Postpartum Massage Can Help Recovery After Birth

There are numerous advantages to receiving a massage after childbirth, from helping to stabilize hormones and boosting milk supply to easing swelling.

Do you appreciate physical contact? Did massage help relieve discomfort during your pregnancy? Are you craving nurturing and restoration now that your newborn is here?

If you answered yes to any of those, read on — we’ve got the details.

In short, a postpartum massage is a whole-body massage performed within the first 12 weeks after you deliver your baby. Continue reading to learn how postpartum massage may benefit you and what to expect from a session.

Benefits of postpartum massage

Although the definition of a postpartum massage might sound straightforward, receiving one can positively influence your mood and support recovery.

Postpartum massages typically incorporate many elements found in standard massages. New mothers who receive a massage after childbirth often notice a variety of physical and emotional improvements that are commonly linked to massage therapy.

If you had a cesarean birth, discuss massage with both your physician and your massage practitioner to ensure it’s appropriate. Some therapists won’t treat clients who’ve had surgery within the previous six weeks.

If you experienced blood clots during pregnancy or in the past, your doctor has likely advised against massage. Confirm with your provider when it’s safe to resume massage therapy.

General advantages of massage include:

• pain relief
• stress reduction
• relaxation

While those benefits are appealing to anyone, new mothers might find massage especially valuable. Massage provides targeted support during the fourth trimester.

Specific benefits of massage for the postpartum mother include:

• Decreased swelling. Many women notice swelling after labor. Massage can promote redistribution of fluids and encourage drainage and circulation of excess fluid.
• Enhanced milk production. For mothers hoping to boost their breast milk supply, massage can improve circulation and support the hormonal environment needed for increased lactation.
• Hormonal balance. The postpartum period involves continual hormonal shifts. Touch-based therapies, often paired with aromatic oils, may lift mood and help encourage hormonal equilibrium.
• Lowered anxiety and depression. New parents frequently experience the “baby blues” or postpartum depression. Massage can reduce stress levels that contribute to feelings of anxiety and low mood.
• Improved sleep. New parents desperately need restorative sleep. Massage helps the body relax and prepares it for deeper, more rejuvenating rest.

How to prepare for postpartum massage

Prepare for a postpartum massage by making your setting calming. If the massage happens at home, consider lighting candles or using a diffuser and dimming bright lights.

Ideally, organize for someone else to care for your newborn so you can relax without worrying about whether the baby will wake up. While having baby nearby can be comforting, a crying infant is not conducive to relaxation.

Various massage techniques suit postpartum mothers. A postpartum massage might include acupressure and reflexology for the feet, or it could be a Swedish massage or a Jamu massage — a traditional Southeast Asian technique aimed at relaxing and restoring the postpartum body.

Some women prefer gentle approaches in the postpartum period, while others appreciate deeper work like myofascial release or craniosacral therapy.

Many postpartum massages incorporate essential oils, either mixed into lotions and oils or diffused in the room. Check with your healthcare provider before using essential oils to ensure they’re safe for you.

Whatever modality you choose, ask about the practitioner’s experience with prenatal and postpartum clients. They should be willing to find positions during the session that feel comfortable for you.

Timing

You can begin postpartum massage once you feel ready. Some hospitals even provide in-hospital postpartum massage for mothers in the days following delivery. Research has shown that a back massage one day after birth significantly reduced anxiety in new mothers.

If your delivery was by C-section or included complications, consult your doctor before scheduling your first postpartum massage. Certain techniques may not be suitable for your recovery.

There isn’t a strict rule about how often to receive postpartum massages. Many new mothers enjoy sessions weekly or biweekly during the first few months after birth, while others opt for just one or two massages.

Timing, budget, and medical considerations will influence how many massages you have and how often you schedule them.

Takeaway

We’ve long recognized that human touch can be powerful, and postpartum massage taps into the benefits of touch to help women recover after labor.

There are many reasons to get a massage after giving birth, such as helping stabilize hormones, boosting milk production, and easing swelling.

You might choose to receive massages weekly for the first 12 weeks after birth, or you may prefer just one session. Before starting any massage routine, check with your doctor or midwife to confirm your body is ready.

How often you get a massage is a personal choice shaped by finances, time, and preference. There’s no single correct answer. You might also ask your partner to give you a massage at home.

To locate a massage therapist who specialises in postpartum care, request recommendations from your postpartum support network. Your OB-GYN, lactation consultant, doula, or midwife may be able to point you toward a trusted professional.

Whichever way you include massage in your postpartum recovery, the benefits can help you settle into life with your baby.