By Tara Hagan-Fields, RMT

The joy of having your new baby in your arms is finally here.  You have spent the last 280 days/ 40 weeks/ 9 months, preparing for this moment.  The hard part is over…. OR is it?  You will continue to change physically, emotionally and mentally. How can postpartum massage treatments help?  After the baby is born, postpartum massage can alleviate the musculoskeletal complaints of new mothers and provide emotional support and nurturing during this life transition.

Postpartum women need help re-orientating their bodies. Structurally, in the last 9 months, the pelvis and shoulders have adapted to an anterior position.  This can lead to pain of the neck, upper and lower back. The abdomen has stretched.  Massage immediately after birth can help to minimize the distortion of connective tissue layers that often follow pregnancy.  There may be the presence of spinal headache due to epidural anesthesia.  Lymphatic drainage can help to pump excess fluids and residual anesthesia into general circulation for elimination.  After the immediate supply of colostrum, the breast will start to swell and produce milk after 72 hours.  Massage can help with the discomfort, ease the engorgement, help prevent blockage of milk ducts, and help avoid infection.  Postpartum afterpains (uterus shrinking through muscle contractions) may be present for weeks.  Relaxation massage and guided breathing can help to decrease such pains so you can enjoy your time more with baby.

Birth is elating.  It can last for hours, sometimes days.  All women eventually go through postpartum emotional adjustments.   Hormonal changes are presented as increased mood swings, emotional intensity and exhaustion.  Add to that altered sleep cycles, eating patterns, work schedules, other children/family; the postpartum mom can develop negative thoughts, fear, worry, sadness, anger, blame and powerlessness.  These feelings can be described as the "baby blues".  Massage can provide a safe, calming, non-judgmental environment.  A nurturing touch can relax a new mom so she feels safe to unburden negative feelings about the birth and about postpartum life.  Being allowed to tell her story, honestly, can be healing. 

An educated massage therapist has the opportunity to share with you a skilled therapeutic touch, reassurance and education.  Massage can help the postpartum mom cope with this life transition so you can enjoy this new life, to the fullest!