Pregnancy massage and Post-natal massage are truly calming experiences to alleviate the associated strains and stresses of pregnancy or the post-natal period and to bring you and your baby total well-being and relaxation.
Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy is a special and precious time in a women’s life, but it can also be extremely demanding on the mother, both physically and emotionally.
Pregnancy massage is wonderful in so many ways. It can help to alleviate many of the associated strains and stresses of pregnancy in addition to being a truly relaxing and calming experience at a time when you may be feeling emotionally delicate, stressed or just in need of some time for yourself.
Pregnancy Massage is a gentle and relaxing treatment, however it can still be targeted to problem areas. Treatment is adapted to different positions, depending on what stage of pregnancy or recovery you are at, but always with your comfort as the most important factor.
Throughout pregnancy, your body posture and centre of gravity adapt which puts additional strain on 
muscles, ligaments and joints and may cause aches and pains you’ve never experienced before.
In addition to the physical changes, hormone levels in the body change. It is well known that these changes in levels may make a woman feel more sensitive or out of control of their emotions at times, but hormones also cause physiological changes such as the release of relaxin which soften ligaments to help loosen the pelvis, but may also cause hypermobility in the joints and progesterone which soften muscles but may cause constipation, haemorrhoids and varicose veins.
There are also less obvious changes such as the additional strain on your circulatory and lymphatic systems. The volume of blood in a woman increases by up to 50% during pregnancy and can lead to symptoms such as changes in blood pressure, fatigue and swollen joints. The digestive and respiratory systems are also affected as the baby grows, which may cause indigestion, heartburn, shortness of breath and upper body muscle strain and tiredness as the body compensates the diaphragm in order to breath.
Benefits of massage during pregnancy
- Helps alleviate aches and pains due to postural changes
- Aids the circulatory and lymphatic systems to work more effectively, helping to detoxify the body, combat fatigue and improve energy levels
- Increased circulation eases the load on the mother’s heart and helps to keep blood pressure in check. It also increases oxygen and nutrients to the cells of both the mother and baby.
- Improves skin condition and may help to reduce stretchmarks
- Has a calming effect on the nervous system, aiding relaxation and mood and helping to increase the release of “feel good” hormones such as Oxytocin and reducing the stress hormone Adrenocorticotrphin. Happy mum = Happy baby!
- Gives you some all-important time for yourself where you can forget everything for an hour or so and be pampered!
* Pregnancy massage is only available after the first trimester. You should seek advice from you midwife or healthcare professional before having treatment and GP consent MUST be obtained if you have a high-risk pregnancy. If in doubt, please contact me if you have any queries.
Post Natal Massage
Your body has been continually adapting and nurturing your baby for the past 9 months and once you have given birth, it needs time recover and prepare for the demands of your new life. The type of birthing experience you had will be unique to you and it will also help to indicate the best ways in which to tailor your post-natal massage. For example, there may be practical considerations to take into account and you may still be more comfortable in a side-lying position. It may even be some weeks before you could even consider having a massage, especially if you have had a C-section or difficult birth.
Post-natal massage gives you some quality relaxation for yourself at a time when you often put yourself last. The treatment can be whatever you want it to be – flowing, relaxing and sleep inducing, or you may wish to include some deeper work to alleviate muscle tension in areas such as shoulders or hips.
Post natal massage can help with:
- Decreased Swelling
- Natural pain relief
- Improved breastfeeding
- Stress and anxiety
- Improved sleep
- Residual aches and pain following birth or from new posture related issues such as breastfeeding
- Hormone regulation
It can be difficult leaving the house when you have a small baby, so don’t forget you can always book a home visit.
Please contact me for further information or to book an appointment.
