Pregnancy/Post Natal Massage

 

What is Pregnancy Massage?

A massage in pregnancy is designed to encourage the mum-to-be to become in touch with her changing body and help to relieve some of the aches and pains associated with pregnancy.

 

What are the benefits?

• Lessening the effects of morning sickness

• Improving circulation to reduce the swelling in the hands and feet

• Minimising back and sciatic nerve pain

• Provides relief from headaches, muscle aches and leg cramps

• Reduces the likelihood of stretch marks and improve elasticity of your skin

• Can help lower blood pressure

• Boost your immune system therefore giving more protection to your baby’s health

• Helps to rebalance hormones which are already playing havoc with your body

 

The massage will either be carried out either in a seated position or on the massage couch if you’re able to get on it. You will be completed supported with pillows and bolsters all around you to ensure that you are in the most comfortable position for you. I will never ask you to lie on your back or your stomach as it’s not recommended nor will it be comfortable for you as a mum-to-be.

 

Partners are welcome to attend the pregnancy massage sessions to learn the techniques that may help during labour as this can often help the partner feel part of the pregnancy.

 

A massage cannot be undertaken during the first trimester or if you’re suffering from certain conditions during your pregnancy. The main ones are:

• Pre-Eclampsia

• Eclampsia

• Low Placenta (Placenta Previa)

• Risk of DVT/Thrombosis

 

What is Post Natal Massage?

We all know that life with a baby will never be the same as it was before. For new mothers, this can be a stressful time dealing with all those sleepless nights, feeding issues, baby blues or for those already with children, juggling the new baby and giving attention to the older children can be a tough time too. It takes time for the new mum to get back to normal and generally a postnatal massage has been known to be of benefit.

 

What are the benefits?

• Relaxing the new mother and giving her an hour of some peace and quiet

• Can help with postural issues especially if the baby is being breast fed

• Can help with lower back problems

• Can help get your body back into shape quickly by toning the abdominal muscles (not to be done on those who have had a c-section until after the 6-week post natal check).

• Help reduce the chances of developing post-natal depression and baby blues.

• Can help with lack of milk production if you’re trying to breast feed your baby

 

For those who have had a c-section, I would advise you contact your GP first to see whether you are able to have a massage.

 

What techniques do we use?
Effleurage: It is a stroking technique, using the palm and fingers gently moulding to the contours of the body to apply the massage oil and forms the first and last movements of most massages.
Petrissage: Means to knead and uses the pressure of the hand and or fingers to break down tension in specific muscle groups.
Friction: Using the thumbs or fingers in specific areas of tightness or for working closely on a small area e.g. around joints.
Hacking: Basically chopping with loose wrists - palms facing together, with the little fingers closest to the muscle group being worked on.
Cupping: This is done by forming a cup shape with the hands and then gently striking the muscles with the palm to create a vacuum against the skin – this movement should sound like horses hooves.
Beating: The hands are loose fists with the little fingers towards the muscle group to be worked on. Alternating fists to strike the muscles sounds like a light clicking.
Vibration: The muscle is gently vibrated by the palm of the hand or by the finger tips – with the masseur contracting their own arm muscles.