Do you feel there is a new life inside your womb? Do you know what to do? As you find the first positive results in the pregnancy test, you start considering how to become a good mother and enjoy this time with your baby.
For that reason, prenatal and postnatal massage is one of the cool physical and mental healing aids you can use to fight off your psychological and physical stress as a first-time mother.
You must be a first-time mom; then this blog will help you know how to keep your motherly journey blessed by using pre and post-natal massage.
What is Pre- and Post-Natal Massage?
But, before we delve into the tips, it’s also very important to explain a little about pre and post-natal massage. Pre-natal massage is therapeutic practice developed specially for pregnant women, lessening the discomforts of pregnancy, including back ache, swelling, and muscle tension .
For the mother, it is an after-childbirth massage, this time helping the mother’s body to cope with the pain and atrophy after childbirth.
Both are gentle, soothing strokes that are safe for pregnant or post-partum women. Special attention is paid to areas of tension built during pregnancy in such places as the lower back, hips, shoulders, and legs.
5 Tips for First-Time Moms-To-Be on Pre- and Post-Natal Massage
With this knowledge of what pre and post-natal massage is, here are five essential tips to ensure a safe and effective massage experience:
Choose the Right Positioning
The proper positioning in massage is also relevant for pregnant women to have the session without discomfort and safety. Lying flat on the back, especially during the later stages of pregnancy, is not recommended since it will lead to poor flow of blood and discomfort. Instead, try the following positions:
Side-Lying Position
This would be the most secure and comfortable position for pre-natal massage, especially after the first three months of gestation. The pregnant woman will lie on her side, with pillows supporting her abdomen, back, and legs, for maximum comfort.
Semi-Reclining Position
For example, if you cannot lie sideways comfortably, use a semi-reclined position. In that case, the pressure is not imposed on your abdomen. After delivery, you are safely lying on your back or stomach for massage. Of course, ensure that the massage table is comfortable and that the breasts are supported, especially if you are nursing.
Apply Mild Pressure and Avoid Some Areas
Because pregnancy makes the body sensitive, gentle pressure is required in pre-natal massage. Avoid deep tissue techniques, which should never be applied on the lower back as they could have individuals uncomfortable feelings. Do a long smooth stroke that makes the client relax and improves blood circulation.
These are the areas that one should avoid touching during prenatal massage:
The Abdomen
Direct Massage to the abdomen is to be avoided because it may inconvenience the woman or even risk the situation while pregnant.
Ankle and Wrist Pressure Points
There are some pressure points on the ankles and wrists that are believed to encourage labor, so refrain from stimulating those areas unless you feel the woman is getting close to her due date.
For a post-natal massage, you can release the pressure slowly because the mother’s body is healing. You will always want to check with the individual receiving the massage to make sure they are okay.
Troubleshooting Areas
Pregnancy often troubles certain parts of the body. Concentration on these areas often helps to relieve the discomfort involved:
Lower Back and Hips
The bulging tummy shifts the center of gravity and often puts a lot of pressure on the lower back and the hips. Soft massaging of the part would ease the aches and pains involved.
Legs and Feet
A pregnant woman often feels edema, particularly in the lower limb and foot. Massage will facilitate the enhancement of blood circulation as well as the release of water retention in such parts.
Shoulders and Neck
Pregnancy may trigger the onset of problems in the neck and shoulders. This is usually due to the baby’s added weight. Massaging the areas will facilitate relief from the tension caused.
After giving birth, women will have several different types of pains in the back and shoulders among many other things as a result of the physical demands of nursing and having a newborn. Massages should, therefore strive to alleviate these stresses.
Use Right Oils and Lotion
When giving the pre and post-natal massage, it is essential to use oils and lotions that are safe for pregnancy and for nursing.
Lavender, chamomile, and coconut oil are good because they are nontoxic to the pregnant woman, working in favor of relaxation and hydration. However, some essential oils that cannot be used by pregnant women include rosemary or clary sage, as they may stimulate uterine contractions.
It would be wonderful to use oils that could help relax sore muscles after the post-natal massage, such as arnica or eucalyptus. If the mother is breastfeeding, just make sure to avoid any oils that might not be safe on the chest area, just in case that stuff leaks through.
Listen to Your Body
Whether you are having a pre- or post-natal massage, it is of course, and quite naturally very important to hear what your body is telling you. During pregnancy, certain areas can become sensitive or even painful. If something doesn’t feel right during the massage, something needs to be said. Communication is an absolute key to making sure that the massage is safe and enjoyable.
To newly pregnant mothers, a regular massage service by professional spas during pregnancy will help them feel a connection to their changing bodies. Post-natal massages might heal faster and bring new moms some self-care time they need.
Last Word
Prenatal and postnatal massage is one of the excellent ways first-time moms can feel relief from the struggle that comes with pregnancy and childbirth.
Five essential tips ensure your massage is both safe and beneficial: the appropriate position, soft pressure, focus on problem areas, the use of appropriate oils, and listening to your body.