Pregnancy and postpartum are intense periods for your body: adjusting your postures, gaining weight, carrying your baby around… Your body is going through a lot in a very short period of time! A perinatal massage can, amongst others, help relieve everyday discomforts, encourage muscle relaxation or reduce stress. In this article you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about pregnancy and postpartum massages:
Learn about perinatal massages
- The different types of perinatal massages
- What are the best pregnancy massages and is it safe to have a massage while pregnant?
- What are the benefits of a pregnancy massage?
- Can a pregnancy massage help induce labour?
- I have recently given birth, should I book a postpartum massage and what can I expect from it?
- As of when can I get a mommy massage?
- Will a perinatal massage be reimbursed by my health insurance?
- How to book a perinatal massage
1. The different types of perinatal massages
Massage is the practice of rubbing or kneading the body using the hands. A mommy massage therapist will apply pressure to the muscles and joints to ease pain and tension. They are many types of perinatal massage, each one of them having its own specificities.
To name a few:
- Swedish massage: the most common gentle type of full body massage.
- Deep-tissue massage: focusing on one specific problem/ part of the body.
- Hot stones massage: replacing hands by heated stones.
- Aromatherapy massage: combining hands and essential oils.
- Shiatsu massage: using hands, palms or thumbs to massage certain points of the body.
- Etc.
No matter what type of perinatal massage you choose or prefer, remember to always mention that you are pregnant or that you have recently given birth so that your massage therapist can adapt its practice accordingly.
2. What are the best pregnancy massages and is it safe to have a massage while pregnant?
Perinatal massages are usually safe after the first trimester, as long as you let the practitioner know that you are pregnant. Deep-tissue, Swedish and Shiatsu massage are the most common massages therapists usually offer to pregnant women, the first two focusing on muscles and the later one on pressure points and energy.
3. What are the benefits of a pregnancy massage?
Pregnancy massages can help increase your overall wellbeing during this very special period. Some of the benefits can be: relieving aches in back and neck, addressing legs cramps, improving blood circulation, boost energy, reduce nervous tension/ anxiety, etc.
Discuss your needs with the therapist first so he/ she can adjust his pregnancy massage accordingly.
4. Can a pregnancy massage help induce labour?
If you are past your due date, you might be getting impatient to meet your baby and/or looking for natural ways to get labour started. An induction massage focuses on acupressure points which can help decrease stress hormones, stimulate parasympathetic nervous system or release pelvic area. There is no guarantee that an induction massage will induce labour, but it can certainly encourage it and in any case, it will help you relax and prepare for this beautiful event.
5. I have recently given birth, should I book a postpartum massage and what can I expect from it?
A postpartum massage, often called mommy massage, usually takes place within 12 weeks after your baby is born. Its aim is to help recover from this intense body experience.
Postpartum care is an important part of the birthing process as a woman’s body must realign. In this context, a Mommy massage can help improve blood circulation, relieve muscle tension, regulate fluctuating hormones, reduce anxiety, boost energy, relieve shoulder and neck tension, etc. Discuss with your massage therapist what your own needs are so he can adjust his mommy massage accordingly. Try to arrange for someone to take care of your baby during this hour so you can fully relax and focus on your own body, even if it might be difficult for you to be away from him. This will be the best way to fully benefit from your perinatal massage.
6. As of when can I get a mommy massage?
You can book a mommy massage whenever you feel ready. Nevertheless, check with your doctor first if you had a C-section or a complicated delivery and always mention the massage therapist that you have recently given birth so he can adjust his practice accordingly.
7. Will a perinatal massage be reimbursed by my health insurance?
Always contact your health insurance before booking an appointment if you would like to know if the perinatal massage costs will be covered. This will depend on the insurance company you have chosen and the coverage you have selected.
Browse through our network of selected perinatal massage therapists and book an appointment now!
Want to book a perinatal massage now? Browse through our selected network of trustworthy pregnancy massage therapists or postpartum recovery service providers, select the one who most closely meets your needs and plan an appointment when most convenient. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to our team at hello@parentally.nl. Help is just around the corner!
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Looking for other types of support? This related article might be of interest to you: prenatal yoga & fitness.