Toronto Yoga Mamas Blog

Prenatal Massage in Every Trimester

3/30/2022

Written by: Marion Penny Mallette, Registered Massage Therapist

From reduced swelling to improved sleep, studies over the years have taught us that prenatal massage therapy paves the path for a smoother pregnancy experience.
If you’re looking for ways to walk in optimal health through your pregnancy, here are a few reasons why prenatal massage therapy may be a great place to start.

Let’s talk about stress
Have you ever heard of cortisol?
Cortisol is known as the stress hormone. Essentially, it’s how our bodies manage stress. But stress while pregnant can be a common experience for a lot of women. After all, your body is changing in drastic ways, and you’re embarking on a new chapter in life, so it’s safe to say there's a lot on your mind. Prenatal massage therapy helps your body relax. It also creates space for you to unwind and think, which is something that many of us don’t get a chance to do. All this combined can help you manage and reduce stress & anxiety and even decrease symptoms of depression.

Goodnight, sleep tight
As your pregnancy progresses, a good night’s sleep becomes more of a challenge. Playing soft music, loading up on pillows, or binge watching a new series are just some of the ways we try to trick our expanding body to get some rest.
Prenatal massage works to calm down the nervous system and releases those “feel good” hormones to help improve your quality of sleep. So even though it may be hard to wind down, when you do fall asleep, your body can get the deep rest it needs.

Reduce swelling
Swelling is a common and uncomfortable symptom of pregnancy. It’s caused by added volume, reduced circulation, and increased pressure on the major blood vessels. Massage can help manipulate the soft tissue to move along any extra fluid, reducing swelling and making you feel much more comfortable.

5 Ways To Prepare for Breastfeeding

3/25/2022

Written by Paola Vallerino, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)

From one mama to another, breastfeeding is a journey. For some people that journey is smooth sailing. For others it’s challenging, tiring, and maybe even a little scary.
When it comes to breastfeeding, it’s important to remember that it’s a learned skill. And like all skills, it requires some training, practice, and a little trial and error to get it just right.
The more knowledge you have, the better prepared you’ll be for your unique feeding experience with your baby. If you’re considering breastfeeding your little one here are five tips to help support and prepare you for your decision.

5 Ways a Postpartum Chiropractor Can Help You In Your Fourth Trimester

3/14/2022

Written by Dr. Nicole Procyk, Chiropractic Doctor

When we think of pregnancy, we usually view it in three trimesters.
But after everything your body endures in those nine months, what happens to you after your child is born?
What will become important to keep you on the best path of recovery in the fourth trimester?

The fourth trimester are the three months immediately following birth. During these first few months and beyond, it’s common for women to experience mental, emotional & physical challenges. Sadly, most appointments booked in this trimester address the baby, and only a couple on how mom is doing, even though her human physiology has been completely transformed.

But a healthy, happy mom should be equal in priority to a healthy, happy baby.

Postpartum chiropractic care can have a critical impact on how you heal and restore proper function in your new body and demands.
Chiropractors who specialize in postpartum care understand the hormonal, postural, emotional, and mental changes during these transitions.

Here are five ways postpartum chiropractic care can help you in the fourth trimester:

1. Restoring your body's normal biomechanics
The hormone relaxin allows ligaments in the pelvis to become pliable so that the pelvis can shift and make room for the baby to be delivered. This hormone can remain in your body for months post labour. However, if the pelvis and spine are not aligned, while your ligaments are gaining strength, this can lead to imbalances contributing to poor movement patterns and chronic pain. A chiropractor can help you identify misalignment and support your body as it begins to restore its normal biomechanics, which reduces pain and discomfort now and in the long run.

2. Relieve tension on the neck and upper back
The demands of new motherhood affect our upper body as much as our lower. New daily habits like feeding baby, lifting, and carrying your baby can really strain your neck and upper back. This can be a contributing factor to discomforts like upper body pain, headaches, carpal tunnel or tingling and numbness in the hands and fingers. Chiropractic care can help relieve this tension, and help you avert more serious issues in the future.

3. Education
You can’t help what you don’t know. A chiropractor understands the changes your body has gone through and can educate you on proper posture and ergonomics as you regain proper function and strength. The tips and tricks they can provide will help you reduce pain in your body and support you as you heal post-birth.

4. Reduce Pain
Many women suffer on-going pain after birth. But you don’t have to live with it.
Chiropractic care can provide relief for any new or continuing pains from pregnancy or birth including sciatic, lower back, pubic symphysis, or gait changes.

5. Core Support
Regaining strength in your core is critical to your overall health. But this should be done carefully under the watchful eye of a professional to ensure that you don’t push your body beyond its limit. Postpartum chiropractors can assess and coach you on gradual and appropriate core stability exercises to help you safely rebuild your core strength.

Caring for a new baby can be challenging, stressful and tiring. Chiropractors are here to support you by providing a safe place to share, and ensure you feel and function your best both during your pregnancy and after. They often work in partnership with other maternal health care providers such as midwives, OBs, pelvic floor physiotherapists, and lactation consultants, to get the full picture of your healing journey.

As you prepare for the birth of your child, don't forget about the fourth trimester. Plan ahead and schedule your chiropractic appointment 3-4 weeks out from your estimated due date. The appointment will be there for you and you can always reschedule if necessary. Prioritize yourself and your body’s new needs as you heal and recover. Your baby will thank you for it!

Click below to book your prenatal & labour prep chiropractic care appointment today!

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Prenatal Massage in Every Trimester

5 Ways To Prepare for Breastfeeding

5 Ways a Postpartum Chiropractor Can Help You In Your Fourth Trimester

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