Simply put, pregnancy per se is a journey of happiness during which physical changes and emotional adjustments cross paths. Pregnancy throws so much at your body there’s the aches in the back, swelling, fatigue, and stress, for starters. The good news? Pre and post-natal massage therapy can help you find your secret weapon for handling these changes and feeling your absolute best throughout motherhood.
Not just for pampering, though there is certainly an element of that! Though pre and postnatal massage do give a feel-good feeling, there is much more benefit in having a prenatal or post-natal massage. Scroll down and find out why massage therapy is just the best thing to do for a healthier and happier you.
Pre-Natal – During Pregnancy
Pre-natal pregnancy refers to the period in a woman’s pregnancy from when the fetus begins developing until delivery time. The time overlaps with the baby’s growth and care by the mother for a normal healthy pregnancy.
Reduced aches and pains
As all the weight gain and shifting centers of gravity place high stresses on your back, neck, and shoulders, massage therapy becomes the reliable solution to ease soreness and stiffness that can help you sleep better at night and maintain the right posture.
Helps to Reduce Stress
Pregnancy is an emotional whirlwind. It has the reputation of reducing stress, which alone would keep the cortisol-thought of pregnancy in itself-is the stress hormone level down and bring on ease. All of this is good for you while making you part of a potentially calmer baby.
Increased circulation
If your baby is going to thrive, he needs to receive that oxygen and nutrient-rich blood. Massage therapy promotes circulation for the proper development of your little pump.
Decreased edema
Edema, or swelling, is commonly complained of by women in pregnancy. Massage could most specifically be used to calm the gentle lymphatic drainage techniques, thus alleviating swelling and enhancing circulation as a whole.
Alleviation of Headaches
The hormones of pregnancy prompt frequent headaches. Massage therapy relaxes the tight muscles that are due to headaches, which will relieve much tension.
Post-Natal Massage – Recovery after Childbirth
Post-natal pregnancy is the time period immediately after delivering a child. It is used for the recovery and adjustment of the mother, besides the baby’s first care, mainly in terms of their health and wellness.
Recovery from labor
Both delivery types, either vaginal births or C-sections, prove to be very distressing for the body when giving birth. Massage therapy helps heal by creating proper blood flow to affected areas while sore muscles relax.
Postpartum depression
The hormonal changes post-delivery can prove to be the source of depression and anxiety. Massage can reduce stress hormones and increase the circulating levels of endorphins, which improve emotional balance.
Better sleep
Newborns do not arrive with sleep schedules! It is not easy to sleep when you have a new baby, and even less so once the exhaustion of having a newborn hits you. Massage can help you relax and increase your sleep, meaning you feel much better at those late-night feedings.
Back pain
The more you carry your baby, the more it hurts your back. A postnatal massage will help particularly address areas of tension and pain to enable better posture and overall well-being in the back.
Enlarged core
Pregnancy does weaken your core muscles. Skilled postnatal massage therapists can target particular techniques for you to re-engage and strengthen your core muscles, thereby improving stability and posture.
Beyond the Body’s Physical Frame
The benefits of pre and postnatal massage extend beyond a body’s physical frame. It is a dedicated time for self-care, an opportunity to prioritize your well-being among the many demands of motherhood. This dedicated “me-time” can help to:
- Decrease anxiety and maximize emotional well-being
- Enhance confidence and body satisfaction
- Strengthen your relationship with the baby. Researchers indicate that the more comfortable and content a mother is, the is the baby.
- Creates this feeling of care and love for oneself. Sum Up
Sum Up
Pre and postnatal massage therapy is investing in your health and happiness as a mama. It empowers you to mitigate the physical and emotional changes of motherhood with greater ease and confidence.
Treat yourself, mama!
Get research on massage therapy’s benefits and find a qualified prenatal or postnatal massage therapist to undertake this journey of self-care and well-being.