How massage can help postpartum
Many people overlook massage in postpartum as they associate it as a ‘luxury’ or ‘a treat and yet, massage can provide benefits no matter how positive or otherwise, your postpartum experience has been so far.
Whether buba has latched or not, there are constant challenges for us mums when it comes to breastfeeding..
Mastitis
Clogged milk ducts
Latching issues
Muscular pain due to a repetitive feeding posture
Headaches due to the position of your head and neck when feeding
Dealing with stigmas about being a non breastfeeding mother
Mental anguish due to these challenges
Breastfeeding helps maintain the hormone levels the body would expect after birth, so non breastfeeding mothers may experience lower levels of oxytocin and a higher chance of developing postnatal depression than women who breastfeed
Postpartum massage benefits
Whether you are breastfeeding or not, caring for a bub can put strain on your body and your sanity.
By releasing tension through the upper thoracic and shoulder girdle we can address patterns of compensation in the body due to repetitive feeding positions, improve posture and reduce pain (which can improve sleep)
Daily cesarean scar tissue massage can help prevent scar tissue, numbness, tightness, or belly overhang. You can massage your scar after birth once the scar has fully healed.
Massage increases the positive hormones (endorphins, serotonin and dopamine) and activates the parasympathetic nervous system (your unconscious mind)
Manual lymphatic drainage can help prevent fluid from building up around the chest area to help detoxify and circulate nutrients around the body.
Tips for preventing these unwanted side effects
Having been through these experiences and learning from my mistakes I can recommend;
Alternate sides and positions when carrying your baby or and wearing a baby harness when you can.
Daily breast massage
Daily cesarean scar tissue massage
Regular feeds
Drinking plenty of fluids
Whether breast or bottle feeding, position you and your baby comfortably with cushioned supports
Vary your feeding positions and be conscious of not angling your neck downward
Alternate breasts you offer first (not just the good one!)
Wear a comfy bra that isn't restrictive
Following a vaginal delivery, you can receive a massage as soon as you feel comfortable.
Following a cesarean delivery, 4-8 weeks or when your c-section will have healed enough to lay comfortably on a table.
Here at Soulstice we use supports so that you can comfortably lay face down whilst the pressure is taken off your breast and abdomen or there is the option of a side line position.
