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Question about massage and pregnancy:

 


 

PREGNANCY AND MASSAGE

What is Prenatal Massage?
Prenatal massage is therapeutic body work which focuses on the special needs of the mother-to-be as her body goes through the dramatic changes of the childbirth experience.

What are the Benefits of Prenatal Massage
Touch is vital to the mother’s physical and emotional well-being as she adapts to her new body image. Regardless of individual circumstances, a pregnant woman’s body is challenged, changed and stressed in many ways, Massage gives special attention to the mother-to be which, in turn, nurtures the new life that grows within her.

Massage during pregnancy helps to:

  • Provide emotional support and nurturing touch
  • Provide relaxation
  • Relieve stress on weight-bearing joints (ankles, low back, pelvis)
  • Alleviate neck and back pain caused by muscle imbalance and weakness
  • Assist in maintaining proper posture
  • Prepare the birthing muscles used during childbirth
  • Reduce swelling and edema
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Is Prenatal massage for any Expectant Mother?
Generally, yes, but your massage therapist will want to know if you are having any problems or complications with you pregnancy.

If you are, then you therapist will require approval from your primary health care provider before proceeding with any bodywork.

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What is Postpartum Massage?
Postpartum massage is designed to help in restoring you body to its pre-pregnancy condition and to address the stress of carrying and caring for a newborn.

What are the Benefits of Postpartum Massage?
In the postpartum period, the new mother suffers from fatigue, soreness from overused birthing muscles, hormonal changes, and is in need of attention and pampering. Massage will enhance not only the physical but psychological recuperation process. In the postpartum period massage therapy can:

  • Aid in returning your body to its pre-pregnancy state
  • Assist the new mother in restoring the abdominal wall
  • Realign the body to reflect nonpregnant weight distribution
  • Reduce and alleviate the muscle tension and stress associated with mothering tasks
  • Provide a source of emotional support
  • Aid in the recovery of a post cesarean section
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How soon after delivery can one receive a massage?
Postpartum massage can safely begin 24 hours after delivery. If there were complications or a cesarean section was performed, a written release must be provided by you physician. General massage can be done approximately six weeks after giving birth:

  • Massage enhances the function of muscles and joints, improves circulation and general body tone, and relieves mental and physical fatigue.
  • Lymphatic drainage therapy can be helpful for breast and breast feeding related issues.
  • Each session is tailored to your needs as they change through each trimester of the pregnancy.
  • After your childbearing period, you can continue to derive the benefits from a full body massage.

 


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