Written by: Marion Penny, 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. 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. |
Categories
All
Archives
November 2024
|