Germantown Massage Therapy Center
Massage During Labor
Preparing for Labor
Pregnancy is a time of many changes, some eagerly embraced and others less welcomed. Your body is adapting to the new life growing within you. Massage is a wonderful way to relax and increase your energy. It also helps relieve some of the discomforts you experience during your pregnancy.
Pregnancy Massage
Regular massage to the lower back, hips, and abdomen can release chronic tension in these to create relaxed, stretched muscles during delivery. You can even prepare for labor by practicing focus, breathing, and relaxation techniques while a tender area is being massaged.
Massage is part of the birthing process in many cultures. It can help you relax between contractions and reduce pain from tight muscles while also providing emotional support and encouragement. Because stress interferes with the production of labor inducing hormones, there is even evidence that massage can promote a speedier birth. A relaxed, calm mom creates a wonderful atmosphere for a baby to be born into.
It is a good idea to have a professional massage therapist present at your labor. As an alternative your massage therapist may offer private lessons for you and your partner.
Besides the immediate relief you get from massage, you may also learn ways to make yourself more comfortable at home. You may find ways to use pillows for support when you are lying down.
Learning gentle exercises, stretches, breathing techniques, and appropriate posture can all combine to create a happier, healthy you and baby.
Massage can help you handle the physical demands of caring for a newborn by reducing tensions and hasten post-partum healing. If you are nursing, a relaxing massage can help relieve the tensions that interfere with milk production. Additionally, massage can nurture and comfort you whether or not you are experiencing postpartum blues.
Self Care Techniques
Postpartum Massage