opinion is not forfeit because your baby is here. Your emotions, discomfort and experiences are all still valid. And a massage can help regulate you so you’re feeling much more in balance.
With my massage bundle you can buy five massages and get one free. You can take these before or after birth, or across the pregnancy and early months period. To find out more and book a massage, or buy vouchers for a loved one, just email me at [email protected].
The rise of pregnancy massage
Happily, more women and pregnant people, and their loved ones, recognise the many benefits of massage. And this is a great thing: I’m all for as many people as possible enjoying massage during their pregnancy, and for people gifting them vouchers to do so!
As your body changes to accommodate your baby, your muscles and joints come under increased pressure. This can lead to swelling, nerve pain and joint pain - all of which can be alleviated by pregnancy massage.
And pregnancy massage helps with emotional and mental stresses too. All the anxiety about the baby, and about the impending changes to your life: pregnancy massage offers both a respite and a reset, leaving you calmer and more about to cope.
It’s so important to see a specialist massage therapist who is trained in working with pregnant bodies. They will know how to support you during your massage to relieve rather than exacerbate any pregnancy symptoms. You can read all about the benefits of pregnancy massage in more detail here.
Massage soon after birth is safe
But what about post-natal massage? Why isn’t this becoming as common as pregnancy massage?
One reason is that there are confusing messages given out after birth. Many women and postnatal people are told not to do anything until after their six week check, including massage. But the six week check in the UK is simply a ten minute discussion with your GP, there’s rarely a physical check at all. So, as long as you are seeing a trained specialist who is aware of your post-natal state, a massage is a superb way to support your healing after birth.
Why do I say post-natal massage is even more important than pregnancy massage?
1. You need taking care of
Everything that was true about emotional and mental stress in pregnancy is often just as, or more, true once your baby is here! You now have a whole new human to look after 24/7. Your whole life is upside down as you get to grips with feeding, soothing, changing nappies and navigating ‘normal life’ again.
And while you do this, everyone wants to coo over the newborn and shower them with gifts. When all a newborn really wants is to snooze and feed in familiar, loving arms - they don’t care about anything else.
You are the one who needs cooing over and showering with gifts (and I’m not talking about baby equipment). You have been through a stressful emotional and physical experience with pregnancy and birth. But birth isn’t the end, it’s the beginning. Your stress levels may sky rocket (‘are they feeding okay, are they developing normally, why aren’t I on top of everything, why can’t I even shower until 3pm?’).
The post-natal days can be overwhelming. You may be feeling entirely at a loss over how to cope. Your identity has changed, and you are getting to grips with that. You need to feel seen. You need some time to pause, and rest. And your baby, as well as you, will be all the better for it.
I would love to see the attention given to pregnant people to continue right through to the parenting era, rather than the focus switching to the baby. The whole period of conception, pregnancy, birth and post-birth is one huge journey. It’s certainly not that your needs are less important once the baby’s here, though it can feel like it. Massage can help you restore some emotional balance and make a world of difference to how you feel, and your ability to cope.
2. Your body needs to heal, and massage helps
It’s frustrating that many people wait until 6 weeks postpartum before massage, when so often the most important healing work of massage can happen before then. In many cultures, all over the world, therapists would work with the recently postpartum body as a matter of course. Massage, and other bodywork, can ensure your bones and soft tissue returns to an optimal position, setting you up for a strong post-birth recovery.
I have spent years providing post-natal massage, sometimes as soon as 24 hours after birth. I have seen its value first hand: both in gently easing the body and helping with aches and pains, and in providing the wellbeing boost that comes from therapeutic touch. This is particularly important if your birth was difficult or traumatic. Massage can help you reconnect with your feelings and amplify your recovery process.
3. You are still you in your own right
Many people don’t want to leave their baby in the early days and weeks, and this is totally understandable - I was one of them! It felt impossible to even put them down for a second. But it is absolutely doable with a little planning. Your baby won’t even notice, and you’ll feel so much better for the short break.
I can come to you, and suggest we aim for a time when your baby has just had a feed so is more likely to snooze while you have your massage. If you have a friend on hand, they can be on temporary cuddle duty while you relax for an hour, or we can take a break if needed. I have provided massages to two friends who have taken turns to look after each other’s babies, which is a wonderful solution!
Or if you come to my clinic, you can bring your baby. I am happy to take breaks if needed, or a friend could take them for a walk in a sling or pram while you enjoy your massage.
I’m happy to be as flexible as possible to get you on the massage couch because it’s important! I know how intense the early weeks are. I remember losing myself in the whirlwind of caring for this new little human. It almost felt as though my baby and me were one person.
And, this feeling is entirely normal. But, it’s also healthy to remind yourself that you are a person in your own right, with your own specific needs. Yes, your life is focused on your baby full-time right now. But .... imagine the bliss of lifting that responsibility for just an hour, knowing your baby is safe. The peace and quiet. Sinking into deep relaxation. And knowing that it’s your turn to be nurtured and soothed. You’ll leave the massage replenished, which can only benefit your baby.
Don’t stop looking after yourself when your baby is here
So, in short: post-natal massage is even more important than pregnancy massage because you matter! And while our society recognises that pregnant people need care and attention, we don’t get those messages once the baby is here. There’s all sorts of pressure to ‘get back to normal’ and to feel like you’re failing if you’re not out of the house by 9am.
Post-natal massage is a reminder to see these messages for the toxic drivel they are. It’s a reminder that you are still on a journey as a mother or new parent. That your life and opinion is not forfeit because your baby is here. Your emotions, discomfort and experiences are all still valid. And a massage can help regulate you so you’re feeling much more in balance.
With my massage bundle you can buy five massages and get one free. You can take these before or after birth, or across the pregnancy and early months period. To find out more and book a massage, or buy vouchers for a loved one, just email me at [email protected].
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