Thursday 20 August 2015

Why massage is still important after you've had the baby.

Childbirth may be the only pain known to humans that usually results in a positive outcome. But the tremendous physical strain a new mother experiences during this period of her life extends far beyond labour.
picture of newborn baby
In our previous post just below, we outlined the importance of pregnancy massage in preparing a woman and her foetus for birth, both psychologically and physiologically. Keeping up the good habits acquired during pregnancy, as this next phase of motherhood kicks in, could be the key to maintaining balance and managing the aches and discomforts associated with tending to a new life.
Whether you've made the decision to leave the workforce after having bub, or have chosen to return as soon as possible, it's a pretty well-known fact that mothers of today have a LOT on their plates and often have very little time to take proper care of their own needs. Their perseverance during such an incredible lifestyle change is a feat that's nothing less than admirable (if I may say so, having gone through all this myself), particularly when we take into account the sleepless nights of endless feeding and comforting, the nappy changes and of course the relentless wiping-washing-cleaning-discarding that goes with it.
Post-natal massage has a vast range of benefits on all bodies in all of the stages they pass through, but can be particularly soothing on Mums fresh from the delivery room. With the exception of Caesarean births and abnormal situations which suggest caution, post-partum massage is perfectly safe as soon after birth as you are comfortable. Your therapist will need to tailor your treatment to your new needs,like by using lighter and more passive techniques for the first six to 12 weeks after birth, while you still have in your system 'relaxin', the hormone that relaxes the ligaments in the pelvis and softens and widens the cervix during labour .
We'll avoid deep tissue work on ligaments and tendons during this period, as a precaution against further stretching and potentially damaging them. Using this modified pressure will also ensure the safety of the veins in your legs which don't return to their pre-pregnancy state until up two two months after delivery. All of the therapists at Balmain Massage and Wellness Centre are fully qualified in these procedures to give you the best quality care.
PLUS... you can take your bub with you when you come for your massage!
Baby in pram
Our nanny, Amylea, will take your kid off your hands and entertain him/her for the duration of your session. You can relax in the knowledge that your most precious possession is next door, professionally cared for by a fully qualified, responsible nanny.
And during August our nanny's service is free! ...not that the extra $5 per kid per hour we normally charge is likely to break the bank...
So call us on 0295555121 or 0406896525, or text us, or email us, or book online (you get extra “frequentlywell” points for doing so) and get yourself an hour of peace.

the balmain massage & wellness centre
suite 8, 2 beattie street, balmain 2041
tel 02 95555121 cell 0406 896 525  |  web https://balmainmassage.com.au
10-7 weekdays, 8:30 6:30 weekends  |  bookings always required

Wednesday 12 August 2015

Massage during pregnancy

The physical changes that occur during pregnancy are some of nature's most incredible wonders... wonders that can be downright uncomfortable.
How the body profile changes over the 9 months of pregancy
As the body adjusts to accommodate the expanding uterus, organs begin shifting and ligaments stretching, and that alone can cause some serious discomfort. Add to this the pressure (from baby's rapidly increasing weight) on the pelvic bone and on the nerves that run between pelvis and legs and you have a recipe for a tense and achy disaster. Obviously there is also a significant weight gain which the spine must support, and with an altered centre of gravity often comes a gradual change in posture which can cause muscle and joint strain. Fluid retention, sleeplessness, cramping, fatigue; doesn't sound fun so far, does it? Thankfully it's always worth it when the end result is a healthy bouncing bub, and there are some measures we can take to manage the symptoms. Exercise, of course. And... you guessed: massage is one of them.
Massage increases blood circulation, which is of particular importance to the uterus and placenta during pregnancy, providing more oxygen and nutrients to both mother and baby. It improves the function of the lymph system which is responsible for the removal of toxins, resulting in boosts in immunity. But aside from remedying many of the aches and discomforts experienced during pregnancy, the mental benefits are similarly notable.
You probably don't need to read this post to know that massage is relaxing. The comforting sensation of human touch in a calm, quiet environment with no buzzing electronics or nagging children is something I'm sure we all crave, and massage guarantees you an allotted time to focus on breathing and centring the mind. Whether you are in the room for 30 or 90 minutes, you are experiencing a period of complete stillness. You can choose to have meditative music playing in the background, and can request the use of pregnancy-approved essential oil; your therapy is your time to free your body and mind of stress. Let's explore what happens during the massage.
Cortisol is called the 'stress hormone'. It's similar to adrenaline and is released when faced with a stressful situation, when the body is thrown into survival mode by its 'fight or flight' mechanism. Irrespective of any additional sources of stress, cortisol levels begin to climb during the second trimester of pregnancy and are substantially higher than usual in the weeks leading up to the birth. This hormone plays a very important role in nature, particularly in regulating body functions during life-threatening situations, and in priming pregnant women and their foetuses for labour - if it is secreted in optimal amounts. Trouble occurs when cortisol is released continuously, resulting in dangerously elevated levels. This has been linked to increased risk of early miscarriage. Massage helps the body regulate cortisol levels, recede from this 'red alert' state and restore a sense of calm. Reduced cortisol levels will also help to keep blood pressure in check which is crucially important during pregnancy to prevent complications with the mother's organs and the delivery of her baby.
All the massage therapists at the Balmain Massage and Wellness Centre are qualified to provide pregnancy massage and are able to give you the particular care and understanding required during this precious time.
“Pregnancy massage is safe for all stages, but there are slight modifications in terms of pressure in some areas”, says JoAnn Hill, one of our more experienced pregnancy massage therapists. From approximately the start of the second trimester, depending on individual development, a specialised pregnancy cushion is placed on the massage table to allow women to lay on their stomach and be completely supported and can be adjusted as the body changes.
If you have been experiencing any aches or discomforts in your pregnancy, including muscle or joint pain, tension, headaches, cramps, fatigue, mild varicose veins, colds or congestion, heartburn and acid reflux, stiffness and knots or shortness of breath, massage may help a lot.
We suggest you check with your doctor before making an appointment if you have any concerns. If you get the green light, give us a call on 9555 5121 or 0406 896 525 or book from our website. Booking online will also get you some extra points in “frequentlywell”, our loyalty rewards program.