Postnatal massage, a highly popular service amongst the mommy community. In today’s entry, we are going to look into some of the common selling points & benefits of postnatal massages, and see whether it’s really worth the hype!
Claim 1: Weight Loss
Many postnatal massage services market themselves as a guaranteed option to get your postnatal body back in shape. However, it is important to note before engaging in postnatal massage that their massage techniques used are not catered for weight loss. Postnatal massage relax the body by loosening up tight muscles and reduce the appearance of cellulites by breaking the subcutaneous tissue, making the skin look firmer – but only temporarily.
Ideal progress and results may be seen in a few sessions, but they only help to shed water weight & tighten the skin’s elasticity. Once the massage package ends, there is a high tendency for mommies’ water weight to come back and for their skin to lose its firmness. This is because our skin’s elasticity and the water in our bodies will always fluctuate. Many would think that the solution would be to book more sessions, but overly massaging the body would lead to soreness and lethargy.
Claim 2: Improved Lactation
The breast massage aspect included in a postnatal massage generally relieves breast pains by reducing clogged ducts and engorgement, and thus ensuring a steady flow of breast milk supply.
Aside from a breast massage, a postnatal massage focuses on other parts of the body as well, as the service is a full body rubdown. Albeit how soothing it sounds, the full body rubdown actually serves as a double-edged sword. The effleurage techniques (i.e. repeated circular strokes with light pressure) applied in a full body massage stimulates relaxation and shedding of water weight through the loss of bodily fluids. What often goes unshared with mommies is that by not taking into account the amount of bodily fluids needed/lost, a drop in bodily fluids will often limit the breast milk’s level of supply and nutrients.
In certain cases, the postnatal massage may even overstimulate the breast. When this happens, it heightens the chances of breast engorgement and mastitis.
Claim 3: Promotes Better Sleep
As aforementioned a few times above, a postnatal massage is sure to help you relax. But with the potential breastfeeding problems caused by the massage, better sleep may be a challenge!
Claim 4: Reduces Post-Surgery Swelling & Improves Womb Recovery
Yes, the postnatal massage can indeed improve blood circulation, and speed up recovery. This, however, requires the masseuse to be equipped with the right skills and knowledge which comes from proper training in post-surgery care – which many masseuses lack. Application of conventional massage techniques (i.e. fully body, non-targeted repetitive kneading) may cause more harm than good.
We understand that many mummies are still keen in improved blood circulation and speedy recovery, so as to get rid of the commonly referred to “kangaroo pouch” and to reposition their abdominal organs. Contrary to popular belief, a massage isn’t necessary to reposition your organs properly. Breastfeeding alone can naturally help with uterine contraction, getting your organs back in position!
Rejoice Pregnancy’s postnatal services (i.e. Lactation Therapy & Uterus Care, Lymphatic Drainage & Body Sculpting) may seem like any ordinary postnatal care service — but the techniques we implement are different!
Our programmes include physical therapy, but they are more than just a massage to relax your body. At Rejoice Pregnancy, our maternal health visitors are equipped with skills to properly assess mummies’ bodily needs.
We help mommies with recovery, but we also take into account the level of bodily fluids needed, lest these mommies are tasked with new breastfeeding problems. In addition to all these necessary and preventive assessments, of course the physical part of our programme will still bring you comfort and relaxation by the end of each session!
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