During the nine months of pregnancy your body slowly grows through extraordinary physical and chemical changes.
Shortly after delivery, there is an immediate shift toward the non-pregnant state. For most new moms, physical changes during the early postpartum include frequent urination and perspiration, continued uterine contractions, production of lochia (vaginal discharge), and general soreness and fatigue from the hard work of labor. Many women also go through a period of "postpartum blues" as the hormone levels undergo rapid shifts and you adjust to life with your precious newborn.
Massage by a professional therapist trained in postpartum massage can help. Luckily, Chloe Ohme is located in Burlington, Vermont, and is not only a certified massage therapist with fifteen years of experience, but also a midwife. Her combined education and experience led her to specialize in pregnancy and postpartum massage.
According to Chloe,
Benefits of Massage for New Moms
"Gentle abdominal massage stimulates your organs and helps them return to their pre-pregnancy state. Abdominal connective tissue massage helps the stretched skin and underlying tissues regain elasticity. General circulatory massage is applied to aid your body's efforts to remove built-up toxins. Therapeutic moderate and deep tissue massage provides structural rebalancing to the hips and low back as those tired and stretched muscles and joints accommodate post-pregnancy size and bring relief to exhausted and sore muscles that supported you throughout labor. Professional massage therapy by an experienced postpartum provider can also help minimize much of this discomfort, as well as promote relief of any fatigue or anxiety you may be feeling.
"New mothers commonly develop aching shoulders, necks and upper backs from all those hours holding, nursing and loving that newborn and sleeping (or not sleeping!) in unusual positions while nursing in bed.
"While you should always check with your obstetric care provider first, postpartum massage is usually safe immediately to 24-hours after the birth. Exactly when you schedule that massage depends on how you feel and your individual situation. Some women want it within the first week, and others want to wait a few weeks so they can adjust a bit more to the changes. Most new moms need to balance major schedule changes including breastfeeding, sleep deprivation, and childcare before they can schedule a massage.
"Whenever you are able to get your first postpartum massage, it will be well needed and deserved!
C-Section Delivery
"If your delivery had complications or involved surgery (C-section delivery), I will modify the massage to ensure your comfort and safety. If your scar is healing well, you can receive a massage as early as one week post-partum.
Accomodations for Breastfeeding
"While most women cannot wait to go face down on the massage table for their postpartum massages, we still sometimes need to make modifications. I provide clean towels for moms concerned about leaking milk. I also continue to use the pregnancy hole, with pads to support the belly while taking the weight off potentially tender or painful breasts.
For moms who are unable to find childcare or unable to leave their infant at home with a caregiver, I provide home visits. If you nurse in bed and the baby becomes hungry then you can lay on your side for the massage and nurse under the sheets during your session. This is not ideal, as it limits mom's ability to reap all the benefits of the massage, but it is definitely do-able. Many moms have their doula or other caregiver drive them to my studio for an appointment so that they can nurse right before the session. The doula can then take a stroll with the baby, returning at the end of the session so that baby may nurse again.
Schedule with Chloe
"If you have any questions about postpartum massage, or would like to schedule an appointment, please call 802.734.3225."
