“Pregnant People Knead Massage TOO!

The lack of widespread understanding about the importance and benefits of massage therapy during and after pregnancy poses a substantial problem. While massage has been shown to provide physical and psychological benefits during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, many expecting mothers do not utilize these services. This represents an important opportunity to educate mothers about the benefits of massage and increase access to these therapeutic services.

During pregnancy, massage therapy can help relieve common symptoms like back pain, leg cramps, and swelling. Massage increases blood flow and relaxes muscles, which can make pregnancy and labor more comfortable for the mother. Studies have also shown that massage therapy decreases levels of anxiety and depression in pregnant women.

Despite these benefits, many women do not receive massage therapy during or after pregnancy. There is a lack of awareness about the benefits of massage for pregnant women in the general public as well as the medical community. Doctors and other healthcare providers do not frequently recommend massage as a therapeutic option for their patients. Pregnant women themselves may not fully understand how massage can improve their comfort and experience.

In the postpartum period, massage has significant benefits for new mothers. Massage relieves muscule tension and physical discomfort common after childbirth, such as back pain or cramping. It also releases endorphins that improve mood and act as a natural painkiller. For women who experience postpartum depression or anxiety, massage therapy may have psychological benefits as well. However, many new mothers do not receive postnatal massage or are unaware of its benefits.

There is a clear need to educate expecting and new mothers about the benefits of massage therapy during and after pregnancy. By raising awareness, massage therapists and doulas can reach more women and have a meaningful impact on their experience of pregnancy, birth, and motherhood.