The post-partum period is unique to every individual and is a time of constant change.  Recovering from childbirth, resuming your favorite activities, feeding and carrying your newborn, and adapting to new sleep schedules will challenge your body in new and unexpected ways.  The care you need from your massage therapist must grow and change with you and I welcome the opportunity to create an individualized post partum massage therapy treatment that suits your goals and lifestyle.  I recognize that alone time can be hard to find for those with a new baby.  In this case, clients are welcome to bring their newborns with them to treatments, and can feed their babies on the table during their massage!

Post partum massage is an important part of after pregnancy care that can help restore balance to your body once you have given birth.  Hands-on treatments focus on relaxing muscles that have tightened during pregnancy or labour/birth.  It can also regulate hormones, increase circulation, and reduce anxiety and fatigue.  A skilled massage therapist can help your body adapt to breastfeeding, and strengthen weakened abdominal and/or pelvic muscles.  Treatments can safely be done in any position; side lying, face down, or face up, depending on what feels most comfortable for each client.

If you are healthy and have had an uncomplicated pregnancy and birth, you can begin having post partum massage treatments at any time after your delivery.  In addition, massage therapists with training in post partum care can also help optimize recovery for clients who have had c-sections.  Specifically, post partum massage can speed healing, reduce discomfort, minimize swelling around the incision and prevent excess scar tissue from forming.

Some common post-partum concerns treated with massage therapy include:

• Neck and shoulder tension/discomfort from breastfeeding
• Separation of the rectus abdominus muscles
• Back pain
• Fatigue
• Stress
• Anxiety/Post Partum Depression
• Breast pain/swelling
• Hand/wrist pain
• C-section recovery
• Urinary Incontinence
• Pelvic Floor Disconnection
• Core Stability Issues

There are many more post partum concerns or issues that can arise.  For specific information about the changes to your body during the post partum phase, and how massage therapy can help, click here.  If you have any questions or would like to know if massage therapy can help you, please don’t hesitate to contact me.