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