Massage away postpartum pains: learn the benefits of massage and bodywork for you and baby from Colette Frogale

New Life Journal, May, 2008 by Colette Frogale

Pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood are rites of passage for many women. Still practiced in many cultures--but forgotten in others--is what is known as a "lying in" period, in which mother and baby are not separated for up to one month, and the mother is not expected to return to her regular activities. It's a time of rest and recuperation that involves other women, family, friends and community members coming together to care for the new mother (1). In our present American culture, many new mothers live far from immediate family and there may not be a close-knit community to take the place of family in the postpartum period. For women in this position, the transition into motherhood can be a significant challenge, and techniques for stress release and healing can be useful alternatives.

New moms may find it initially foreign but ultimately comforting to incorporate practical and natural methods of healing into their self-care routine. Massage, simple herbal remedies, stretching and deep breathing can relieve the discomforts of the postpartum period and promote rapid and safe healing. The first six weeks postpartum are marked by a number of symptoms, some of which include a general soreness and stiffness from labor, constipation, and aches in the arms and neck from carrying baby (2). Postpartum depression occurs in 60-80 percent of new mothers and is linked to the dramatic hormonal changes a woman experiences in those first few days after giving birth, as well as many non-hormonal reasons, such as exhaustion, relationship shifts, breast-feeding difficulties, and a sense of disappointment over the birth or in the baby (2). Symptoms can last anywhere from 48 hours to a few weeks or, in some cases, not occur at all (2). Massage facilitates family bonding and soothes a new mom's emotions. It's this "4th trimester" where a newly expanded family has the unique opportunity to establish a strong and healthy foundation for childhood and parenthood.

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Massage can offer relief from these common postpartum ailments and promote relaxation and healing of the entire self. In simple physiological terms, massage improves circulation, which eliminates waste products stuck in the tissues and lymphatic fluid and allows the tissues to assimilate more oxygen and nutrients within cells. This increases blood flow to vital organs, including the heart, and results in greater energy for mom; massage keeps blood pressure in check and reduces stress on the heart. After birth and during the postpartum period, massage can promote speedier healing, realignment of the pelvis, and, at the basic level, help to restore the strength of the abdominal muscles and relieve some of the soreness and stiffness that a new mother may feel (3). Massage also complements treatments of hemorrhoids, bladder disorders and post-episiotomy soreness (5). Women who have had cesareans may experience a speedier recovery through the use of massage as well; if correct techniques are used, it can reduce scar tissue (3). Along with the benefits of simple pain relief or emotional release, morns may experience easier breastfeeding and better milk production with massage because of less tension and stress (4).

Physical stresses are only the tip of the iceberg for a new mother. She must also readjust emotionally, caring for her newborn while coping with the changing dynamics amongst the rest of her family and friends. Whether receiving regular massage from a licensed therapist or from one's partner and/or friends, it can help a new mother cope with the emotional tensions created by pregnancy, birth and motherhood (3). And, by learning a few simple massage techniques, partners can improve and strengthen their new bond and their baby can benefit from massage as well! See the sidebar opposite page for a list of beneficial postpartum acupressure points.

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Note: Before beginning any therapeutic (even self-care) regimen, please consult your doctor or primary health care provider for approval, as there are specific contraindications for pre- and postnatal massage. If you seek a massage therapist, make sure he or she is a licensed professional.

Sources: (1)Pregnancy Blues; What Every Woman Needs to Know About Depression During Pregnancy by Shaila Kulkarni Misri, M.D., F.R.C.P.C. (2) What to Expect When You're Expecting by Heidi Murkoff Arlene Eisenberg and Sandee Hathaway, B.S.N. (3) www.aarogya.com/Complementary/Massage/pregnancy.asp (4) www.expectantmothersguide.com/library/Houston/ massage.htm (5) pinnaclehealth.org.

BODYWORK FOR YOU AND BABY

Here are a few acupressure points for postpartum recovery you can do yourself at home:

Point: Sea of Energy, just below the navel

Technique: Press inward, gradually and deeply for 10-15 seconds, three times

Uses: For constipation, stomach pain and reproductive pain

Point: Inner Gate, inside of the forearm, just above the wrist

Technique: Press with one thumb, hard and in for 7-10 seconds, three times