Magazine

Postpartum Massage
Touch Improves Physical, Emotional Health, Part III
by Elaine Stillerman, L.M.T.

Postpartum Massage: Touch Improves Physical, Emotional HealthThe third article by Elaine Stillerman brings to conclusion her special series on massage for mothers-to-be and new mothers. "Massage can be given both immediately after birth, to encourage complete expulsion of the placenta; and on an ongoing basis to help ease backaches, stress, fatigue, headaches and postpartum depression," Stillerman writes. She goes on to highlight that the application of postpartum massage encourages "uterine involution (the return of the uterus to its pre-pregnant shape and size)," and "can be performed by the new mother on herself." Stillerman's article describes "the physical and emotional adjustments of motherhood." Hands-on workers practicing mother massage will find Stillerman's guidelines a vital means for giving "nurturing massage" that "helps tremendously by relieving the woman's physical discomforts and providing her with emotional understanding and support."