After a woman has experienced labor, she has birthed a baby in her arms, and perhaps a new part of herself aswell. All the attention turns from the mother to the baby. This time is crucial to continue care for the mother as well as she is faced with a whole new set of life challenges and changes both psychologically and physiologically. The post partum period lasts for 6 –8 weeks but subtle transformations last for a year or more. Massage to the new mother supports this new life and its accompanying demands for adaptation.
It is only recently that our society has begun to acknowledge this 40 day period of time after a woman has given birth. This is the fourth trimester of pregnancy. This is the time for her to be taken care of by others; to be cooked for, have the house cleaned, clothes washed and food bought. She needs love and care on all levels so that all she has to do is sleep and feed her baby. Her job is to look after and bond with her baby. She has been opened physically, emotionally and spiritually to birth her baby. This time is for her to slowly and gently close herself energetically and reconnect with her new Self – the new mother.
Massage is a beautiful way to honour the new mother and give her the chance to reconnect with her body; and for her body to receive tender loving care after experiencing labor. Breastfeeding, (if feeding this way) can be very demanding on the mother both as she adjusts to constant nipple stimulation, and with the new postures and holding positions she is now adopting. Neck strain is a common complaint, as with lower back strain.
Hastens recovery for surgical scars from caesarean section and the reduction of adhesions within the abdominal cavity. Increases and strengthens the abdominal cavity again and organs to realign and return to pre baby positions. (Abdominal massage only performed 12 weeks after birth).
Kahuna Bodywork is also a super modality to support the mother and help bring her into balance after birth. Alternatively a Holistic Massage will still provide the nurturing benefits needed by the physical body plus energy work for the mental and emotional parts of ourselves if the mum prefers this style of work.
Regardless of the style of massage that you choose, a new mother will reap many benefits from experiencing a massage close to the birth of her baby. She is now a new mother, with new priorities and a new body to adjust to.
Massage is the perfect gift.