Postnatal Massage

To put it simply, a postpartum massage is a full body massage that occurs within the first 12 weeks after you give birth to your baby.

Benefits of massage for the postpartum mom include:

• Reduced swelling. 
• Improved milk production. 
• Hormone regulation. 
• Reduced anxiety and depression.
• Better sleep.

Benefits of Postpartum Massage

While the definition of postpartum massage may not seem like anything special, receiving one can benefit your mood and speed up healing.

Postpartum massages usually include many of the same elements of regular massages. Women who get a massage after giving birth will likely notice numerous benefits to their body and mood that are associated with massage in general.

If you have had a cesarean delivery, talk to both your doctor and massage therapist to be sure it is safe. Some massage therapists will not work on people who have had surgery in the last 6 weeks.

If you’ve had blood clots in your pregnancy or previously, your doctor will likely have already recommended you avoid massage. Check with your doctor when it is safe to resume massage.

Some general benefits of massage include:

• pain relief
• stress reduction
• relaxation

While these are good enough reasons for anyone to want a massage, new mothers in particular may consider massage. Massage offers specific benefits for your health during the fourth trimester.

Benefits of massage for the postpartum mom include:

• Reduced swelling. Many mothers find that their body swells during labor. Massaging can help to redistribute water within the body and encourage the draining and circulation of excess fluids.
• Improved milk production. For moms seeking an increase in their breast milk supply, massage can be a great way to increase circulation and the necessary hormones to make this happen, as evidenced in this 2020 study Trusted Source.
• Hormone regulation. The postpartum body is one of constantly fluctuating hormones. In addition to touch, many massages involve essential oils that may help elevate one’s mood and may encourage hormonal balance.
• Reduced anxiety and depression. Many new parents experience the “baby blues” or even postpartum depression. Getting a massage can help to decrease stress contributing to these anxious and depressed feelings.

Better sleep. Everyone knows new parents need as much sleep as they can get! Massage can help parents relax and get their body ready for deep, restorative sleep