What to expect during your first postpartum massage…

One of the first questions we often get at MaMassage Brooklyn about postpartum massage is: How soon can I get a massage after giving birth?

And our answer always is: we are ready to treat you as soon as you can make it up the stairs to our second floor studio! We will customize a therapeutic massage appropriate to your stage of postpartum recovery.

In the first weeks postpartum, we may treat concerns like swelling (from surgery or fluids given in labor) lactation related engorgement, or all over muscle soreness from labor. In the later weeks of postpartum recovery, we may be treating head/neck/shoulder tension from holding/feeding baby. Each of our massage therapists will conduct an intake with the client to ensure that their session goals are met no matter what stage of recovery they are in.

We will also work with you to find an appropriate and comfortable position for your massage. Some clients who gave birth vaginally may be comfortable laying face down right away (if this is the case we can also provide small pillows under the shoulders to reduce pressure on the breasts) - clients who had a c section cannot lay face down right away. In these cases (and for anyone who isn’t comfortable face down) we can work in a sidelying position with support (similar to the position we work in during pregnancy) and/or in a semi-reclining position (on your back but elevated with pillow supports.

The postpartum session can include swedish massage, myofascial release, acupressure, abdominal massage, manual lymph drainage, warm hydrotherapy, therapeutic breast/chest massage to support lactation and reduce engorgement, and/or other techniques to support the postpartum period. After your session we will serve you medicinal tea that is appropriate for postpartum concerns.

Babies and partners/caregivers are welcome in the studio. While some postpartum clients prefer to receive massage while their baby is in another person’s care, some clients feel more comfortable knowing that their baby can be with them during the massage. Your partner or support person can come with you to the massage and stay with you in the large and airy treatment room while you receive care. We have a bassinet, so you can store your stroller on the first floor, or bodywear your baby to the studio.

We have comfortable chairs for your support person to sit and hold baby, or rest themselves with a cup of tea while baby is sleeping. If your baby needs to nurse while you are receiving massage, we can adjust as needed. If you are booking lactation counseling in addition to massage, we may recommend that you bring your baby with you so that we can assess latch in person. If you have any questions about postpartum care before booking,  please email kiera@mamassage.org