Postnatal Massage
The first few months with a new born can feel like a whirlwind! If you are feeling overwhelmed then you are not alone. Your priority as a new mother shifts to your newborn, leaving very little time for you to even think about yourself. But giving birth has a huge effect on your body, whether it was a short or long labour, a natural birth, assisted birth or a C-section. All our labour journeys are different and come with varying levels of trauma, physically and mentally, it is important to allow yourself some space, and time, to heal.
Here are some of my top tips to help aid your recovery during the first few months of motherhood.
Nourish yourself – fueling your body with nourishing food post birth is vital to your recovery and healing process. Ensuring that you are taking in enough anti-inflammatory, nutrient dense calories to aid soft tissue recovery but to also give you enough energy to adjust to the demands of motherhood.
Keep hydrated – Dehydration impairs oxygen delivery to wounded tissues. Optimal hydration is essential for wound healing and for milk production.
Sleep – can be hard to come by with a new born! Take it where you can!
Ask for help – If you have friends and family that are local to you then ask for their help by cooking nourishing meals that you can pop in the oven, ask them to help with some house work, or for them to come over for some baby cuddles so that you can catch up on some sleep.
Enjoy the baby snuggles – cuddling your baby releases Oxytocin, known as the love hormone, this hormone helps you to bond with your baby and it also helps with lactation and to reduce stress and anxiety.
Movement – Rest and recovery is vital after giving birth but when you feel ready, some nourishing movement will help to ease those aches and pains. Maybe go for a walk or do some gentle mobility and stretching to combat the baby feeding posture.
Have a little you time – Booking in for a post-natal massage can be a fantastic way to schedule in some time for yourself to relax, destress and address any post birth issues that you may have.
These are a few of the issues we will discuss and address, using soft tissue techniques, stretches or exercises, during your treatment. All sessions are bespoke to you and your needs.
- Adapted breathing patterns – Adapted postures during pregnancy can inhibit our ability to breath optimally. Oxygen is a vital part of cellular activity and the repair process, ensuring that our breathing is optimal will further aid your recovery.
- Pregnancy and the feeding posture – Postural changes due to pregnancy and feeding positions, whether breast feeding or bottle feeding, can cause muscular aches and pains.
- Diastasis assessment – During pregnancy the stomach muscles move apart to allow space for your growing baby. During treatment we will assess your diastasis and core function and treat where needed, using gentle soft tissue techniques to aid recovery. Where appropriate, some pelvic floor and core integrated exercises will be given.
- Pelvic floor concerns – It is important that we address any worries that you have regarding your pelvic floor and core. Such as leaking, pain, trouble going to the toilet, painful intercourse or just not feeling right. We will discuss whether strengthening or relaxing your pelvic floor is appropriate for you and refer on where appropriate.
- Muscular aches and pains -We will address any muscular or joint issues that you have.
- Nutrition healing overview – We can discuss a general nutritional overview to aid healing and boost your energy.
At Theale Wellbeing Centre we work as a multidisciplinary team and if needed we can discuss any referrals that we feel may be beneficial to you and your recovery.
If you have any further questions please contact the clinic.
Soft Tissue, Pre & Post-natal, C-section & Abdominal Scar Therapist.