Massage For Womens Health
Barbara Weinstock NCTM
908-334-7200
Pre and Post Natal Massage
Why massage during pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a time of dramatic shifts in a woman's body. It is often a time of great
emotional unfolding and brings on a deeper development of a woman's body-mind relationship. It can
also bring a series of physical discomforts as well as stress and emotional changes. It is important
to stay on top of your discomfort and start receiving massage as part of your pre natal wellness.
Nurturing yourself enhances your sense of well-being and in turn nurtures your baby. An added benefit of the healthy and healing touch that you receive during a massage session can help you connect wth your mothering instincts, especially for a first time mother. Soon after delivery you will feel comfortable giving that same healthy and healing touch to your new born baby.
During a healthy pregnancy, a woman can anticipate any of the following:
- As a mothers uterus enlarges, the contents of her abdomen are shifted; her weight is being
redistributed and her center of gravity changes, this is compensated for by swaying the low back
and shifting her walking pattern; her joints are relaxed and loosened, often accompanied by pain
and misalignment
- Her breasts are growing and this causes shoulder, neck and upper back pain;
- Her breathing patterns change as the growing fetus begins to limit abdominal breathing;
- Her digestive system is ravaged as she experiences nausea, pressure on the stomach, constipation
and hemorrhoids.
- As fluids are retained she may experience swelling in the limbs
Massage can support a woman as her body goes through these changes. It can relieve aches and
pains in her neck, back and legs,reduce headaches, alleviate morning sickness, reduce fatigue and
promote healthy sleep. Massage stimulates blood flow which improves lymphatic circulation and
reduces toxins. This can reduce swelling and lower blood pressure. It also prepares the pelvic
muscles for birth.
Special pre natal training for massage therapists
The certification process requires additional schooling for pre natal massage that allows a
massage therapist to clearly understand the physiological, emotional and structural changes that
take place during and right after pregnancy. The therapist learns specialized techniques to help
alleviate the discomforts of pregnancy and to support women and their families during these changes.
The therapist also learns how to position the mother comfortably and safely on the massage
table.
A certified pre natal massage therapist receives comprehensive training in order
to understand the complications and risk factors involved with pregnancy and are more able to safely
identify when massage should be avoided.
Positioning on the massage table
Positioning options change as the mothers body changes shape and each mother is worked with
individually to find a comfortable positon for her body that promotes the best oxygen/blood
circulation for both mother and baby.
A specialized set of orthopedically designed cushions, called The Body Cushion TM, allows a mother
to be positioned face down throughout the first two thirds of her pregnancy. These cushions gently
cradle the baby and allow the mothers weight to rest on her skeletal system. It properly aligns the
hips and allows decompression of the spine without causing a sway back. Most mothers wish they had a
set for use at home!
For side lying massage, which is always done during the later
stages of pregnancy, the Body Cushion TM allows the mother to be well supported and comfortably
cushioned with the spine properly aligned and no pressure on the shoulders and hips.
(For more information on the Body Cushion TM go to BodySupport.com)
When massage during pregnancy should be avoided
It is recommended that all pregnant women consult with their physician before receiving
massage therapy. Women with normal, low-risk pregnancies can benefit greatly from massage by a
trained pre natal massage therapist. However, women with high risk pregnancies should consult with
their physician before beginning a massage therapy program.
You should NOT receive massage therapy if you experience any of the following conditions: Fever or infectious disease, jaundice, severe hypertension or pre-eclampsia and it's symptoms, vomiting or severe nausea, unusual pain, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vaginal bleeding, any malignant condition, decrease of fetal movement.
Frequency of Pre natal massage
Each woman and each pregnancy is different, so there is no standard number of sessions. If you
plan to use massage therapy as an integral part of your prenatal care, the following is a
guideline.
During the first or second trimester a 60 or 90 minute massage every two weeks or once a month is a
great way to stay relaxed, healthy and comfortable.
During the third trimester when low back and hip discomfort tend to kick in, you may find that coming
in for a 90 minute massage once a week or every two weeks may be necessary to stay comfortable. ( a
60 minute massage during this time is discouraged as it is more time consuming to reposition a women
at this time on the massage table, plus time may be needed for bathroom breaks)
Keep in mind that if you have a high stress lifestyle or muscle issues not related to your pregnancy, you might choose to schedule longer sessions or come in more often. Some women choose to come in twice a week near their due date, knowing the more comfortable, rested and relaxed they are when going into labor, the easier the process will be.
Postpartum Massage
Postpartum massage can begin as soon as desired after birth providing there are no
complications. Massage can alleviate muscle strain due to labor and delivery, reduces fatigue and
facilitates a speedy recovery. The body support system used during pregnancy can still be used to
help with any tenderness when lying on your stomach.
The attention to your emotional and physical concerns will be greatly appreciated. It’s a time to
allow someone to “mother the new mother”. Remember, touch is a very important part of bonding with
your new baby. Ask about receiving instruction in infant massage.
Barbara understands that many new mothers do not want to be separated from their newborns soon after
birth and welcomes mothers to bring their infants along to their massage session (this is
recommended for very young babies who are not too fussy, please feed them before coming, most babies
sleep through moms session).
Eliminates toxins: eliminates lactic acid from your muscles and can speed up the
recovery from anesthesia if you have had an epidural
Relieves physical discomfort: massage facilitates realignment of your spine and
pelvis and restores strength to your pelvic and abdominal muscles, reduces muscular aches and pains
from muscles overworked during labor
Helps with nursing discomforts: Helps reduce stress which can interfere with
breastfeeding by reducing milk flow
Relieves stress: relieves the physical and emotional stresses of everyday demands of
a newborn
Relieves postpartum depression: Studies have shown that regular massage during this time period helps to balance the hormones which can help decrease the onset of postpartum depression
Massage after a caesarian birth
Although you may have had a caesarian section, there is no reason why you can’t have a
massage. The incision site will be avoided until the scar has closed. After the incision has closed,
massage techniques on the scar can help with the healing process.
