Childbirth may be the only pain known to humans that usually results in a positive outcome. But the tremendous physical strain a new mother experiences during this period of her life extends far beyond labour.
In our previous post just below, we outlined the importance of pregnancy massage in preparing a woman and her fetus for birth, both psychologically and physiologically. Keeping up the good habits acquired during pregnancy, as this next phase of motherhood kicks in, could be the key to maintaining balance and managing the aches and discomforts associated with tending to a new life.
Whether you’ve made the decision to leave the workforce after having bub, or have chosen to return as soon as possible, it’s a pretty well-known fact that mothers of today have a LOT on their plates and often have very little time to take proper care of their own needs. Their perseverance during such an incredible lifestyle change is a feat that’s nothing less than admirable (if I may say so, having gone through all this myself), particularly when we take into account the sleepless nights of endless feeding and comforting, the nappy changes and of course the relentless wiping-washing-cleaning-discarding that goes with it.
Post-natal massage has a vast range of benefits on all bodies in all of the stages they pass through, but can be particularly soothing on Mums fresh from the delivery room. With the exception of Caesarean births and abnormal situations which suggest caution, post-partum massage is perfectly safe as soon after birth as you are comfortable. Your therapist will need to tailor your treatment to your new needs,like by using lighter and more passive techniques for the first six to 12 weeks after birth, while you still have in your system ‘relaxin’, the hormone that relaxes the ligaments in the pelvis and softens and widens the cervix during labour.
We’ll avoid deep tissue work on ligaments and tendons during this period, as a precaution against further stretching and potentially damaging them. Using this modified pressure will also ensure the safety of the veins in your legs which don’t return to their pre-pregnancy state until up two two months after delivery. All of the therapists at Balmain Massage & Wellness Centre are fully qualified in these procedures to give you the best quality care.
And, of course, we offer a nanny service during your post-natal massage, so that if hubby or Mum and Dad or the in-laws are not around to take care of bub, you can relax knowing that you can take the little one with you and she or he will be looked after by a qualified nanny during your one hour of bliss.