POSTNATAL MASSAGE
Pregnancy can be a long and stressful time when your body goes through many changes. There is nothing better than a relaxing massage to get your body back to its former condition. Postnatal massage focuses on strengthening the muscles and tissues that have been altered during your pregnancy so that your body regains its strength naturally. Massages are known to supplement blood flow and aid the release of endorphins that induce a feeling of relaxation. Postpartum massages are even specialised to cater to those specific muscles of your body that are strained after delivery.
BENEFITS OF POSTNATAL MASSAGE
Helps with the recovery of the uterus – Uterine contractions help in the natural cleansing process eliminating blood and other discharge post-delivery. Stomach massage after delivery can aid the uterus in its natural cleansing processes and also aid in restoring its pre-natal size and form.
Reduction of swelling – Reduced circulation caused by increased pressure on the major blood vessels by the heavy uterus and hormonal imbalances may lead to water retention and the swelling of joints. Working on the soft tissues of the body improves circulation and the elimination of excess fluid and toxins.
Improve stability, posture, and co-ordination – During pregnancy the core muscles of a woman stretch and become weak. Alteration in body mass causes the posture to change and hormonal changes make the connective tissues become very relaxed. A postnatal massage can reverse this change and help you get your strength back.
Helps remove relaxin from the body which is a hormone responsible for allowing the body to prepare for labour. When leaving the body, relaxin can make the joints and body feel achy. Massage helps remove and renew the cells and circulation to bring the body back to a good balance.
Unwind and de-stress – Pregnancy can be stressful and for months your body goes through a lot of changes. A postnatal massage is just the rejuvenation your body needs to beat that stress physically and emotionally.
THE PHYSICAL & PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS OF POSTNATAL MASSAGE
Its estimated that approximately 75% of disease is causes by stress. In the short term stress can cause loss of appetite, insomnia and palpitations and if left untreated can cause chest pain, high blood pressure and migraines. In the long term, stress can cause serious health problems such as heart disease, strokes and angina.
Postnatal massage is very effective in treating stress related conditions and can significantly reduce our stress levels by treating the body as a whole:
Skin – Improves elasticity, colour, tone and flexibility
Muscular – Removes lactic acid, thus reducing stiffness and muscle fatigue
Circulatory – Improves circulation, speeding up delivery of nutrients that we eat and oxygen and removal of waste
Nervous – Stimulates / relaxes the nerves, depending on techniques used
Lymphatic – Reduces cellulite / lumpiness, boosts immunity
“From 2.5 weeks - 8 months and still loving it! Elkie has created such a warm nurturing space to bond and building confidence in handling our babies.”
Liz & Sebastian Jan - July 19
“Perfectly designed for newborn babies, following their age and development. I love the unique way of bonding with Josie, as well as learning about my baby's body and development from someone as knowledgeable and personable as Elkie”
Nathalie & Josie Evans Aug 19- Jan 20
“Elkie's baby massage is a really enjoyable experience with a calm atmosphere and a great way to meet other mums, there's a brilliant section at the end of the class where advice and tips are given to everyone depending on what's happening for them and their baby that week.”
Saffron & James Aug 19-Jan20
“The whole family benefits from her fantastic skills and as a mother I see the direct results of how beneficial massage can be for children. We all look forward to to Elkie’s monthly visits!”
Gemma Medland, Chislehurst
“Elkie has built a lovely safe and warm place for mums to come together and bond with their babies and each other”
Hannah Akin - Apr-Oct 2019
“An intimate and relaxed atmosphere, Elkie has a wealth of knowledge and her warm nature always makes you feel welcome!”
Kay (Midwife) & Charlie Brown
“Elkie's classes provide a relaxed platform to help bond with your baby and reintroduce exercise as part of your daily routine. Elkie has created a wonderful environment within her classes for not only bonding with your baby, but meeting other mums!”
Lauren & James Rose April-July 19
“Its more than just massaging your baby, you learn new things yeah week, it's a fun way to bond with your baby in a unique relaxed class, we absolutely love it!”
Sophie & Winona 2019
“Baby massage is one of the highlights of our week! Elkie is a wonderful, friendly and informative teacher and makes the classes really enjoyable.”
Louise & Sofia 2019