Pregnancy and the postnatal period can be such an amazing experience, but also the amount of change can be challenging in so many ways. Massage can help to support a woman through this time. Those who receive regular massage can continue doing so, plus it can be a good time to introduce massage into all trimesters of pregnancy to nurture yourself on this journey.
Benefits of pregnancy massage:
· Encourages more restful nights sleep.
· Helps alleviate physical discomfort and cramping.
· Promotes relaxation. Mothers share hormones with their baby in utero, so managing stress hormones is beneficial to both mum and baby.
· Reduces oedema (swelling), common in hands, legs or feet, which is caused by increased blood volume and pressure on blood vessels.
· Manage headaches or migraines without medication, which can especially increase during the first trimester due to the fluctuation of hormones.
· Can relieve pregnancy sciatica that can occur due to the weight or position of the growing fetus.
· Abdominal massage to ease pregnancy constipation, the result of increased progesterone, fetal pressure on the bowels or iron supplements.
· Support mental health.
· Prepare the mind and body for labour.
Postnatal benefits of regularly seeing a Massage Therapist:
· Promoting rest, relaxation and encourage postnatal recovery by calming the nervous system.
· Ease muscular tension from all those new repetitive movements.
· Your therapist can teach you some self massage techniques to ease mastitis.
· Prompt referral to other health professionals, should it be required
· Ease post-operative pain.
· Support mental health.
What to expect when you come for a Pregnancy or Post natal massage at Body of Work?
Each massage is individualised to suit your unique needs, whether that’s a full body relaxation or focused on specific areas. When booking an appointment, let us know you are pregnant, how far along and if you have experienced any complications.
Each appointment starts with a discussion of how we can help you and any relevant health details. Bolsters are provided and ones position on the table are considered to ensure comfort and safety. Sidelying is used in advanced pregnancy for comfort and safety. Pressure in the legs is managed for safety due to increased blood volume and risk of blood clots.
If you’re uncertain whether massage is appropriate for specific health concerns or a high-risk pregnancy, please check with your Lead maternity carer or contact us to discuss. Clients are welcome to bring their children or baby to their booking. We provide a safe space where you’re free to tend to your baby if needed.
We look forward to seeing you in clinic and feel lucky to be a part of your journey.
While all of our Massage Therapists are qualified and able to provide pregnancy and post natal massage, Tania Woolford is our resident expert in this particular field. Tania is the mother of two young children herself and knows through experience, training and research, what is occurring to a woman’s body during this period. She is passionate about helping women have the best experience possible during this incredible journey.
