Managing Postpartum Sleep Deprivation: How to Improve Your Rest and Reclaim Your Energy

/in /by

One of the biggest challenges new mums face is postpartum sleep deprivation. The constant demands of caring for a newborn, coupled with disrupted sleep, can leave you feeling exhausted, irritable, and unable to function at your best. While there’s no magic solution to getting eight uninterrupted hours of sleep with a new baby, there are ways to improve your rest and manage the effects of sleep deprivation.

In this blog, we’ll explore the causes of postpartum sleep deprivation, practical tips for improving your rest, and how self-care practices like massage can play a role in helping you feel more energised.

 

1. The Reality of Postpartum Sleep Deprivation

Sleep deprivation in the postpartum period is very common, as babies need frequent feeding and attention during the night. It’s not just the quantity of sleep that’s affected but the quality as well. New mums often experience fragmented sleep, which prevents them from reaching the deeper stages of restorative rest.

How Sleep Deprivation Affects You:

  • Physical Fatigue: Constant tiredness can make daily tasks feel overwhelming and can affect your ability to care for your baby and yourself.
  • Mood Swings: Lack of sleep can exacerbate postpartum mood changes, leading to irritability, anxiety, or sadness.
  • Reduced Focus and Memory: Sleep deprivation can impact cognitive functions, making it harder to concentrate and remember things.

Understanding these effects can help you prioritise solutions that support better rest.

2. Practical Tips to Improve Your Sleep

While it’s impossible to eliminate the interruptions that come with a newborn, these tips can help you make the most of the rest you do get:

  • Nap When Your Baby Naps:It might sound cliché, but sleeping when your baby sleeps is one of the simplest ways to catch up on rest. Even short power naps can help reduce fatigue and improve your mood.
  • Create a Restful Environment:Ensure your sleeping space is conducive to rest. This includes making the room dark, cool, and quiet, and using white noise if needed. A comfortable mattress and supportive pillows can also make a difference in the quality of your sleep.
  • Share Nighttime Responsibilities: If possible, share the responsibility of nighttime feedings or diaper changes with your partner or a family member. Even alternating nights or shifts can help each person get longer stretches of sleep.
  • Prioritise Relaxation Before Bedtime:Engage in calming activities before bed, such as reading, light stretching, or listening to soothing music. Avoid screens at least 30 minutes before bedtime, as the blue light can interfere with your natural sleep cycle.
  • Ask for Help: Don’t be afraid to reach out for support from friends or family. Whether it’s having someone watch your baby for an hour so you can nap or helping with household tasks, accepting help can alleviate stress and allow you to rest.

 

3. How Massage Can Support Better Sleep

Massage is a powerful yet often overlooked tool for improving sleep quality and managing postpartum fatigue. Here’s how it can help:

  • Reduces Stress and Promotes Relaxation:Massage helps lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone), promoting a state of relaxation that makes it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. It also increases serotonin, which helps regulate your sleep cycle.
  • Eases Muscle Tension and Pain: Caring for a newborn can lead to physical strain, especially in the neck, back, and shoulders. Massage relieves muscle tension and pain, making it easier for you to relax when it’s time to rest.
  • Improves Circulation: Better blood flow means your body can deliver oxygen and nutrients more efficiently, which helps with muscle recovery and overall energy levels. Improved circulation can contribute to a deeper, more restful sleep.

At Maternal Grounding, we offer postpartum massage that’s tailored to support your recovery and improve sleep quality. Taking time for a massage session can be an effective way to reset your body and mind.

 

4. Building a Self-Care Routine to Support Better Sleep

Creating a self-care routine that incorporates relaxation and stress relief can have a significant impact on your rest. Here are a few simple ways to include self-care in your day:

  • Practice Deep Breathing: Spend a few minutes practicing deep, mindful breathing before bedtime to calm your nervous system and prepare your body for sleep.
  • Gentle Stretching: Light stretches before bed can relieve tension in your muscles, making it easier to fall asleep. Focus on areas like the lower back, hips, and shoulders.

Book a Postpartum Massage:

Scheduling regular massages can be a powerful way to manage stress, reduce physical tension, and promote better sleep. Click here to book your postpartum massage at Maternal Grounding and experience the benefits for yourself.

Overcoming Mum Guilt: How to Let Go and Embrace Self-Care

/in /by

Motherhood is a beautiful journey, but it often comes with a side of guilt. From feeling guilty about working or not working to taking time for yourself or not being “enough” for your children, mum guilt can be overwhelming. Many mums put their own needs last, thinking that self-care is selfish or a luxury. But the truth is, taking care of yourself isn’t just good for you—it’s essential for your family, too.

In this blog, we’ll explore the origins of mum guilt, why self-care matters, and practical ways to release guilt and embrace self-care without feeling selfish.

1. Understanding Mum Guilt: Why Do We Feel It?

Mum guilt is rooted in the unrealistic expectations society often places on mothers. There’s a constant pressure to be perfect, to do it all, and to be present 24/7. Here are some of the common triggers of mum guilt:

  • Not Being “Present” Enough: Whether you’re working outside the home or trying to juggle household tasks, it’s easy to feel like you’re not spending enough time with your kids.
  • Needing Time for Yourself: Many mums feel guilty when they take time to exercise, have a cup of coffee alone, or simply rest. The thought that you’re “taking time away” from your family can be hard to shake.
  • Comparing Yourself to Others:Social media often shows an unrealistic portrayal of motherhood, leading many mums to compare themselves to others and feel inadequate.

The first step in overcoming mum guilt is understanding that it’s normal and that you’re not alone. The goal isn’t to eliminate guilt altogether, but to manage it so it doesn’t prevent you from prioritising your well-being.

 

2. Why Self-Care Is Essential (Not Selfish)

Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. Here’s why self-care is vital for mums:

  • It Boosts Your Energy: Self-care activities like massage, exercise, or even a quiet bath can replenish your energy levels, making you more present and engaged with your family.
  • It Reduces Stress: When you take time to focus on your well-being, stress levels decrease. Lower stress leads to a more positive mood, better patience, and improved overall health.
  • It Sets a Positive Example: When your children see you taking care of yourself, they learn that self-care is a normal, healthy part of life. This teaches them the importance of balance and boundaries.
  • It Helps You Stay Connected to Yourself: Motherhood often means putting everyone else first, but self-care allows you to reconnect with who you are beyond the role of a mum. It’s a reminder that you matter, too.

3. Practical Tips to Manage Mum Guilt and Embrace Self-Care

Here are some simple ways to let go of mum guilt and make self-care a priority:

  • Start Small: Self-care doesn’t have to mean a weekend away (though that’s great, too!). Start with small, manageable breaks—a 10-minute walk, a warm shower, or a quiet cup of tea. These small moments can make a big difference.
  • Reframe Your Thinking: Instead of seeing self-care as “time away,” think of it as “time to recharge.” Remind yourself that taking a break helps you be a better mum because you’re taking care of your own needs.
  • Schedule It In: Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Schedule it into your day, just like you would any other important task. Whether it’s a weekly massage, a yoga class, or a quiet moment to read, make sure it’s part of your week.
  • Seek Support: Let your partner, friends, or family know that you’re prioritising self-care and why it’s important. Asking for help or sharing responsibilities doesn’t make you less of a mum—it makes you a strong one.

 

4. How Massage Can Help Relieve Mum Guilt and Boost Well-Being

Postpartum and motherhood massage is more than just physical relief—it’s a dedicated time for you. Massage helps reduce stress, release physical tension, and boost mood. It’s a powerful form of self-care that supports both your physical and emotional well-being.

At Maternal Grounding, we offer tailored massages designed to help mums feel recharged, relaxed, and ready to take on their day. It’s not just about treating your body—it’s about nurturing your mind and soul, too.

 

Embrace Self-Care Without Guilt

Letting go of mum guilt is a journey, not an overnight change. Remember that self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential. By taking care of yourself, you’re setting a positive example for your children and showing them that a healthy, happy mum is a strong mum.

If you’re ready to prioritise your well-being, consider booking a massage with Maternal Grounding. It’s your time to relax, recharge, and embrace self-care.

 

Click here to book your massage today!

The Fourth Trimester: Why Postpartum Care Is Just as Important as Prenatal Care

/in , /by

You’ve spent months preparing for your baby’s arrival—countless appointments, prenatal classes, and self-care routines to support a healthy pregnancy. But what happens after your baby is born? The first few months after birth, often referred to as the fourth trimester, are a critical yet often overlooked phase of motherhood. During this time, your body is healing from the physical demands of birth, while you’re adjusting emotionally to life with a newborn.

Postpartum care is just as important as prenatal care, if not more so. In this blog, we’ll explore why the fourth trimester requires dedicated attention and how taking care of yourself can lead to a smoother recovery and a more balanced transition into motherhood.

1. What Is the Fourth Trimester?

The fourth trimester refers to the first 12 weeks after childbirth. During this time, both you and your baby are adjusting to a whole new world. Your baby is getting used to life outside the womb, while your body is healing, hormonally shifting, and learning how to function in this new chapter of life.

Many new mums are so focused on their newborns that they forget to care for themselves. But this postpartum period is crucial for your recovery—both physically and emotionally. Your body is still adjusting, and the demands of motherhood can easily lead to exhaustion and overwhelm.

2. Physical Healing After Birth: Why Your Body Needs Time

Whether you had a vaginal birth or a C-section, your body has been through an intense experience, and it needs time to recover. Here’s why postpartum care is essential for your physical recovery:

Hormonal Shifts:

The hormone levels that supported your pregnancy are now dropping quickly, which can lead to fatigue, mood swings, and other challenges like hair loss or night sweats.

Tissue Repair:

Your body is healing from childbirth, whether that’s from vaginal tears, perineal stitches, or a C-section incision. Supporting this healing process through proper rest and care is crucial.

Muscle Recovery:

Pregnancy and birth put a significant strain on your pelvic floor and abdominal muscles. Without proper care, this can lead to issues like back pain, incontinence, or diastasis recti (abdominal separation).

Postpartum massage can play a key role in aiding your physical recovery, promoting circulation, reducing swelling, and easing muscle tension, allowing your body to heal more effectively.

3. Emotional Support During the Fourth Trimester

Beyond the physical recovery, the emotional changes during the postpartum period can be overwhelming. The drastic hormonal shifts combined with the demands of a newborn can lead to mood swings, irritability, and sometimes even postpartum depression or anxiety. Here’s why emotional care is so important:

Baby Blues:

Many mums experience “baby blues,” which typically last for a couple of weeks. These feelings of sadness or moodiness are often due to the rapid hormonal changes after birth. While they are normal, taking care of your emotional well-being can help you manage them better.

Postpartum Depression and Anxiety:

For some mums, these feelings don’t go away. Postpartum depression and anxiety can manifest as persistent sadness, extreme worry, or a feeling of being overwhelmed. Seeking support from family, friends, or a professional is essential if these feelings persist.

The Importance of Connection:

In the whirlwind of caring for a newborn, it’s easy to feel isolated. Connecting with others—whether it’s friends, family, or other new mums—can help you feel supported and understood.

Mindful practices like meditation or deep breathing can also support emotional well-being, helping you feel more grounded as you adjust to your new role as a mother.

4. The Benefits of Postpartum Massage

While prenatal massage is often emphasised during pregnancy, postpartum massage is just as important. Here’s how it can support your recovery during the fourth trimester:

1. Eases Muscle Tension and Pain:

Caring for a newborn can lead to muscle tension, especially in the neck, shoulders, and back. Postpartum massage can help release these tight muscles, easing discomfort and promoting relaxation.

2. Supports Hormonal Balance:

The fourth trimester is marked by significant hormonal shifts, and massage can help stimulate your lymphatic system, which supports hormone regulation and can help ease mood swings and emotional tension.

3. Reduces Swelling and Improves Circulation:

Your body often retains extra fluid after childbirth, leading to swelling, especially in the legs and feet. Massage stimulates circulation, helping your body flush out excess fluids and reduce swelling.

4. Enhances Emotional Well-Being:

Taking time for a postpartum massage isn’t just about physical recovery; it’s also about nurturing your emotional well-being. The soothing effects of massage help reduce stress, increase relaxation, and give you a much-needed break to focus on yourself.

5. Practical Postpartum Care Tips

Here are a few simple yet effective ways to support your recovery and well-being during the fourth trimester:

1. Prioritise Rest and Sleep:

Sleep may be hard to come by with a newborn, but it’s essential for your recovery. Try to rest whenever your baby naps, and don’t hesitate to ask for help so you can catch up on sleep.

2. Nourish Your Body:

A nutrient-rich diet is key to supporting your recovery and keeping your energy levels up. Focus on foods rich in protein, healthy fats, and whole grains, as well as hydration.

3. Book a Postpartum Massage:

As a specialist in postpartum massage, I’m here to support your healing journey. A postpartum massage can help with muscle recovery, relaxation, and emotional balance, making it an essential part of your care routine. Click here to book your postpartum massage today!

4. Stay Connected:

It’s easy to feel isolated in the fourth trimester. Make time for short catch-ups with friends or family, or connect with a local mothers’ group for support and understanding.

The fourth trimester is a time of immense change, both physically and emotionally. Just as you took care of yourself during pregnancy, it’s essential to prioritise your postpartum care to support your recovery and well-being. From physical healing to emotional support, taking care of yourself during this period will help you feel stronger and more balanced as you step into motherhood.

Remember, you deserve just as much care and attention in the fourth trimester as you did throughout your pregnancy. Whether it’s through postpartum massage, nourishing foods, or simply resting when you can, these self-care practices are essential for your recovery.

Ready to focus on your postpartum healing? Book your postpartum massage today and give your body and mind the support they need during this transformative time.

Coping with the Emotional Rollercoaster of Pregnancy: How Massage and Mindfulness Can Help

/in /by

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but it’s also filled with emotional highs and lows. For many expectant mums, feelings of joy, excitement, and anticipation can quickly shift to anxiety, frustration, or even sadness. The emotional rollercoaster is completely normal as your body undergoes hormonal changes, and the reality of becoming a mother begins to set in. However, it can also feel overwhelming, especially when those emotions catch you off guard.

The good news is that there are ways to navigate these emotional shifts with more ease and balance. In this blog, we’ll explore how pregnancy massage and mindfulness can be powerful tools to help you manage the emotional challenges of pregnancy, allowing you to feel more grounded, relaxed, and connected to both your body and baby.

 

Understanding the Emotional Ups and Downs of Pregnancy

Pregnancy hormones, particularly progesterone and estrogen, play a key role in mood swings. These hormones fluctuate significantly, especially in the first and third trimesters, which can cause sudden shifts in your emotional state. Here are some common emotionsexperience:• Anxiety: Worries about the health of your baby, the birth process, or future parenting responsibilities can feel all-consuming at times.
• Irritability: Hormonal changes can lead to heightened sensitivity, making you feel irritable or frustrated, sometimes without a clear reason.
• Joy and Excitement: Many women feel overjoyed at the thought of becoming a mum, but this happiness can be quickly followed by moments of doubt or fear.
• Sadness or Moodiness: Hormones can also lead to feelings of sadness, which might feel confusing if you’re otherwise excited about your pregnancy.

These emotional fluctuations are normal, but it’s important to have tools in place to manage them in a healthy way. This is where pregnancy massage and mindfulness can play a vital role in emotional well-being.

 

How Pregnancy Massage Helps Regulate Emotions

Massage therapy is often thought of as purely physical relief, but it can also provide profound emotional benefits during pregnancy. Here’s how:

1. Reducing Stress and Anxiety:

Pregnancy massage lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can help calm your nervous system and reduce feelings of anxiety. The gentle, rhythmic touch of massage promotes relaxation, helping your mind and body unwind.

2. Releasing Feel-Good Hormones:

Massage increases the production of serotonin and dopamine—your body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals. These hormones help improve mood and promote a sense of well-being, offering relief from mood swings and emotional discomfort.

3. Easing Physical Tension and Discomfort:

The physical discomforts of pregnancy, like back pain or swollen legs, can contribute to emotional stress. By addressing these physical issues, pregnancy massage helps alleviate emotional tension as well, making you feel lighter both physically and mentally.

4. Encouraging Mind-Body Connection:

Massage encourages you to tune in to your body, helping you stay present and connected to your growing baby. This mind-body connection is crucial in managing emotional ups and downs and helps create a sense of calm and empowerment throughout your pregnancy.

 

Mindfulness as an Emotional Anchor During Pregnancy

Mindfulness—the practice of staying present and aware in the moment—can be incredibly effective in helping you manage the emotional challenges of pregnancy. Here’s how incorporating mindfulness can help you cope:

1. Building Emotional Awareness:

Mindfulness helps you recognise and accept your emotions without judgment. Instead of trying to push away feelings of anxiety or sadness, mindfulness teaches you to observe them with compassion, allowing you to process emotions more calmly.

2. Reducing Overwhelm:

When emotions feel intense, it’s easy to get caught in a cycle of worry or overthinking. Mindfulness practices, like deep breathing or body scans, help ground you in the present moment, reducing feelings of overwhelm and bringing a sense of clarity.

3. Focusing on Positive Thoughts:

Regular mindfulness practice can help you focus on positive emotions and gratitude, even during challenging moments. By practicing mindfulness, you train your mind to stay present with positive experiences, which helps balance out the emotional rollercoaster.

4. Strengthening the Connection with Your Baby:

Practicing mindfulness can also help you connect with your baby. By slowing down and tuning into your body and emotions, you create space to acknowledge your bond with your baby and prepare for motherhood in a grounded, present way.

 

Simple Ways to Incorporate Pregnancy Massage and Mindfulness into Your Routine

1. Book Regular Pregnancy Massages with Maternal Grounding:

As a certified pregnancy massage therapist at Maternal Grounding, I offer specialised pregnancy massages designed to support both your physical and emotional well-being. Regular sessions can help you manage stress, ease physical discomfort, and maintain emotional balance. Click here to book your pregnancy massage today!

2. Practice Daily Deep Breathing:

Whenever you feel overwhelmed by emotions, take a few moments to practice deep, mindful breathing. Inhale slowly through your nose for a count of four, hold for a count of four, then exhale through your mouth for a count of six. This practice can quickly reduce stress and help regulate your emotions.

3. Listen to Guided Meditations for Pregnancy:

Take advantage of our Maternal Grounding Meditations, specifically created to support your emotional and physical well-being during pregnancy. Set aside just 10 minutes a day to listen, relax, and reconnect with yourself and your baby through these mindful, soothing meditations.

4. Create a Relaxing Evening Ritual:

Incorporate both massage and mindfulness into a calming evening routine. Use a gentle belly massage with soothing oils to connect with your baby, followed by a few minutes of quiet reflection or journaling to process your emotions from the day.

Pregnancy is a time of profound emotional shifts, but it’s possible to navigate these changes with more ease by incorporating pregnancy massage and mindfulness into your routine. Both practices help reduce stress, connect you to your body and baby, and provide the emotional support you need to feel grounded and balanced.

Remember, taking care of your emotional health is just as important as nurturing your physical well-being during pregnancy. By making space for self-care, you’ll be better equipped to embrace all the joys and challenges of this incredible journey.

Ready to feel more balanced and supported? Book a pregnancy massage today with Maternal Grounding and experience the emotional and physical benefits for yourself!

Postpartum Healing

The Journey to Postpartum Healing: Nurturing Yourself After Birth

/in , /by

Postpartum Healing

The Journey to Postpartum Healing: Nurturing Yourself After Birth

Bringing a new life into the world is nothing short of miraculous. But, as we all know, the journey doesn’t end once your baby is born. In fact, in many ways, it’s just beginning—especially for your body. Postpartum healing is an essential phase that deserves as much attention and care as pregnancy itself.

As a mum, you’ve just been through one of the most physically and emotionally demanding experiences of your life. Yet, the focus often shifts entirely to the newborn, leaving many mums feeling neglected or even guilty for wanting to care for themselves. But here’s the truth: Postpartum healing is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. In this blog, we’re going to dive into why healing after childbirth is so important, the challenges you may face, and how you can help your body recover in a nurturing and holistic way.

Why Postpartum Healing is Crucial

Your body goes through enormous changes during pregnancy and birth, from hormonal shifts to physical strains. During this time, muscles are stretched, organs shift, and joints are stressed. Once your baby is born, your body needs time and care to return to its new normal. Skipping proper postpartum care can lead to long-term issues such as chronic back pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, and lingering exhaustion.

Your recovery is vital, not just for your own health but for your ability to care for your baby. When you’re feeling well, rested, and less stressed, you’re in a better position to nurture and bond with your newborn.

Common Postpartum Challenges

Here are some of the most common issues new mums face in the weeks and months following birth:

  1. Physical Pain and TensionThe act of giving birth, whether vaginally or via C-section, is hard on your body. You may experience lingering pain in your back, neck, shoulders, and pelvis. This is often due to the physical exertion of childbirth, poor posture during breastfeeding, or muscle strain from carrying your baby.
  2. Fatigue and Sleep DeprivationSleep? What’s that? New mums often struggle to get proper rest, especially during the first few months. This constant lack of sleep can make it even harder for your body to heal.
  3. Emotional UpheavalYour hormones are all over the place after birth, which can lead to emotional ups and downs. Add the demands of caring for a newborn, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
  4. Pelvic Floor and Abdominal RecoveryPregnancy and childbirth can weaken your pelvic floor muscles and stretch your abdominal muscles (leading to diastasis recti). This can cause discomfort, incontinence, or a feeling of weakness in your core.
  5. Mental Health StrugglesPostpartum depression and anxiety are real challenges many mums face. The pressure to “bounce back” combined with feelings of exhaustion and isolation can create a tough mental landscape to navigate.

Supporting Your Body’s Healing Process

So how can you best support your postpartum healing journey? The key is self-care—and no, that doesn’t mean simply squeezing in a quick nap (though that’s great too!). It means prioritising holistic recovery, nurturing your body and mind with the time and attention they need.

1. Prioritise Rest and Sleep

Easier said than done, right? While it can be tough, finding small windows to rest is vital. Sleep when your baby sleeps, and if possible, enlist help from your partner, family, or friends to watch your little one so you can nap. Your body needs rest to heal, and lack of sleep can slow down the recovery process.

2. Nourish Your Body

Fuel your recovery with healthy, nutrient-dense foods. Opt for whole foods rich in protein, healthy fats, and fibre. Hydration is equally important, especially if you’re breastfeeding. Good nutrition not only speeds up healing but also boosts your energy levels and mood.

3. Gentle Movement

Once you’ve received your doctor’s approval, gentle exercise like walking, stretching, or postpartum yoga can help restore your strength and improve your mood. Focusing on strengthening your core and pelvic floor muscles will also help ease discomfort and prevent long-term issues.

4. Postpartum Massage and Bodywork

This is where Maternal Grounding can make a huge difference. Postpartum massage is designed specifically to help your body heal and rejuvenate after birth. Our massage techniques can help:

  • Relieve muscle tension and pain, especially in your back, neck, and shoulders.
  • Restore circulation and improve lymphatic drainage to reduce swelling and fluid retention.
  • Ease stress and anxiety, promoting emotional balance.
  • Support your pelvic floor recovery by encouraging muscle relaxation and healing.

Postpartum massage isn’t just about relaxation (though that’s a wonderful side effect!). It’s about giving your body the care it needs to heal, restore, and rebuild after the physical and emotional demands of birth.

5. Focus on Emotional Wellness

Allow yourself to feel everything—joy, exhaustion, overwhelm—and understand that it’s normal. If you’re struggling emotionally, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Whether it’s through talking with a friend, joining a support group, or seeking professional help, it’s important to acknowledge and honour your emotional health.

Maternal Grounding: Your Partner in Postpartum Healing

At Maternal Grounding, we understand that postpartum healing is a journey. Our Postpartum Bodywork Package is designed to provide new mums with the physical and emotional support they need to feel whole again. Through nurturing touch and a deep understanding of the postpartum body, we aim to help you find relief from pain, restore your energy, and reconnect with yourself.

Remember, you’re not just recovering from birth; you’re beginning a new chapter in your life. And just as your baby deserves care, so do you. Let us walk with you on this journey to postpartum healing.

Ready to Prioritise Your Healing?

If you’re ready to give your body the care it needs after birth, book your Postpartum Bodywork Package today! You’ve taken care of your baby, now it’s time to take care of yourself.

massage pregnancy safe

Is Massage Safe in Pregnancy?

/in , /by

massage pregnancy safeIs Massage Safe in Pregnancy?

A very good questions and one that you should ask! Pregnancy comes with many changes to the body (and mind) and a massage can help support mamas during this time. But is massage safe in pregnancy? Are all stages of pregnancy safe for massage?

Let’s delve in and chat about it!

Pregnancy massage has been seen in many ancient cultures across the world, including Ayurvedic Medicine in India, so it’s definitely not a modern day treatment.

I studied with Pregnancy Massage Australia under Catherine McInerney who is one of Australia’s leading experts in pregnancy, labour and postnatal bodywork.

The general answer is yes, massage is safe in pregnancy, as long as it’s undertaken by a specialist.

Some massage therapists will not massage clients in the first trimester in particular but it is safe, as long as your therapist is qualified and skilled in pregnancy massage.

“Common misconception and myths that pregnant women should not receive a massage in the first trimester have been addressed by the AAMT with its decision agreeing to first trimester massage – but only if it is undertaken by a trained pregnancy massage practitioner.” Pregnancy Massage Australia

Sciatica and carpal tunnel pain can start early in pregnancy, so getting some relief with a massage treatment is a god-send for mamas. The nurturing and safe space to be held during a treatment is also really important for mamas who are feeling emotional and sensitive with the hormone changes.

A pregnancy massage specialist knows what to look for, what techniques to use and how to make the mama comfortable and safe for each stage of pregnancy.

Traditional massages involve you either lying on your back or on your stomach. In pregnancy, prolonged lying in these positions is not recommended, so it is really important that the correct positioning and support is used.

It is also important to communicate with your therapist and let them know of any medical issues or conditions you may be experiencing so they can adapt their treatment. And if at any time you feel uncomfortable or are in pain during a treatment, allow the therapist to assist you.

Some essential oils are contraindicated in pregnancy and can be dangerous. A pregnancy massage specialist will ensure only safe oils are used at each stage.

Finally, there are some parts of the body which should not be massaged during pregnancy and some which require a very light touch and definitely no deep tissue. So again, a specially trained massage therapist will be able to keep you safe at all times.

There are so many benefits of massage during pregnancy including:

  • improving sleep and rest
  • reducing stress and anxiety
  • reducing hip, back and shoulder pain
  • reducing headaches with hormonal changes
  • creating a mother-baby connection
  • improving mild nausea
  • reducing swelling
  • alleviating heartburn
  • improving circulation

I see all of these benefits first hand as a holistic maternal bodywork specialist, however I also found it interesting to read this study which found that women who received regular prenatal massage were found to have less premature labours, shorter labours with less need for medication and less pain and decreased depression and anxiety!

Just more reasons to give yourself the very best self care of mind, body and soul in pregnancy! Not only is massage safe in pregnancy, it is highly recommended.

You might like to support your pregnancy with some holistic products from our shop.

Much love,

Jess Ngaheu Pregnancy and Post Natal Massage SpecialistJess Ngaheu

Maternal Bodywork Specialist

Book A Session With Me Here

 

Source: Pregnancy Massage Australia

All About The I Am Healing Centre

/in /by

All About The I Am Healing Centre

I feel so grateful to work from the I Am Healing centre on Fridays, so I thought I would tell you a bit more about this magical space.

As you know, I need to feel a deep connection and alignment with all collaborations connected to Maternal Grounding.

The I Am Healing centre is the perfect fit for me!

It has the same beautiful, nurturing energy that is the very core of my business with the space that I hold for my mamas. It was so important to me that I work from a space that makes my mamas feel loved, welcome and relaxed as soon as they walk in the door.

Sonia at I Am Healing has created the most beautiful sanctuary with a very high vibrational energy. The Heart Chakra symbol as the basis of their logo is a bit of a giveaway about the love vibe they have going on!!

All About The I Am Healing Centre

About I Am Healing:

I Am Healing is a sacred spiritual centre, located on the northern Gold Coast at De Barnett Street in Coomera. The centre has practitioner rooms offering many different types of modalities and therapies and there is also a beautiful shop where you can buy handmade local gifts, books, cards, oils, crystals, jewellery and so much more.

The holistic I AM practitioners are a very special group of humans who welcome everybody from all walks of life, with a real desire to help in any way they can. You can choose from modalities such as Meditation, Yoga, Qi Gong, Tai Chi, Kundalini, Readings, Counselling, Numerology, Past Life Regression, Healing Massage, Reiki, Craniosacral Therapy, Naturopathy, Bowen Therapy, Breath Work and more.

I Am Healing also offers group sessions of meditation and yoga and fun workshops in the beautiful studio space.

Sonia from I Am Healing

About Sonia:

Sonia is the amazing visionary behind the I AM Healing Centre Coomera whose passion is to assist all walks of life to return to love.

From a young age Sonia was curious about life, and often wondered why we were all here on earth, and what our purpose here was. She discovered Yoga and Meditation and this is where the real healing began. Sonia started to honour her gifts of intuition and connection to all things, and use them to help herself and many around her.

Sonia had a vision to open a sacred space: a space that people would walk into and instantly feel loved and safe and she has achieved this and so much more!

 

Follow I Am Healing:

I Am Healing website
I Am Healing Facebook 
I Am Healing Instagram
Location: 1/7-9 De Barnett Street, Coomera, Gold Coast

Bookings:
If you would like to experience my services in the beautiful sacred space that is I Am Healing, you can book in with me on Fridays here. Come and see why it’s so magical!!
Much love,

Jess Ngaheu Pregnancy and Post Natal Massage Specialist
Jess Ngaheu

Maternal Bodywork Specialist

Book a session with me here.

The Benefits of Baby Massage

/in , /by

 The Benefits of Baby Massage

 

The benefits of baby massage are so amazing, that it honestly just blows my mind how much we can help our babies develop with such a tool!

I have experienced the developmental benefits of baby massage first-hand with my son and I will explain some of those below. Here are the benefits of massaging your baby regularly:

 

Touch

Touch is one of the most underrated benefits to your baby’s development. Babies need and desire touch, just as much as they need and require food. This is so important for their overall well being.

Our skin is a vital sensory organ. It is the first organ developed by a baby in the womb and it is made of the same embryonic tissue as our brains. The skin is as thirsty for sensory experience as is the brain. The effect of skin contact, or the lack of it, can have profound consequences on all the systems of our bodies.

The importance of touch for babies is now well-known but this has not always been the case. In the early 19th century in America there was a high death rate in babies under the age of one raised in orphanages. This caused concern, especially as the babies were being provided with food, warmth and shelter. What the babies lacked however, was skin contact, or touch from their carers. The babies were only handled when absolutely necessary. The lack of touch and skin stimulation led to their nervous systems not developing properly and the babies became depressed, withdrawn and eventually died.

Bonding

The simple fact that you hold, touch and massage your baby gives them a sense of safeness. Bonding can take time, however baby massage plays an important part in beginning, enhancing and continuing the bonding process. Many studies have been conducted on the way that parents and babies bond and a number of key factors have been identified in the process.

Establishing a good bond between a carer and baby is so important and baby massage is a really effective technique to enhance that.  Bonding is super important for the mother to feel connected to their own baby and in return being able to meet the baby’s needs.

Mother and baby bonding will help make the baby feel safe and secure, so they feel like they can trust their mother. It is like a safe net for both mum and baby really.

Attachment

Baby massage can help create the feeling of attachment between you and your baby. Massaging your baby every day shows them that you are the one they can trust. This will, in turn, create a bond and attachment between you and your baby.

Minimising Post Natal Depression

Bonding with baby is super important for the mother to heal after birth. Lack of bonding is thought to be one factor involved in post natal depression in new mothers. When becoming a new mother it can be such a hard journey, always second guessing yourself that you are doing everything correctly.

So bonding with your newborn can make you feel confident in what you are doing with your baby and help your mental health. If mothers feel like they are not bonding with their baby, this can have huge affect on the mother’s mental health.

Eye contact

Making eye contact with your baby whilst massaging them is very beneficial and important. Eye contact helps mama and baby to recognise each other and aids in communication.

Relaxation

Massage is very important for aiding relaxation and reducing stress both for the parent and the baby. Our bodies naturally produce a group of hormones which help us to quickly raise blood pressure, increase heart rate and prepare muscles for movement when the body is under threat.

When you massage a baby, the baby’s body produces a hormone called oxytocin which belongs to a group of “feel good hormones“. These hormones help to lower the levels of stress hormones in the body and therefore help to lower blood pressure, heart rate, and improve appetite.

Stimulation and Development

This is my favourite benefit of massage and one of the reasons why I want to help as many babies as I can.

The development of the brain through massage is absolutely phenomenal. It can help the myelination process grow as massage is stimulating your baby to discover their senses.

Myelination is the process of coating the axon of each neuron with a fatty coating called myelin, which protects the neuron and helps it conduct signals more efficiently. So massaging your baby can help build those signals to deliver messages more effectively and at a greater speed.

The most active parts of the brain at birth are the sensory motor cortex, the thalamus, the brainstem and the cerebellum. The cortex of the brain is not yet able to function and therefore babies are not capable of complex thinking. This part of the brain develops as myelination of the nerves occurs over time.

Studies have shown that in some cases where babies and children have been deprived of sensory input through the nervous system due to lack of tactile stimulation and human interaction, areas of brain development can be prevented which can result in behavioural/social/emotional problems later in life.

A recent study on the effect of maternal contact during infancy suggests that the brain cells of a baby not exposed to maternal touch can degenerate and die as a result of such deprivation thus impeding the development of the infant.

I can personally vouch for this amazing research on baby development through massage with my son. My son had a very traumatic birth and was also born 5 weeks prematurely. He was born with no heart rate, no oxygen and no blood. He was resuscitated and then he had seizures immediately.

In the very first week of his life, he was in the incubator as we were trying to save his life. He was not held or cuddled AT ALL for the first few days of his life. And on day 5, he had an MRI of brain which showed brain damage. He was in hospital for a month at the start.

Then he had another MRI at 6 weeks old which showed some white matter in which they did not know what it was and the myelination on his brain had not developed at all. It was the same as when he was first born. But myelination should be growing and developing day by day.

I still remember that day like it was yesterday.

An entire group of specialists in a room telling me they did not know what exactly was wrong. They had numerous ideas and one of them was he had a degenerative disease, in which the brain was building the myelination but then breaking it down back to zero.

When I asked for help with therapies at the hospital, no one would help me.

They just kept saying, let him rest and be a baby. But deep within me, I knew there needed to be more done. So I started to use massage and movement every day for just 10 minutes.

I wanted to stimulate his senses to try and help his development. 6 weeks later he had another MRI of the brain and the white matter had now disappeared and his brain had developed to where it should be. The brain injury from birth is still there, as we can not undo that damage and he still has many issues.

But helping with the process of building the myelination, I know, came from stimulating his senses from massage, movement and touch. Also I believe that no longer being in an incubator and being held, touched and loved helped so much as well.

The power of touch is amazing…. I have lived through it with my son and the changes it made to my sons brain- blows me away.

I can never take away or cure the brain damage that he suffered during birth. But this has helped in so many ways. Not only for him but for me. To see that i have been a change to my son’s life has honestly helped me along my own healing from trauma journey.

 

There are so many reasons why massaging your baby is beneficial! I highly recommend that you do it daily with your baby.

If you would like some help, I offer a Baby Massage Session where as well as massaging baby, I also show parent’s how to do it.

I also have Holistic Baby Massage Workshops! These are a fun, interactive four week courses for mum and baby. These have very limited places, so sign up to my newsletter to find out the details of the next course.

You might also like to read some more of my articles! Come and say hello on Facebook or Instagram.

Much love,

 

Jess Ngaheu Pregnancy and Post Natal Massage SpecialistJess Ngaheu, Maternal Bodywork Specialist

BOOK A SESSION WITH ME HERE

 

Post Natal Healing Massage Gold Coast

Post Natal Healing – A Client Story

/1 Comment/in , /by

Post Natal Healing – A Client Story


One very special service I offer to mamas is Post Natal Healing. With healing touch as the core, I use my intuition and innate healing ability to nurture and hold space for mamas who have just given birth. 

I wanted to share with you a really incredible Post Natal Healing session I recently experienced with new mama, Brooke, whilst I can still feel every part of it.

As I arrived I could see her in the window holding her precious three week old baby.  Michelle (Brooke’s birth doula) arrived just as I did.

We entered Brooke’s house and the energy was already divine. Brooke herself has the most beautiful energetic presence to her. So much so, that I feel privileged to be near her. ✨

I started setting up in the area in her home where she birthed her baby.  I could already start to feel so much in this space. It was simply beautiful!

Michelle holds new baby Willa, while I prepare to hold space for new mama Brooke. You can see us us here in Michelle’s video on Instagram.

As Brooke entered the room, the aromatherapy oils running through the diffuser helped give her an initial cue to relax as I could feel a slight bit of tension in the air.

I start the session with some breath work to settle the parasympathetic nervous system. I talk to Brooke, letting her know what I am doing and reassuring her that I am holding space for her.

We set the intention for the healing session – this is personal and unique to every individual and will be focused on what you want the outcome of the healing session to be. 

I share with Brooke some affirmations that I want her to repeat to herself during the massage.  As I connect with Brooke, I could feel the tears starting to swell inside of me at this point.

She was infused with Reiki and positive energy and we were ready to start the massage.

A grounding essential oil blend was placed inside her wrists as we started.  Throughout the massage I could feel tension in many areas.

I use love and pure devotion during this time, as well as my healing hands to honour her incredible body.  I can feel the tension and congestion start to relax as Brooke is being supported to come home to herself.

 



Brooke’s entire body was massaged with herbal remedies for healing. I use reflexology, head massage and tummy massage as well. I speak to her body and tell her body how incredible it is and I know I am speaking to her soul.


I could feel a lot of trauma with in the tummy, and there was special time devoted to this area to honour and nourish.  I found out later some of the trauma that has been endured during the birthing process.

This was a very magical treatment!

At the end of a session, I will always express what I feel and discover during the time with my mamas. With Brooke,  all I could feel was that I needed to hold her.

So I did and there were tears from everyone. Space was held with pure love, heart and soul given to this amazing mama.

As always, so much is offered to mamas in the post natal healing sessions. It’s more than just a massage, it is a whole healing and nurturing bodywork experience that reconnects mind, body and spirit. 

I am forever grateful to be a part of mama’s post natal healing. It feels like a treasured gift to be able to help you with your healing and emergence into motherhood. 

I feel that is it incredibly important for all new mamas to rebalance the physiological, emotional and structural changes their body goes through. Nurturing, honouring and nourishing the body is imperative.

When a baby is birthed, so is a new mother. 

If you would like to experience a post natal healing session with me, I would love to hold space for you too. 

Michelle and I are going to do a postnatal workshop together very soon. Join my newsletter list to find out all the details!

You might like to read some other articles here. 

Much love, 
Jess Ngaheu Pregnancy and Post Natal Massage Specialist

BOOK A SESSION WITH ME HERE

The AMAZING Benefits of Pregnancy Massage!

The AMAZING Benefits of Pregnancy Massage!

/in /by

The AMAZING Benefits of Pregnancy Massage!

Hi Mamas,

Today, I wanted to write about the AMAZING benefits of pregnancy massage.

When going through your pregnancy journey, there are many changes to your body to accommodate the growing baby inside your belly. Along with this, there may be some areas of tightness, pain, discomfort, sickness and anxiety.

I want to stress to you that it is extremely important to not only look after the baby in your belly, but also you (the mama).

Many people seem to think that receiving a pregnancy massage would just be a “treat”. But I am on a mission to educate you that pregnancy massage is not a treat, it is a “treatment” and will help you along the way with all of your tightness, pain, discomfort, sickness and anxiety.

Pregnancy massage therapy can address the various physical changes of pregnancy: oedema, foot, leg or hand discomforts as well as pain in the lower back, pelvis and hips.

Swedish massage may facilitate gestation by supporting cardiac function, placental and mammary development, and increasing cellular respiration. It can reduce oedema and high blood pressure as well as contribute to sympathetic nervous system sedation.

There has been some great research on the benefits of touch providing a contemporary for its reintroduction into maternity care.

Women who were nauseous and or vomiting through out their pregnancy, experienced a decrease in these discomforts when they applied finger pressure to a specific acupressure point on their forearm several times a day.

Pregnant women massaged twice weekly for five weeks experienced less anxiety, leg and back pain. when compared with control groups who practiced relaxation only. The women who had experienced massage reported better sleep and improved moods, and their labour had fewer complications, including fewer premature births. (TField)

Studies show that when women receive nurturing touch during later pregnancy, touch their babies more frequently and lovingly.

During labour the presence of a doula, a woman providing physical and emotional support, including extensive touching and massage, reduces the length of labour and number of complications, interventions, medications and caesarean sections (Etal: C.Osborne-sheets 2001,  TField & PMA)

There are profound physiological, functional, emotional, relational and lifestyle changes occur during gestation and labour, often creating high stress levels.

Too much stress can negatively affect mother and infant health, resulting in reduced uterine blood supply and higher incidence of miscarriage, prematurity & other complications. Pregnancy massage can help woman approach their due date with less anxiety as well as physical discomfort. Even apart from easing specific aches, massage can act as an overall tonic and increase the expectant mother’s body awareness.

Various forms of massage therapy, including Swedish, deep tissue, neuromuscular, remedial, stretching, movement, traditional Chinese medicine and shiatsu may be applied through out pregnancy, as well as labour and the post natal period.

It is safe to say that pregnancy massage is extremely effective and safe in helping you treat the pain and discomfort you are experiencing.

 

Pregnancy Massage

 

PREGNANCY MASSAGE BENEFITS

♡ Decrease Your Lower Back Pain
♡ Decrease Sciatica Nerve Pain
♡ Decrease Pelvic Pain
♡ Improve Your sleep
♡ Reduce Swelling & Oedema
♡ Stabilise Hormonal Changes
♡ Enhance the Mother Baby Connection
♡ Facilitate Relaxation to Reduce Anxiety

If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to to contact me and ask, as I am more than happy to help you throughout your entire pregnancy journey, post natal, recovery and beyond!!

You might also like to read some more of my articles! Come and say hello on Facebook or Instagram.

Much love,
Jess Ngaheu Pregnancy and Post Natal Massage Specialist

BOOK A SESSION WITH ME HERE