Nine months of carrying a baby in the womb is the most physically demanding experience a woman can undergo. The best way for a woman to get in shape, ready for the role of nurturing a child, is not simply to prepare her mental and emotional well-being, but also to prepare her physical health before she gives birth and after.
Prenatal and postnatal massages can be beneficial to you in a variety of ways, as long as the massage is administered by a qualified therapist from a reputable massage centre. At our confinement nanny agency, our therapists are trained in providing prenatal and postnatal massages that can help you look and feel good during pregnancy and after childbirth. Read on to learn more about the benefits of prenatal massage.
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The difference between a regular massage and a prenatal massage
In contrast to a regular massage, a prenatal massage uses different techniques. A woman’s anatomical changes during pregnancy require specific techniques that will not harm her or her unborn child. These differences include:
- In a regular massage, the client lies on their stomach to receive a back massage. Prenatal massages, however, do not comply with this rule as they place unnecessary pressure on the mother’s stomach and disturb the flow of blood to the baby.
- Regular massages are performed on flat massage tables. Prenatal massages, however, sometimes use special tables as well as cushions and other mechanisms to ensure the safety and comfort of the mother.
- A client can expect deep tissue work on their limbs in a regular massage. Nevertheless, this does not occur during a prenatal massage because this can result in blood clots that can be extremely dangerous to mother and child alike.
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It helps to regulate your hormones
The American Pregnancy Association reports that massage therapy can alter a woman’s hormone levels related to relaxation and stress. Women who receive massage therapy regularly have lower stress-related hormone levels and higher levels of dopamine and serotonin, which prevents depression and moodiness.
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It improves blood circulation
As a whole, massage helps improve blood circulation by flushing out toxins and ensuring that oxygen-rich blood is brought to tensed muscles. As an added benefit of improved blood circulation, pregnant women and new mothers experience better sleep quality, reduced blood pressure, and better nutrient supply to their bodies. This also helps breastfeeding mums produce more milk. At Super Nanny Services, we provide prenatal massages as part of our confinement services which can help ease muscle stiffness, relieve mental fatigue, and reduce stress hormones.
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It eases anxiety
Mums-to-be may feel anxious about the impending birth of their child. You are concerned about the pain, the baby’s health, and anything else that can go wrong. While you are pregnant, prenatal massages can help ease the tension you’re feeling and give you a sense of peace.
If you’re a new mom, the stress your body went through may have weakened you, so a good rub now and then can help you relax your body. Due to all the physical changes pregnant women undergo, such as weight gain, swelling, and bloating, our nannies at our confinement agencyare trained in giving massages that are designed to pamper the expectant mother.
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It soothes body aches
With the added weight you have to carry, your body is surely feeling the effects. Occasionally, you may experience back pain, as well as muscle pains. Inflammation can also occur in your joints. The same holds true even after delivery. With confinement services such as prenatal and postnatal massages, your body’s tissues get to relax and with increased endorphin production, pain is reduced.
When should you book your prenatal massage?
The first, second, or third trimester are all acceptable times for mothers to start massage therapy. Prenatal massages are filled with several benefits, which is why expectant mothers are quick to book their slots for both prenatal and postnatal massages.
The slots fill up pretty quickly, which is why it’s important to book your slots for our confinement services as soon as you discover that you’re pregnant. Let us be a part of your pregnancy journey and we’ll make sure you’ll look and feel great as you prepare your body for this beautiful, new phase of life!
Get in touch with us today to learn more about the different confinement services we offer.