In eight weeks your body is about to undo what took forty weeks to create. For this reason, it is imperative that you tend to yourself just as well as you did during pregnancy. Postpartum massage is designed to help restore your body to its pre-pregnancy condition.
During the postpartum period you may suffer fatigue and soreness from the birthing process.

Additionally your body will be trying to make adjustments for the physical stresses of caring for your infant. You will be adopting new positions for long periods of time, such as when breast or bottle feeding and pushing the stroller. Your body will be asked to carry heavier loads such as the car seat and diaper bag. All of these new tasks require the body to make physical changes in order to accommodate your new lifestyle. These changes will be welcome if we allow our bodies to adapt in the healthiest way possible – and that means we must be aware and proactive.

If you had a vaginal delivery, you may wish to wait a minimum of two weeks for a massage to allow for the passing of blood clots.  I have found massage to be quite beneficial even during this time when special consideration is taken. Never should heat be applied to the sacral or lower abdominal area, nor should any deep work take place over this region. If you are uneasy about receiving treatment, but are experiencing high stress or anxiety or depression, you may find a facial treatment to suite your needs beautifully.

Post Partum Depression

Many women experience mood swings after the arrival of their baby. You may feel a little depressed, have difficulty concentrating, experience loss of appetite, or have difficulty sleeping. This usually begins 3-4 days after deliver and may last several days. This is what many people refer to as the ‘baby blues’. This is considered normal for new mothers. If your symptoms are lasting longer than 10 days or so then the baby blues are now considered post partum depression. Post partum depression can occur anytime within 6 months after childbirth.

• Post partum depression is an illness presenting with symptoms including:
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Trouble concentrating
• Feelings of anxiety and agitation
• Frequent crying
• Loss of interest in life
• Inability to enjoy life
• Loss of energy and motivation
• Decreased libido
• Feelings of withdrawal
• Unusual sleeping habits (either inability to sleep or excessive sleeping)
• Feelings of unworthiness or guilt
• Feelings of restlessness
• Irritability
• Experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

There has been a lot of exposure regarding post partum depression in recent news. Hopefully people are finding it easier to talk openly about this all-to-common condition. Research shows that 11-18% of women experience a major depressive episode after delivery. This is a serious problem that needs to be addressed.

Post partum depression can last anywhere from a few weeks to months, and sometimes even longer. Mainstream treatment includes antidepressant drugs and psychotherapy. When using antidepressant drugs, there is the possibility of side effects (including decreased libido and the possibility of the drugs affecting the breast milk). Group meetings may be difficult to fit into your schedule as well. While I fully support the use of these forms of treatment under the advisement of your doctor, I also encourage you to seek out new methods that may also be of great benefit while avoiding the side effects and challenges of conventional treatments.

A nutritionist may advise the use of Omega 3 fatty acids, herbal supplements (such as St. John’s wort), and other alterations to your diet. A homeopath, acupuncturist or other alternative therapist can also be of help.

Massage therapy offers a great deal as an alternative, or compliment treatment to help a new mother overcome and manage her post partum depression. Massage therapy puts you in a place where you come first. There is nothing in that treatment room that isn’t about you and your needs. Benefits include, but certainly aren’t limited to the following:
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• Lower stress levels
• Greater relaxation
• Relief of soft tissue discomfort that accompanies great emotional challenges
  
• Improved tissue health
• Renewed energy
• Improved sleep
• Acceptance that you are deserving of personal time and special care
• Renewed interest in your baby
• Improved appetite
• Stabilized weight
• Better concentration and focus
• Increased libido
• Motivation to interact with others
  

During your treatment it isn’t uncommon for you to feel a surge of emotions. All those feelings you have been trying to suppress may come to the surface and you may become overwhelmed. Never feel embarrassed to cry or laugh. You will not have to answer for your emotions during your treatment. This is a normal release and emotions don’t always come with simple explanations, they just are. Other women just wish to remain quiet and this too is very normal. Every woman is different and certainly entitled to her own experience. Your massage therapy is just one safe place for you to express what needs to be expressed. 

There are steps you can take today to help feel better. First, you need to find someone to speak to. Keeping a diary of your feelings may also be of help. Try to find some time for yourself every day and recognize feelings of being overwhelmed because this is normal.
Do not try to do everything. It isn’t reasonable to expect a new mother to get dinner on the table, keep the house spotless, address all the needs of her child (and possibly other children), look fabulous, entertain all the well-wishers who come visiting, and accomplish all the other tasks that come with life.

Seek out help. Tell your well-wishers that you need notice for their visits. Order your dinner in from your favorite restaurant. Give yourself permission to spend the day in your comfy clothes. Most of all, consider your own physical and mental health. You are deserving of special treatment and care, after all you did just bring a new life into this world!

Please do not ever try to address your post partum depression alone. To avoid seeking direct treatment is to put yourself and possibly your child at an undue risk. What you are experiencing is not your fault. It is something that has happened to you, not something you have allowed to happen. Please speak to someone about your feelings. There are ways you can be helped to enjoy the arrival of your new baby and release the paralyzing emotions of post partum depression.