Making Massage Therapy a Part of your Pre- and Post-Partum Care
Pregnancy is one of the most transformative experiences in a woman’s life, but it also comes with significant physical and emotional changes. From back pain and swollen feet to stress and sleep challenges, expecting mothers often experience discomfort that impacts their overall well-being. And not all is in the clear after childbirth as new mothers face a different set of challenges, including recovery, postural strain from feeding or carrying their baby, and the emotional stress of adjusting to parenthood.
Massage therapy is a safe and effective way to support women during both the pre-natal (before birth) and post-partum (after birth) stages. At Mountain Health and Performance, our Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) provide individualized treatments that help ease discomfort, promote recovery, and support the overall health of both mother and baby.
Benefits of Massage Therapy During Pregnancy
Prenatal massage is specifically tailored to the needs of expectant mothers. Our RMTs use safe positioning through patient preference and with the use of special pregnancy bolsters/pillows, and gentle techniques that relieve common pregnancy-related discomforts while promoting relaxation.
Key benefits pre-natal massage include:
Reduced Back and Joint Pain: Extra weight and postural changes can cause low back, hip, and upper back/neck pain. Massage therapy helps relieve tension and improve mobility.
Decreased Swelling: Gentle massage supports circulation and lymphatic flow, reducing swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet.
Improved Sleep and Stress Relief: Relaxation massage reduces stress hormones and promotes deeper, more restorative sleep.
Muscle Tension Relief: Targeted treatment reduces tightness in the neck, shoulders, and hips.
Preparation for Labor: Relaxing muscles and calming the nervous system can help prepare the body for delivery.
Benefits of Massage Therapy After Childbirth
The post-partum period is a time of healing and adjustment to new physical demands. Massage therapy provides support for recovery and overall wellness during this stage.
Key benefits include:
Faster Post-Partum Recovery: Massage improves circulation, reduces inflammation, and helps the body heal after delivery.
Relief from Aches and Pains: Relieving repetitive strain that new mothers often develop tension in the neck, shoulders, and wrists from feeding and carrying their baby.
Improved Posture: Gentle techniques release tight muscles, helping mothers maintain healthier posture during daily activities.
Support for Mental Health: Post-partum massage promotes relaxation, reduces stress hormones, and can help ease anxiety or mild depression.
Scar Tissue Healing: For mothers who have had a C-section, massage may help reduce adhesions and improve tissue mobility once cleared by their healthcare provider.
Safe and Personalized Care
At Mountain Health and Performance, our RMTs provide safe, individualized massage therapy for women during all stages of pregnancy and motherhood. Sessions are tailored to meet each patient’s comfort level, and we work closely with other members of your healthcare team to ensure safe and effective care.
The Takeaway
Pregnancy and postpartum recovery bring unique physical and emotional challenges. Massage therapy is a natural, non-invasive way to relieve discomfort, promote healing, and support overall wellness during these stages. Whether you’re preparing for childbirth or adjusting to life with a newborn, massage therapy can be an important part of your care plan. To book a massage therapy appointment, click here.
