Massage is known to have many benefits for everyone, but there are some benefits for expectant mothers that are not so well known. These benefits are truly amazing!
Massage performed during pregnancy can help relieve muscle tightness, decrease anxiety and depression, and also help with joint pain. According to the American Pregnancy Association, massage can also improve labor outcome and newborn health if massage is incorporated into regular prenatal care. Relaxation and stress are significantly reduced due to massage, and this is a huge reason for the improved well being of both mother and baby. Plus, harmful hormones are reduced, and beneficial hormones are increased! This happens all naturally in your body, thanks to massage!
Here are some other benefits of prenatal massage:
•Reduced back and hip pain
•Reduced joint pain
•Improved circulation
•Reduced swelling
•Reduced muscle tension and headaches
•Reduced stress and anxiety
•Better sleep
So what about after baby comes? Should you just stop getting your massages? Absolutely not! You still deserve to feel amazing! In fact, you now deserve it more than ever! And, there are benefits for you as well!
Massage is going to help in regulating your postpartum hormones and help you heal faster. This is important for you and for your baby so that you can both be at your best! Hormone regulation is also important to continue the stimulation of breast milk. Your hormones are at their highest at birth, but then drop off sharply after. This is why so many mothers become depressed or have trouble breastfeeding.
You are going to be spending a lot of time tending to a new baby. You may not realize that you are holding your head differently while breastfeeding, or standing with a bit of a slouch, but all of the sudden your neck will be tight, or your low back will hurt. Plan ahead and massage will be able to help relieve the soreness from those tense and tight muscles. Not to mention, your body is still healing, and massage is a great way to facilitate that!
Here are some other benefits of postnatal massage:
•Heal faster
•Help regulate hormones
•Improved circulation
•Stimulate breast milk hormones
•Reduced muscle tension and headaches
•Reduced stress and anxiety
•Better sleep
Possibly the number one reason for postnatal massage is stress relief. You have a lot going on with the new little one home, but don’t forget to take care of yourself! You deserve a little time for yourself and it is beneficial as well. It is worth it for everyone!
Call us to make your appointment!
-Emily Peterson, Massage Therapist