Pregnancy Massage
Knowledge of physical and emotional changes that occur with pregnancy and
advanced training in the anatomy of the pregnant woman is very important.
The differences you will experience with a 'regular' massage and a prenatal
or postnatal massage will vary with the training of your therapist and so it
is very important to find a qualified therapist certified in pre and
postnatal massage.
Benefits of Pregnancy Massage include:
Tranquil relaxation and stress reduction (reduce cortisol levels to you
and your baby).
Relief from muscle cramps, spasms, and myofascial pain, especially in
the lower back, hips, and legs.
Increase blood and lymph circulation, which can reduce swelling.
Reduces stress on weight-bearing joints.
Improves outcome of labor and eases labor pain.
Provides support for the new mother with physical and emotional strains
of mothering.
Positioning during a massage is critical to the safety and well
being of both the mother and the baby she is carrying. "The massage table
will be set up so you will lie in a semi-reclining or side-lying position.
This is not only really comfortable, but safe for baby. I choose not to use
the tables with the whole cut out for your belly, I feel that these may
cause undo stress to your lower back and the uterine ligaments, these tables
or specialty wedges may seem like a great idea, but I feel that they are
just too risky. I use lots of extra pillows to make sure my moms are
comfortable and well supported."
Massage can be very useful during labor and it can be done by
your partner, a birth assistant, your nurse, or a doula. The time to become
familiar with the techniques is while you're pregnant… before you go into
labor. It is a great idea to take your partner or friend with you when you
get your massage, they can show your partner many comfort measures he or she
can use to make you more comfortable.
Postpartum massage is designed to help restore the body to its
pre-pregnant condition. It also addresses the stress of carrying and caring
for a newborn. It can speed the recovery by bringing relief of sore muscles
and help the mother to relax more easily. Abdominal massage helps shrink the
uterus and relieve subcutaneous scar tissue. It may be given as early as 24
hours after delivery in a vaginal delivery but only with written permission
from your doctor or midwife.
Massage is beneficial for almost everyone. Even women carrying multiples
babies can benefit greatly from massage. There may be certain conditions
that may or may not be related to the pregnancy that would preclude massage
or certain types of massage. This may include women at risk for preterm
labor, women with blood clots or clotting disorders, and other ailments.
Many therapists recommend that you have a written notice from your doctor or
midwife before receiving massage therapy during pregnancy. Massage done
during the first trimester is generally up to the therapist, the woman and
her practitioner. Massage has never been associated with an increased risk
of miscarriage.
No matter
where you are in the childbearing year, massage may have many benefits for
you and your baby.
www.mothersownbirth.com
http://www.ktholistictherapy.com