The Benefits of Massage
During Pregnancy, Labor & Postpartum

Did you know that during pregnancy, the heart increases total blood volume by 30 to 50 percent, the lungs increase oxygen consumption by 10 to 20 percent, which requires a 30 to 40 percent increase of inhaled air; the digestive system must handle increased food intake while it becomes displaced and the intestines, stomach and diaphragm are pushed upward by the enlarged uterus. Blood flow in the kidneys increases by 35 percent and filtering function increases by 40 percent. Increased urination and urine leakage result from pressure on the bladder by the uterus. Rashes, breakouts, and discoloration can plague the skin. Weight gain increases the curvature of the lumbar spine and stress on the bones and joints. Relaxin, a hormone that makes the ligaments more stretchable causes the joints to become less stable.

Because of these normal body changes in pregnancy, you quite often hear: "Will I ever look normal again"; "Slow down, I'm out of breath"; "Will I ever be regular again?"; "Where's the restroom?"; "Is there anything safe I can use to get rid of these brown patches?"; "My back is killing me"; "My body feels so loose, like it's going in different directions."

As you can see; a woman's body goes through many changes during pregnancy; some can be uncomfortable and stressful. Many women are discovering the benefits of pregnancy massage. Massage reduces stress.

Massage Produces:

• Elimination of waste products through the lymphatic & circulatory system, which combats fatigue.
• Increased circulation and reduced stress on the heart which keep blood pressure in check.
• Alleviation of muscle tightness, stiffness, tension, and cramping.
• Relief from headaches, stiff neck, backaches, sciatica, edema, and sore feet.
• An increase in oxygen and nutrients to the cells of mother and fetus; which means mom has more energy and fetus receives better nourishment.
• Stabilization of hormone levels.
• Increased flexibility of muscles.
• Relaxation and better sleep; which means a healthier and happier mom.
• Relaxation of muscles to improve rotation of breech presentation.
• Preparation and loosening of the pelvis before birth.
• An easier childbirth.
• Easier breastfeeding and better milk production due to reduction in tension.
• Speedier healing during postpartum recovery.
• Realignment of pelvis after birth.
• Relief from soreness and stiffness after childbirth.
• Speedier recovery after a cesarean birth.
  

To receive maximum benefits from your massage, you will want to seek the services of a massage therapist who is experienced and certified in pregnancy, labor, and postpartum massage. Many massage therapists perform massage on pregnant women without specialized training in pregnancy massage and without certification in pregnancy massage. They believe you perform the same massage on pregnant women you would perform on any other client and this is not so. Think about all the changes that take place in the body during pregnancy; do you think your treatment should be the same as a non pregnant client?

Bringing a new life into the world is a miraculous, joyous, wonderful and challenging experience; so make massage a part of your regular routine.

Infant Massage
The amount of tactile stimulation a baby receives in its first year of life can impact brain development permanently. Mothers should be encouraged to touch, massage, rock, and hold their babies as much as possible during the first year.

Benefits of Infant Massage

For Baby:

• Stimulates circulation
• Releases stress
• Improves muscle tone
• Improves sleeping patterns
• Reduces discomfort from colic, gas, and constipation
• Strengthens digestive, circulatory, and intestinal systems
• Improves body awareness
• Stimulates right/left brain development and coordination
• Increases sense of being loved and accepted
  

For Parents:

• Provides quality bonding time
• Increases communication between baby and parent
• Improves relaxation and reduces stress
• Allows parents to better read babies cries

There are several ways to learn infant massage; you can read a book, watch a video or take a class.
There are many textbooks and videos on infant massage. For a recommendation, check with a massage therapist who teaches infant massage. Infant massage classes are taught either in group or private sessions and can be as short as thirty minutes or as long as four classes lasting an hour each. In the shorter class, you learn basic massage techniques and exercises; in the longer class, you learn more massage techniques and exercises, plus you learn a massage routine.
Touch is vital to our existence. All parents should learn infant massage.

Editorial provided by Patti Heimlich, RMT, CD, ICCE of Houston Pregnancy Massage & Doula Care (2005).