Postnatal Massage Q&A

 

What is postnatal massage?

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I consider postnatal massage to be any session in which we're working on issues and conditions specific to your post-pregnancy body. While "postnatal" and "postpartum" refer to the 6-8 week time period immediately following childbirth, every body is different and our postnatal-related massage sessions might extend beyond those first two months. I'm happy to work with whatever rate of recovery you are experiencing. I have taught the postnatal massage elective class, "Bodywork for the New Mother," at the Oregon School of Massage, so you know that I'm dedicated to postnatal/postpartum care!

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What happens in a postnatal massage session?

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The massage session will depend on the client's postnatal needs: for example, clients with breast engorgement or a healing C-section site will prefer a side-lying position on the massage table. Working on aching hips and addressing pelvic postural dysfunction are frequently part of a postnatal/postpartum massage. Whether our focus is on relieving tight muscles after a long labor, or just relaxation for a tired new parent, I use my expertise to address the unique health conditions and physical changes clients experience after having a baby. 

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How soon after childbirth can I get a postnatal massage?

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If you had an uncomplicated labor & delivery and no high-risk concerns during your pregnancy, you can receive a postnatal massage whenever you feel ready, as early as a day following childbirth. If you had a C-section, you'll want to wait about two weeks before receiving massage. If you had a high-risk pregnancy, complications during delivery, or are still being monitored for a pregnancy-related condition, we should check with your prenatal care provider before getting a massage.