Power of Human Touch: Massage Therapy Aids Faster Postnatal Recovery

By Your Health Magazine

Did you experience the healing touch of another human during pregnancy? The American Pregnancy Association states that it is safe for pregnant women to begin massage therapy at any point, including the first, second, or third trimester.

It is mainly recommended to relieve aches and pains and enjoy the pampering the body deserves. If you’re familiar with the pleasant sensations a full-body massage offers, you have some idea of how it can benefit after giving birth.

This is a sensitive time when the body requires every possible support to heal. A postnatal or postpartum massage may be your ticket to faster recovery. In this article, we will discuss the healing power of human touch in the form of postpartum massage therapy.

What is Postnatal Massage Therapy?

There isn’t much difference between a generic and a postnatal massage regarding the application method. According to Healthline, a postnatal or postpartum massage is a full-body massage performed at least 12 weeks after a baby is delivered.

The main purpose of this type of massage is to help the new mother ease into motherhood, both physically and emotionally. Even those who have had a miscarriage or stillbirth can undergo massage therapy to help the body recover.

One crucial area where this type of massage therapy can help is postnatal hemorrhage or bleeding after childbirth. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that postnatal hemorrhage can kill a healthy woman within hours if left unattended.

One state that has seen a shocking rise in maternal deaths after the 2021 abortion ban is Texas. These deaths have occurred during pregnancy as well as immediately after childbirth. A gentle uterine massage therapy that stimulates uterine contractions can prevent excessive blood loss. It can also reduce the number of premature births and prevent C-section complications.

Is a Postnatal Massage Safe?

Many new mothers naturally fear that massage therapy may interfere with their body’s healing process. In general, the opposite is true because a postpartum massage may speed up recovery. There are a few considerations that undoubtedly come into play.

Availability

This is the first factor to be considered because not all healthcare providers can arrange for a postpartum massage. We previously mentioned Texas and the shocking rise in maternal deaths here. The state is taking measures in terms of supplemental nutritional programs and prenatal care support to improve the situation.

Among its cities, Austin has emerged as one with the wide availability of resources and community support for new mothers. Alternative birthing centers and doulas offer a wide variety of holistic postpartum care options. Several massage centers, offering services like postnatal massage therapy in Austin also make the service accessible.

If you’re unsure about your city, get to know the birthing and postnatal care options. Gradually, more holistic pre and post-birth options are spreading across the US. You just need to find the right specialist, be it massage therapy, breastfeeding, or placenta encapsulation.

Birth Experience

In any case, it is always best to seek your healthcare provider or midwife’s recommendation before proceeding with postpartum massage therapy. There may be some health conditions that make this therapy risky, including preeclampsia and high blood pressure.

Other than these, even the birth experience matters. For instance, mothers who underwent a traumatic birth or C-section may need a few weeks for the scar to heal. During this time, they can get a scar tissue massage. Also known as scar mobilization, this is a technique used to flatten or soften the scar tissue and prevent irritation/pain.

Once it is clear that there are no signs of infection, they can move forward for a postnatal massage.

How Can Mothers Benefit from a Postnatal Massage?

If a healthcare provider has given a mother the green signal for a postnatal massage, they can enjoy its many benefits. Studies have found that postnatal massage therapy is good overall. According to WebMD, it promotes relaxation, offers pain relief, and reduces stress.

There is one important thing to keep in mind. Suppose a woman seeks advice on various post-birth healing options. Among light exercises, a healthy diet, and plenty of rest, her doula recommends postnatal massage.

It would most likely not be a deep tissue massage recommendation. This is because the body is still in its recovering and sensitive stages. The deep pressure generated by such a massage can lead to increased discomfort, and tension, and may even hinder healing.

Let us discuss the context of women in Austin again. Since the city has many massage centers, it is easy to find services of various kinds.

The new mother would most likely have to go for a Swedish massage in Austin, wherein the pressure used is light to medium. Unlike deep tissue massage therapists who use their elbows, forearms, and thumbs, Swedish massage is done using only the hands and fingers.

According to Mantis Massage, the Swedish massage technique includes long, sweeping strokes like rhythmic tapping, kneading muscle work, and rubbing. With the fluid strokes of a full-body Swedish massage, you can experience relieved tension and faster recovery.

Let’s look at the full list of benefits mothers can derive from postpartum massage therapy –

Increased circulation and relaxed muscles
Better hormone regulation and reduced mood swings
Reduced swelling in the joints
Improved sleep
Better breastfeeding outcomes
Faster restoration of the body to its pre-pregnancy condition

Pregnancy and childbirth are not only sacred experiences but also a sensitive time for the mother and her baby. A mother must stay extra careful during critical moments of development for a healthy newborn. However, she must not neglect her health, especially immediately after birth.

Massage therapy is one of the many ways to experience faster healing and recovery. Besides this, other things that can make it easier to transition into motherhood include sound sleep, nutrition, iron supplements, and limited physical activity.