Massage is known to be beneficial when we’re not pregnant, so why is it often set aside when we are pregnant? Many people don’t realize that massage is very safe during all stages of pregnancy when done with the right accommodations, and is highly recommended for the wellbeing of both the parent and baby.
Before I started my career as a massage therapist, I attended a birth doula class that made me fall in love with prenatal care. Such a huge, unpredictable life transition deserves a tremendous amount of care and it’s an honour every time someone comes to me for support.
First, second, and third trimester massage can all look a little different depending on physical changes and comfort levels but is helpful in coping with the changes of pregnancy as well as the mental & physical preparation for labor.
Benefits of Prenatal Massage
- Stress reduction, which helps with relaxation & hormonal regulation
- Increases circulation to the uterus & fetus
- Helps relieve musculoskeletal pain as the body consistently adapts
- Provides physical & emotional support for significant life changes
- Provides sensory feedback & improves body awareness in preparation for giving birth
Benefits of Massage During Labor
- Decreases perception of pain in labor
- Improves relaxation, which releases oxytocin, allowing labor to progress
- Reduces length of labor & interventions
- Aids in emotional adjustment to new family after birth
New parents may feel that they don’t want to leave their baby, or that they don’t have time for a massage after giving birth, but that doesn’t have to be the case! Your baby is more than welcome to join in on your treatment. Whether that means sleeping in the treatment room, right on your belly or chest, or needing to breastfeed during the appointment, we can adapt the treatment to include them. Your baby will feel the benefits of you getting to relax as well! :)
Benefits of Massage During Postpartum
- Supports new parent emotionally and physically
- Reduces muscular pain from labor and from new & repetitive daily activities
- Supporting alignment of spine & pelvis
- C-section recovery support, including working with incision
I love providing perinatal massage because it sets parents up to feel supported and cared for leading up to their birth & postpartum experience. Allowing the time & space for yourself to relax and connect with your growing baby is a wonderful way to introduce them to this world.
If you’re interested in trying perinatal massage, click on my profile and booking link above.
