How Does Massage Therapy Help With Postpartum Recovery?
Topics
How Does Massage Help with Postpartum Recovery?
1. Alleviating Muscle Tension and Discomfort After Birth
2. Reducing Stress and Anxiety During the Postpartum Period
3. How Massage Helps Improve Sleep for New Parents
4. Supporting Hormonal Balance for Postpartum Well-Being
5. Accelerating Healing After Cesarean and Vaginal Births
6. Enhancing Breastfeeding Comfort and Success
7. What to Expect from a Postpartum Home Massage in the Bay Area
8. Start Your Postpartum Recovery Journey with Allay
How Does Massage Help with Postpartum Recovery?
Bringing a baby into the world is a life-changing event, which can also be physically demanding. The postpartum period often brings new challenges as the body works to heal and adjust. One of the most effective ways to support postpartum recovery is through massage therapy. It helps alleviate discomfort, reduce stress, and promote healing. In this blog, we’ll explore how massage therapy supports postpartum recovery and why it’s so beneficial for those in the San Francisco Bay Area.
1. Alleviating Muscle Tension and Discomfort After Birth
After childbirth, it’s common for new parents to experience muscle tension and stiffness, especially in areas like the back, shoulders, hips and neck. These aches and pains often result from the physical strain of labor, changes in posture during pregnancy, and the demands of caring for a newborn.
Massage therapy helps alleviate these discomforts by increasing circulation, promoting muscle relaxation, and improving flexibility. A study in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies (2013) found that postpartum massage significantly reduced muscle tension, providing much-needed relief. Regular massage can help restore flexibility and strength, making it easier to care for your baby and take on daily activities.
2. Reducing Stress and Anxiety During the Postpartum Period
The postpartum period can be emotionally challenging, as new parents often face increased stress and anxiety. Between adjusting to new routines, managing sleep deprivation, and caring for a newborn, these emotions can feel overwhelming.
Massage therapy has been shown to effectively reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) and increase levels of serotonin and dopamine, which help improve mood and promote relaxation. Research from the Clinical Obstetrics & Gynecology (2021) journal supports this, showing that massage reduces stress while fostering emotional well-being. Incorporating regular massage sessions into your postpartum routine can help manage anxiety, depression and provide much-needed emotional support.
3. How Massage Helps Improve Sleep for New Parents
Sleep deprivation is a significant challenge for new parents, especially in the early months of caring for a newborn. Without proper rest, physical and mental recovery becomes much more difficult.
Massage therapy can improve sleep by promoting relaxation and reducing discomfort. A study published in The Journal of Midwifery (2014) found that massage therapy improved sleep quality, particularly in postpartum women. By helping to relax the body and mind, postpartum massage can facilitate deeper and more restful sleep, essential for recovering and recharging.
4. Supporting Hormonal Balance for Postpartum Well-Being
Hormonal fluctuations during the postpartum period can lead to mood swings, fatigue, and physical discomfort. The body is working hard to restore balance, and massage therapy can help in this process by supporting the endocrine system.
The American Pregnancy Association suggest that massage therapy boosts dopamine and serotonin levels, hormones that are often low in individuals experiencing depression, and cardiovascular problems (norepinephrine), supporting Mom with the challenges of motherhood. Massage also promotes the natural release of oxytocin (the "love" hormone) and reducing the stress-related hormone cortisol. Regular massage can help regulate hormone levels, improving emotional well-being and facilitating smoother postpartum recovery.
5. Accelerating Healing After Cesarean and Vaginal Births
Whether you had a cesarean section or a vaginal birth, your body needs time to heal. Cesarean births often leave behind scar tissue and muscle adhesions that can cause discomfort and affect mobility.
Massage therapy can help break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and promote lymphatic drainage. A study (2023) found that manual therapy, such as massage, can enhance tissue healing, reduce pain and decrease the appearance of scars. For those with vaginal births, massage can also help release pelvic floor tension, support uterine contractions, and promote overall pelvic health.
6. Enhancing Breastfeeding Comfort and Success
Breastfeeding can be a challenging experience, with many new mothers experiencing discomfort from engorgement, poor latch, or sore nipples. Massage therapy can help alleviate these issues by promoting relaxation and reducing muscle tension, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and chest.
Additionally, massage stimulates the release of oxytocin, a hormone that promotes milk production and milk letdown. A study published in The Journal of Maternal and Child Health (2023) showed that mothers in different countries around the world who received massage therapy had increased relaxation and improved breastfeeding outcomes, making it a great option for mothers looking to enhance their breastfeeding experience.
7. What to Expect from a Postpartum Home Massage in the Bay Area
At Allay, we offer home massage therapy to support your postpartum recovery journey. Here’s what you can expect from a personalized, in-home massage session in the San Francisco Bay Area:
Customized Treatment: Your therapist will work with you to address specific areas of discomfort, whether it's muscle tension, stress, hip or pelvic discomfort from birth, or postpartum aches.
Comfort and Relaxation: Experience the luxury of receiving care in the comfort of your own home, with a tranquil environment tailored to your needs. Our massage therapists bring their own equipment and pillows to ensure maximum comfort. You can choose to use your own pillows for added comfort if you prefer, we just need a space to set up the massage table.
Postpartum-Specific Care: Our therapists are trained to support your unique postpartum recovery, whether you’ve had a vaginal birth or cesarean section. We offer C-section scar massage to promote improved healing, increased flexibility, and reduced pain and discoloration.
Convenient Scheduling: We understand that life with a newborn is unpredictable, so we offer flexible scheduling to meet your needs. If you don't find a time that works for you, we offer flexible scheduling during the week to accommodate your needs as much as possible. Check out available times here!
8. Start Your Postpartum Recovery Journey with Allay
Allay’s home massage therapy services are here to support your postpartum recovery. Our compassionate therapists specialize in helping you recover from childbirth, reduce stress, and restore balance to your body.
Allay’s Mission: At Allay, we are dedicated to improving pregnancy care, birth outcomes, and postpartum recovery. Through our holistic approach, we offer personalized support to help you thrive during the postpartum period. From in-home massages to educational content, we are committed to ensuring that you receive the care and attention you deserve during this transformative time.
Ready to feel your best? Book your postpartum massage today and let Allay help you on your journey to recovery. Currently serving families in San Francisco, San Mateo, Burlingame, Palo Alto, Los Altos, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, San Jose, Oakland, Berkeley, and beyond!
Welcome to the Allay Blog! Your go-to resource for articles about craniosacral therapy, massage therapy, lactation support, and other holistic care during pregnancy and postpartum. At Allay, we strive to provide personalized holistic care to prenatal and postpartum families while supporting, educating, and empowering them every step of the way!
