Massage
The weight of pregnancy affects posture and can bring with it backaches, headaches and swollen ankles. Giving birth is a different task with its own challenges to the body. Massage during pregnancy and labour provides not only relaxation and relief from discomfort, but also non-verbal communication of caring. During contractions, massage can ease pain, and after contractions it can erase tension. Lotions or oils can be nice, especially during a long labour, to avoid chaffing the skin. They are not essential. If you would like professional support, some registered massage therapists (RMT) have extra training in labour support.
When possible, the pregnant woman should state her feelings. Is the massage right for her or not? During labour, when communication becomes non-verbal, body language (such as pulling away, pushing away, satisfied noises or hand and face expressions) becomes important. Guide your partner to what feels good. Have your partner use firm yet gentle strokes and experiment with the pressure that feels just right. Say what would feel better or give your partner a massage to demonstrate what you mean. If the pregnant woman relaxes towards the warmth of the hands, she will get more out of the massage. If an area is tensed, firm stroking can help it relax.
Massage Positions
A good position for massage is lying on your side with the top leg bent at the knee and dropping forward onto a pillow or cushion. Another position (one that doesn't allow access to the back) is sitting with the back propped up, the knees bent and soles facing towards each other. The woman can take slow, deep breaths with the eyes closed, allow the weight of the body to sink into the floor, bed or chair.
For the Masseur
Massaging is less work when your own body weight is put behind the working hands rather than just pushing with the arms to exert pressure. Keep hands relaxed and warm. Use continuous movements, without abruptly putting hands on or lifting hands up at any time. Accept a massage yourself if one is available. Take stretch breaks.
Many areas of the body are prime targets for massage during labour including the back, buttocks & legs, breast, belly, hands and inner thighs. Techniques for massaging all of these areas can be learned in pre-natal classes. For more information about prenatal classes you can call 416 323-6032 or go to www.sunnybrook.ca/. Breast and nipple stimulation can induce or strengthen labour. Avoid this during pregnancy if there is a history of pre-term labour.
Massage During Labour
A woman's need for massage during labour varies. During early labour and sometimes during active labour, many enjoy being stroked. During transition it is not uncommon that constant low pressure on the back or just supporting the woman's body may be all that is needed. Some women enjoy just having their hand, or their feet or their head held or simply knowing a caring partner is touching them. Some women do not like being massaged and some do not like being touched during labour. Don't worry. While the techniques described here are helpful to some, there are other ways to help her cope.
The weight of pregnancy affects posture and can bring with it backaches, headaches and swollen ankles. Giving birth is a different task with its own challenges to the body. Massage during pregnancy and labour provides not only relaxation and relief from discomfort, but also non-verbal communication of caring. During contractions, massage can ease pain, and after contractions it can erase tension. Lotions or oils can be nice, especially during a long labour, to avoid chaffing the skin. They are not essential. If you would like professional support, some registered massage therapists (RMT) have extra training in labour support.
When possible, the pregnant woman should state her feelings. Is the massage right for her or not? During labour, when communication becomes non-verbal, body language (such as pulling away, pushing away, satisfied noises or hand and face expressions) becomes important. Guide your partner to what feels good. Have your partner use firm yet gentle strokes and experiment with the pressure that feels just right. Say what would feel better or give your partner a massage to demonstrate what you mean. If the pregnant woman relaxes towards the warmth of the hands, she will get more out of the massage. If an area is tensed, firm stroking can help it relax.
Massage Positions
A good position for massage is lying on your side with the top leg bent at the knee and dropping forward onto a pillow or cushion. Another position (one that doesn't allow access to the back) is sitting with the back propped up, the knees bent and soles facing towards each other. The woman can take slow, deep breaths with the eyes closed, allow the weight of the body to sink into the floor, bed or chair.
For the Masseur
Massaging is less work when your own body weight is put behind the working hands rather than just pushing with the arms to exert pressure. Keep hands relaxed and warm. Use continuous movements, without abruptly putting hands on or lifting hands up at any time. Accept a massage yourself if one is available. Take stretch breaks.
Many areas of the body are prime targets for massage during labour including the back, buttocks & legs, breast, belly, hands and inner thighs. Techniques for massaging all of these areas can be learned in pre-natal classes. For more information about prenatal classes you can call 416 323-6032 or go to www.sunnybrook.ca/. Breast and nipple stimulation can induce or strengthen labour. Avoid this during pregnancy if there is a history of pre-term labour.
Massage During Labour
A woman's need for massage during labour varies. During early labour and sometimes during active labour, many enjoy being stroked. During transition it is not uncommon that constant low pressure on the back or just supporting the woman's body may be all that is needed. Some women enjoy just having their hand, or their feet or their head held or simply knowing a caring partner is touching them. Some women do not like being massaged and some do not like being touched during labour. Don't worry. While the techniques described here are helpful to some, there are other ways to help her cope.
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