Your baby is here, yay! Now what?? You're happy, but this sudden shift also brings a host of physical and emotional challenges. Postpartum recovery is a crucial phase, and one often-overlooked ally in this journey is massage therapy.
Here’s how continuing your regular massage routine can support healing and well-being during this time that can feel like a bit of a blur...
1. Addresses Physical Discomfort
After childbirth, many people experience soreness and tension in various areas of the body, particularly in the back, neck, and shoulders. Regardless of how your baby came into this world (vaginal birth or via cesarean), you're going to be feeling it. Massage can target these areas, providing relief from muscle tension and pain. A skilled massage therapist can adapt techniques to suit your recovery needs.
2. Supporting Emotional Health
The postpartum time can bring a load of emotions, including but not limited to joy, anxiety, and even sadness. Hormonal changes, along with the demands of caring for a newborn, can lead to feelings of overwhelm. Massage therapy can help reduce cortisol levels and increase the production of feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine, promoting emotional balance and a sense of calm. It's also possible that your massage therapist will have connections to other resources for your well-being (postpartum doulas, mental health professionals, etc.).
3. Improving Sleep Quality
Many new parents struggle with sleep deprivation, which can hinder recovery. Although it's biologically normal for your baby to be waking often, that doesn't negate the fact that you're just plain tired. Massage promotes relaxation and helps improve sleep quality, making it easier to rest during those fleeting moments when the baby is asleep. A well-rested mom is better equipped to navigate the challenges of parenthood.
4. Promoting Overall Wellness
Regular massage improves circulation, reduces inflammation, and encourages the body’s natural healing processes. This holistic approach to postpartum care can help people feel more energized and ready to tackle their new roles.
Finding the Right Therapist
When seeking postpartum massage, look for a therapist who specializes in postnatal care. They should be familiar with the unique needs of new mothers and create a safe, supportive environment for healing. At Asher Birth & Body, our therapists are pros in the perinatal period.
Postpartum recovery is a vital time for new moms, and massage therapy can play a significant role in facilitating healing, both physically and emotionally. By addressing discomfort, supporting emotional health and improving sleep, massage can be an invaluable part of a new mother’s self-care routine. Embrace this time for healing and connection—you deserve it!
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