Postpartum massage is JUST as, if not MORE important than prenatal massage. This is such a physically giving time and all emotions run high, sometimes leaving your body and soul exhausted! It is SO important to still make the time for self-care during your postpartum time. We are such nicer balanced mamas when we take care of ourselves! Some benefits of postpartum massage include:
Emotional adjustment: Postpartum is SUCH an emotionally turbulent time. I provide a safe space for you to share your thoughts and feelings about your birth, your new baby, and being a new mama. As a doula that has practiced locally for years, I can help answer questions and direct you to local resources for continued support during this time. Massage also helps boost your endorphins and allows you to rest which dramatically improves your mood and state of mind.
Physical healing: Giving birth is one of the most physical events the body can go through! Your muscles will most likely be sore and strained after birth. Then we assume a repetitive nursing posture just after birth, that can lead to very tight neck and shoulder muscles. These muscles often cause headaches. Massage can help ease tense muscles, relieve headaches, and clear out all the toxins that may be residual in your body from the physical exertion of childbirth, or from any medications you may have received during labor and delivery.
BABIES WELCOME! Sometimes the biggest obstacle in receiving postpartum massage is not being able to leave your baby. No worries! YOUR BABY IS WELCOME TO COME! I have a Rock and Play (my favorite baby apparatus ever), and a white noise machine for your sweet baby to relax and nap in the room with us with while mama gets massage. If baby needs more attention, I will happily wear her in my Moby Wrap while we finish the massage. I have done this MANY times and there have only been a few times where we have not finished the entire massage. I will only charge you for the massage time we are able to complete.
If there is time left we can review some infant massage techniques for you and baby to do at home! Can you tell I love it when you bring your baby? Of course, I am equally delighted when you are able to slip away for some personal time, too.