Kari Marble MA, ERYT, RPYT, CMT, CIIM, massage therapist, yoga instructor and infant massage

What are the benefits of massage therapy postpartum?

“Massage is well known for relaxation, stress reduction, pain relief, and other health benefits. Postpartum massage can be as important and beneficial as massage during pregnancy, [with] unique postpartum benefits includ[ing] hormone regulation, reduced swelling, better sleep, and improved breastfeeding.” - American Pregnancy Association

What is a postpartum appointment like?

Some therapists welcome you and your baby at your appointment and work on you while giving you the flexibility to meet your baby’s needs as they arise. (Always check with your therapist before bringing baby along.) But if possible, head to your self-care solo, so that you can be off-duty and focus fully on receiving, releasing, and resting. 

Let your therapist know where you would like extra attention. If your breasts are tender, some therapists may use a special pillow or other support to help you be comfortable face down. Most new mamas love work on the neck, shoulders, arms, wrists and hands, back, hips, glutes, and feet. Your session may be different if you are healing from a cesarean birth. You may, for example, prefer side-lying to lying face down and your therapist may work on your scar (with your permission), once it has healed.

Should I wait a certain amount of time after my baby arrives to book an appointment? 

Depending on any complexities of your baby’s birth, you can begin to receive massage immediately after giving birth by arranging for a massage therapist to come to you or by booking with an on-site practitioner if available. Ask if your hospital/birth center provides this service. Massage will be more gentle initially, and there will be some contraindications if you had a cesarean birth; for example, the therapist will work differently on your belly and legs. If you plan to attend an out-of-home (or out-of-hospital) appointment without your baby, you will time your session to accommodate baby’s feeding needs and the amount of time you’re comfortable separating.