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Post pregnancy? massage

I don't know the proper term ;) but what about massages after the baby is born? I was just reading one of the previous posts about pre-natal foot massage and such and it reminded me that I wasn't taught anything for right after the baby comes! Can you massage a brand new mommy? I'm sure there are precautions and maybe it is contraindicated...but if it is ok what can I do? The hospital taught a uterine massage to my sister, who has just given birth, to help stimulate the uterus and get it back to its original state. She doesn't like to do it so I wanted to offer but I wasn't sure if that is allowed? Or rather should anyone do that but her? Is there anything else that can be done safely for a brand new mother?

I know that is a very scatter brained post...sorry.

Also, I am very excited to be an aunt!

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Permalink Reply by Marissa on August 7, 2010 at 9:08am

Massage after baby is fabulous to keep mommy sane and get her body back in a healthier state. However, a good rule of thumb is to wait until mommy is done bleeding before getting her on your table. That is waht I was taught and it makes sense to a point that the end of the bleeding is signifying the healing process. As you have seen in previous posts, there is wide range of opinions on the mommy topics. Personally, I am in my 8th month and receiving massage. After I have the baby, I will wait until the bleeding stops before I get another. As for uterine massage... I would leave that to your sister or someone else who is actually trained in the process.

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Permalink Reply by Caitlin Lemoine on August 7, 2010 at 5:59pm

Thank you! I'll follow that then.

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Permalink Reply by Lisa Keplinger on August 8, 2010 at 12:16pm

I would say it depends on the health of the mother. If it was a healthy pregnancy and birth and she's comfortable receiving massage (including uterine) then I would do so. I had massage through my entire pregnancy through massage school. The last five weeks was the hardest. I'd graduated. I had massage as soon as I was out of the hospital. I'm pretty sure it what aided my quick recovery. Go at the pace of the client. I would check in a little more often than you normally would and be more in tune with what's going on with her. Don't be afraid to ask her questions, when you feel it's necessary.