Nurturing Your Body: Postpartum Belly Massage for Optimal Recovery after Birth
Congratulations on your journey into motherhood! Pregnancy and childbirth are incredible feats that transform not only your life but also your body. As you embark on the postpartum phase, it's crucial to prioritize your recovery. One effective and soothing method to support your postpartum journey is through postpartum belly massage. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits and techniques of postpartum belly massage for new mums, offering a holistic approach to recovery.
The Importance of Postpartum Recovery
The postpartum period is a time of physical and emotional adjustment. Your body undergoes significant changes during pregnancy and childbirth, and proper recovery is vital for overall well-being. Postpartum recovery allows your body to heal, regain strength, and adapt to the demands of motherhood.
You can read more about how your body changes after birth here: 6 Physical Changes after Birth.
And if you want to know how to support your postpartum recovery other than through belly massage, you can read this post here: 5 Universal Postpartum Needs.
Benefits of Postpartum Belly Massage
1. Improved Circulation
Postpartum belly massage helps stimulate blood flow to the abdominal area, promoting better circulation. Increased blood flow can aid in the healing of tissues, reduce swelling, and contribute to a faster recovery.
2. Uterus Recovery
The uterus grows during pregnancy to accommodate the growing baby. Once your baby is born, the uterus has to contract down to its pre-pregnancy size. Postpartum belly massage stimulates the uterus muscles to contract. That helps the uterus recover and prevents major postpartum bleeds.
3. Improved Digestion
Digestion can be slow for a few days after birth. Some new mums experience constipation and bloating. Your digestive system is very vulnerable in the weeks after birth and by eating easy-to-digest foods and drinking herbal teas that support digestion, you can help your digestive system not to get overloaded. Postpartum belly massage helps to improve digestion by doing clockwise circles. It helps to relieve gas and gets digestion going.
4. Hormonal Regulation
Massage has been shown to influence hormonal balance. Postpartum belly massage brings your oxytocin levels up and helps to lower your cortisol levels, promoting emotional well-being and reducing stress levels in new mums.
5. Scar Tissue Management
For mums who had a cesarean birth, postpartum belly massage can help manage scar tissue. Gentle massage techniques can break down adhesions and promote flexibility in the scar tissue, reducing discomfort and promoting optimal healing.
6. Emotional Support
The postpartum period brings a rollercoaster of emotions. Belly massage offers a moment of relaxation and self-care, helping to alleviate stress and promote a positive emotional state.
How to Perform Postpartum Belly Massage
You can do it yourself but I would like to encourage you to ask someone else to do it for you. Postpartum is a time when you should be supported and cared for and I always find belly massage a great way for the woman and her partner to connect. You can also ask your midwife, doula, friend or sister.
1. When to start?
You can generally start with a gentle belly massage the day after you give birth. If you had a complicated birth or a cesarean birth then it might be a good idea to wait a few more days. You can always ask your care provider if you are unsure.
2. Create a Relaxing Environment
Find a quiet, comfortable and warm space where you can lie down comfortably. Dim the lights, play soothing music, and create an atmosphere that encourages relaxation.
3. Use Nourishing Oils
Choose a natural, nourishing and warming oil for your massage, such as almond or sesame oil. These oils can provide hydration to the skin and enhance the massage experience. I use my Postpartum Belly Massage Oil with my clients. The oil is a mixture of essential oils that supports the physical recovery and emotional adjustment of a new mum.
4. Gentle Massage Techniques
Start with gentle, circular motions around the belly button, gradually expanding outward. Use light pressure and listen to your body's cues. Pay attention to areas of tension or discomfort and adjust accordingly.
Watch the video for a detailed instruction on how to do the belly massage (Minute 6:38).
5. Incorporate Deep Breathing
Combine deep breathing exercises with your postpartum belly massage. Inhale deeply, expanding your belly, and exhale slowly. Deep breathing enhances relaxation and helps release tension.
6. Include Pelvic Floor Exercises
You can integrate pelvic floor exercises into your postpartum belly massage routine. Gentle contractions and releases of the pelvic floor muscles can contribute to pelvic floor rehabilitation. On the inhale relax your pelvic floor muscles. On the exhale contract your pelvic floor muscles. Both, contracting and relaxing, are so important for proper pelvic floor engagement and rehabilitation.
7. Be Mindful of Emotions
As you engage in postpartum belly massage, be mindful of any emotions that may arise. This practice is not only physical but also emotional, allowing you to connect with your body and foster a positive mindset.
Let your tears flow if they come. Connecting to your “empty” belly in the first few days after birth can be emotional for new mums. Belly massage can also bring up emotions from a traumatic birth experience.
Conclusion
Embracing postpartum belly massage as part of your recovery journey is a wonderful way to nurture your body and mind. The gentle techniques and mindful approach can contribute to physical healing, emotional well-being, and the overall joy of motherhood. As you embark on this transformative chapter, remember to prioritize self-care, listen to your body, and savor the precious moments with your little one.
Belly Massage is one of my favourite ways to support a new mum and is always part of my postpartum support session. If you are pregnant and want to feel supported and cared for in your postpartum, then please reach out. I’d love to have a chat.