The Power of Massage
The human touch can relieve stress, alleviate pain and calm anxiety. That’s why massage can help both mothers-to-be and their babies as they adjust to all the changes around them. Pregnancy massage is ideal for women from the first trimester through labor and into the postpartum period, while infant massage provides calm reassurance and promotes the bond between baby and parents.
Pregnancy massage helps the expectant mother by easing the load on the heart and keeping blood pressure in a more normal state. It also improves the lymphatic and circulatory systems to help control dreaded varicose veins. Massage stimulates the body to release endorphins, which are natural pain-killing and mood-lifting substances. Studies show that women who were massaged during labor were less anxious, experienced less pain, had shorter labors and fewer interventions than women who did not receive massage during labor.
When receiving massage during pregnancy, it is important to find a Licensed Massage Therapist who is also certified in pregnancy massage. A therapist certified in working with pregnant clients has studied the techniques applied to pregnant women and the process of pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postpartum period.
Venus Fitness For Her in Montgomery offers a Pregnant Couples Massage Class. A man can learn how to touch in a nurturing way before he must know how to do it during the birth of his child. This is an opportunity for the couple to bond before, during and after the labor process.
Infant massage promotes bonding and gives babies needed reassurance. It also helps the massage-giver become better aware of the baby and his or her needs, and it’s a good way to involve dads, especially if Mom is breastfeeding.
Massage can help ease the pain of colic and the discomfort of spasm or gas. It can also tone the digestive system and help it to work efficiently. It is not a miracle cure, and can take a few days to ease, but it can be more effective than a pharmaceutical remedy.
To massage your baby effectively, get into a routine in which the baby knows when to expect a massage. Make sure the room is warm and the light is not too bright. Most babies prefer massage with oil; make sure it is a vegetable or plant oil, which the baby can digest if she sucks her thumb. Grapeseed or sweet almond oil are both good. Most of all, enjoy the time spent with your baby and the magic of human touch!
Jill Durr, L.M.T.
Venus Fitness For Her
7795 Cooper Road
Montgomery, Ohio 45242
513-984-4HER (4437) |
