Mothering the Mother

Postnatal massage
Fernie Postpartum Massage services

Postnatal Massage in Fernie, BC ~ The postpartum period is a time of many physical, emotional and spiritual transitions. After childbirth, the woman’s body undergoes many structural and physiological changes in order to heal from the strains of labour, as well as to return to its pre-pregnancy state. The woman adapts to life with a new baby that demands 24 hour care, often leaving little time to look after herself.

Many aspects of baby care involve countless lifting, twisting, and bending. Though it often may seem difficult to fit into a busy schedule, postpartum massage therapy is one of the MOST beneficial things a new mom to do for herself. A mom who takes regular care of herself through massage is also better able to care for her baby, because she is in a better state of health— both physically and mentally. Massage therapy is beneficial throughout both the immediate postpartum period (first 6 weeks after birth) and long-term postpartum periods.

Postpartum Massage Therapy can help:

  • Ease muscle strain & fatigue from labour exertions
  • Help eliminate excess fluids held within body tissues
  • Reduce pain and headaches that may be caused by epidural anethesia
  • Restore and normalize abdominal structures
  • Improve circulation & relieve congestion in organs cramped & displaced during pregnancy
  • Restore normal walking patterns
  • Rebalance & realign pelvic & spinal structures
  • Reduce muscle & joint imbalances caused by common aspects of baby care
  • Encourage proper tissue healing & digestive tract functioning (peristalsis) after a cesarean birth

After a Cesarean Birth, Massage can also:

  • Help reestablish peristalsis (digestive tract functioning) & ease gas pains
  • Decrease swelling by promoting lymphatic flow uptake to facilitate recovery
  • Encourage proper scar tissue alignment (any time after scar has healed)
  • Reduce fascial shortening that can produce long term postural & functional imbalances