Pregnancy & Postnatal Massage
Pregnancy Massage
During pregnancy our bodies are adapting and changing, growing a new life can take its toll on a woman’s body. Massage is a wonderful, natural way to support your body through your journey.
You can safely have a massage throughout your entire pregnancy, including from trimester one. The first trimester has numerous physiological changes occurring and providing this nurturing massage support during this time can assist your body with these changes. We have a variety of positions that can be used to ensure a safe and effective treatment for the mother and her baby, these include using a pregnancy belly pillow system and the side-lying position.
Benefits of Pregnancy Massage
- Alleviating common muscular discomforts and tension such as lower back pain, hip pain, upper back neck and shoulder pain.
- Soothing and relaxing nervous tension and anxiety
- Aiding circulation
- Relief from headaches
- Assisting with increased fluid retention
- Most importantly massage offers a mother-to-be the time to embrace her pregnancy, rest, relax and recharge her body.
Postnatal massage
Postnatal massage, also known as 4th trimester massage, is a wonderful restorative treatment. It promotes healing and relaxation and can help to restore balance within the body. Techniques can be used to promote womb healing and also scar tissue healing if required.
Catherine provides a warm, supportive and safe space to ensure the physical and emotional needs of the mother will be met. You’re welcome to bring your baby with you if needed. Postnatal massage can start as early as 2 weeks postpartum with medical clearance from your midwife. There are some situations or post birth complications where massage is not recommended till after your 6 week check up. If you are unsure please contact Catherine to discuss. Postnatal massage can continue beyond the fourth trimester and into a year postpartum, this is your journey, your body and its unique to you.
Benefits of Postnatal Massage
- Promotes physical healing
- Aides recovery
- Relief from aches and pains in the postpartum period, for example neck tension from postural imbalance due to breastfeeding.
- Hormone regulation
- Stress relief
- Improve sleep
- Restoring posture
- Improves blood circulation and can speed up the healing process and reduce swelling.
- Abdominal healing
- Scar tissue healing
“Rest and self-care are so important. When you take the time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel”
What to expect for your Pregnancy or Postnatal Massage
Your initial consultation is 70 mins, this allows for a thorough health history and time to discuss your current pregnancy or your birth, massage time and any after care advice. A full body massage is generally recommended to promote relaxation, however your massage is tailored to you and areas of discomfort are focused on to help ease any pain and tension you maybe feeling.
You will receive an online consent form prior to your massage so Catherine has time to review this and contact you if any questions arise. If you are unable to fill out the online form please arrive 10-15 min early to fill this out. If you have any health conditions or complications during your pregnancy or birth or have a high risk pregnancy, a medical clearance from your midwife or obstetrician may be requested.
If you’re uncertain whether massage is appropriate for specific health concerns or a high-risk pregnancy, please talk with your midwife and contact Catherine to discuss. Catherine@getbackinaction.co.nz
“Nurture - The care and attention given to someone or something that is growing or developing”