Massage in pregnancy
is a wonderful experience. It helps a woman relax, supports her body during a period of physiological change and helps to prepare the whole body for birth.
Pregnancy puts strain on the body and massage can help to relieve muscular aches and pains, swelling of hands and feet, headache, insomnia/fatigue, mood swings, sinus congestion, cramps and other common health problems experienced during pregnancy.
Massage is good for baby too. Research has shown that the unborn baby can be affected by the stress levels experienced by its mother. Massage has an indirect relaxing effect on the baby as the mother releases oxytoxcin and prolactin as a result of skin stimulation.
Massage in Labour
is a great practical tool which the women and her birth partner can use to help with pain relief and to lessen anxiety during labour. It is often difficult to remember complicated massage routines during labour but simple strokes really can have benefits. Massage can be of particular use in early stages of labour when stronger pain relief may not be necessary to make the women feel more comfortable. Massage also gives your birth partner a “role” and can help him/her feel more involved in the birth.