Postpartum massage is designed to help restore your body to its pre-pregnancy condition and to address the stress of carrying and caring for a newborn. In the postpartum period, you may suffer from fatigue, soreness from overused birthing muscles, and may be in need of attention and pampering. Massage can help with both the physical and psychological recuperation process. Just some of the benefits of postpartum massage include:

• Help in returning the body to the pre-pregnancy state;
• Assists in restoring the abdominal muscle wall;
• Realigns the body to reflect nonpregnant weight distribution;
• Reduces and alleviates muscle tension and stress associated with mothering tasks;
• Provides emotional support;
• Aids in the recovery of Cesarean delivery.

If you have delivered vaginally, it is recommended to wait at least two weeks for a massage. The reason for this wait is that after birth, there will usually be a bloody discharge and possibly a passing of blood clots. Massage can stimulate blood flow, and this could increase the passing of blood. If you are just spotting and using a panty liner, massage is usually fine at that time.

If you have delivered by C-section, massage is fine as soon as you feel like being massaged. Usually 5-6 weeks postpartum, it would be comfortable for you to lie on your stomach again. If your incision has an infection, be sure to wait to get a massage until that has cleared up. Finally, if there were birth complications or if a Cesarean delivery was performed, a massage therapist may require a written release from your physician.

Postpartum massage is a must for any mom! Your muscles have worked so hard and will most likely be very sore and tight. The muscles are working to get back to pre-pregnancy state and massage can help by reducing tension. Massage causes a flow of new blood and oxygen to go through the muscles, thereby releasing lactic acid, and toxins that have a tendency to sit and become sore. The process of kneading and stroking of muscles is very relaxing, tones over-stretched areas, can assist the new mother in restoring the abdominal muscle wall, and it feels so wonderful!

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