The Benefits of Pregnancy Massage.

​Pregnancy massage is beneficial in many ways, here at Solace we pride ourselves in understanding the female body and how we can help women through this precious and exciting time in life, not to mention exhausting and somewhat uncomfortable.
More times than often you will hear that it is safest to wait until your second trimester to receive pregnancy massage. Reasons being in your first trimester your body is going through so much hormonal change. This can bring on “morning sickness” which in actual fact can be “any time of the day sickness” depending on your pregnancy. If you have been advised by your doctor as high risk pregnancy then it is best not to receive prenatal massage. Otherwise if you are feeling well yourself we are happy to massage you during your first trimester. If you are unsure by all means you can consult with your doctor and they can help advise you on this.
 
 In your second trimester you will find your body is adjusting and hopefully coping a lot better hormonally. This is when relaxation and bonding with baby is key. Prenatal massage promotes relaxation and bonding, relieves a strained back and tired muscles, soothes nerves and improves sleep. All the things an expectant mother and  baby need. Coming into your third trimester your baby is growing in size and it can be very strenuous on you body, causing many uncomfortable factors, these being
Swelling/Oedema: The extra pressure your uterus places on your legs can cause swelling in your legs, ankles and feet. Massage can improve lymph flow to effected areas and reduce swelling.
Muscle discomfort: Muscle stiffness, leg cramps, knots and tension can be relieved by massage due to improving circulation and can therefore stimulate the flow of blood to these areas, easing your discomfort.
Headaches/sinus pain: Massage of the shoulders, neck and face can alleviate sinus pressure and headaches caused by tension.
Constipation and heartburn: Your digestive system becomes sluggish due to allowing your baby to absorb key nutrients. Stress can also contribute to both factors. Massage can help reduce anxiety and tension and help ease symptoms.
 
Fourth trimester, I find this is not spoken about enough, your fourth trimester is
 the 12 week period after you have had your baby. This is a time of huge physical and emotional change for both you and your new born baby. Your new born is trying to adjust to the outside world whilst you are trying to adjust to your baby and what every cry and noise means. Is she/he hungry, have wind, tired, needs nappy changed. Feeding your baby weather you are able to breast feed or not is priority. Waking several times in the night to feed can leave you feeling so incredible tired. Whilst you are lacking sleep in the meantime your uterus is shrinking back to its former size and your hormones have shifted, this is a lot of change. Weather you have had a natural birth or a C-Section, postnatal massage can help you recover and re-cooperate from pregnancy. Looking after your baby is your priority, looking after you is our priority.
 
 Here are some benefits of postnatal massage.
     

• Can help to relieve anxiety and fatigue.
• Soothes muscles aches, pains and stiffness.
• Helps to reduce stress and tension in the body.
• Provides a supportive atmosphere for restoring the mind, body and soul.
• Encourages the bodies natural healing abilities.
• Stimulates the nervous and circulatory system.
• Counteracts pain and stiffness from holding, lifting or feeding your baby.
• Promotes rest and relaxation.