Pregnancy Massage Risks and Postnatal Massage

Many public forums discussing pregnancy massage rant about certain contraindicated acupressure points during pregnancy and fearful myths about their potential to stimulate contractions or miscarriage. I have written about these myths in an article published in Massage & Bodywork Magazine.

 However, one of the primary concerns rarely discussed in these same public forums  are the much more concerning risks of blood clots and embolism, and the many issues faced by women during the postnatal period.  During pregnancy a woman’s normal risk for experiencing a blood clot is multiplied by 5. That risk increases even more during the postnatal period. In fact, as far as a massage therapist is concerned, the postnatal period is a much more risky and vulnerable time overall for both mother and baby. Blood clots are just one issue to be aware of in the first 6 weeks postpartum. For some women there are also potential dangerous outcomes of continued effects of preeclampsia (a condition that occurs only in the perinatal period). There are many more issues of hormonal imbalances, postural readjustments, and musculoskeletal discomforts relative to a woman’s life as a post-birth, new mother that need to be carefully considered when working with postnatal clientele.  This postpartum time period does not just last the proverbial 6 weeks. It actually may be up to a year before a new mother’s body has returned to a semblance of pre-pregnant homeostasis.

Mothertouch Massage & Bodywork For the New Mother class, will be taught again November 2013 at the Oregon School of Massage, addresses these concerns and much more. Topics include the physiological and psycho-emotional realities of mothering, along with numerous techniques for hip and pelvic rebalancing, renewal acupressure, breast massage, external abdominal and uterine work, and addressing cesarean scars.
FOr more information: www.TouchForBirth.com