Postpartum Massages: Types, Techniques And Oils To Use.

Postpartum care is essential for a mother's recovery after childbirth. Alongside proper nutrition and rest, postnatal massages can significantly benefit a woman's well-being during this phase. Postnatal massages provide overall relief and relaxation to various body areas, including the calves, spine, abdomen, breasts, arms, shoulders, neck, and head. The techniques focus on specific body parts to alleviate tension, promote healing, and aid in overall recovery.

When can you start having Postnatal Massages?

• For natural births, consider starting postnatal massages around 5 days after delivery.
• For caesarean deliveries, it's recommended to wait approximately 21 days post-labour before beginning postnatal massages.
• Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any postpartum massage regimen, especially after a C-section, to ensure it's suitable for your recovery and incision healing.

Why you should have Postnatal Massages/ Postpartum Massage Therapy?

Thirty minutes of massage could increase endorphins, offering much-needed relaxation and relief from fatigue. The research has shown the potential benefits of Massage therapy:-

• Stress Reduction: Massage therapy aids in stress relief, helping postpartum mothers relax and alleviate the anxiety that often accompanies childbirth and parenting.
• Muscle Relaxation: It promotes muscle relaxation, easing physical tension and fatigue, which are common after childbirth.
• Emotional Well-being: Regular massages can positively impact emotional well-being by increasing endorphins, thus uplifting mood and combating symptoms of mild postpartum depression.
• Physical Recovery: It accelerates physical recovery by improving blood circulation, reducing pain, and encouraging the body's natural healing processes.

What are the types of Postpartum Massages?

• Abdominal/ Belly Massage: It aids in uterus realignment, shrinkage, and digestion improvement. Use the pads of your fingers and gently go in a circular motion toward the belly button. Decide the pressure and speed for the belly massage. In the early postpartum days, you'll want to be gentle with yourself so that may feel like super-light pressure and slow-speed circular movements to facilitate healing and toning.

• Back Massage:  Relieves strained back muscles from pregnancy and labour.

   

• Shoulder and Neck Massage: It eases tension from breastfeeding and general stress. Relieving stiffness in the neck and shoulders for relaxation.

   

• Foot Massage: It helps in reducing postpartum swelling in the feet. Gentle massage to improve circulation and reduce swelling.

Important Considerations:

• Ensure the masseuse is experienced in postpartum massages.
• Wait for incisions or stitches to heal before massaging sensitive areas.
• In case of any discomfort during the massage, stop there, especially in case of a C-section.
• You can have it for 40 days, or more as per your choice and your body's needs.

Suitable Oils for Massage:

• Olive oil, coconut oil, mustard oil, sesame oil, and almond oil are suitable options.
• Be cautious with strong-smelling herbal or ayurvedic oils that might affect the baby during feeding.
• Avoid applying oils with unknown ingredients on the nipples and breasts.