Postpartum Massage
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What Is Postpartum Massage?
Postpartum massage is a special type of bodywork designed to support new mothers after childbirth. It’s more than just about relaxation – it helps to ease muscle soreness, improve blood circulation, and balance hormone levels. This type of massage helps reduce swelling, make sleep better, and ease tension and stress, all of which are common in the recovery period. For many women, it also helps restore their physical health, supports emotional balance, and can even assist with breastfeeding comfort. When done by a therapist trained in postpartum care, it becomes a safe and very effective part of recovering after birth.
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Why You Might Need Postpartum Massage
After childbirth, many women face emotional and physical challenges that make recovery more difficult. Postpartum massage can offer meaningful help during this time. From physical discomfort to emotional changes, a gentle massage can help make you feel better. It’s especially helpful in managing issues like:
- Mood swings and emotional stress.
- Postpartum depression.
- Aches, pains, and stretch mark discomfort.
- Poor circulation and swelling.
- Sleep difficulties.
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Benefits of Postpartum Massage
Postnatal massage offers more than just a chance to relax – it supports your body’s recovery after childbirth in many ways. Whether you’re dealing with muscle soreness, fatigue, or emotional stress, this type of massage therapy can be a very helpful part of your recovery process. Before booking a session, it’s good to understand postpartum massage benefits.
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Pain Relief
Postnatal massage can ease the aches and tightness that show up after birth - especially in the neck, shoulders, arms, and back. These areas often carry extra strain from feeding and holding a newborn. Massage helps relax those sore muscles, which can also reduce pain and tension without needing medication. It may even help with tingling or numbness. For ongoing or more intense pain, regular sessions with a skilled therapist may be necessary. -
Hormone Regulation
Post natal massage helps bring hormone levels back to balance after childbirth. It may lower cortisol, the hormone that can cause stress, while boosting oxytocin, which supports bonding and emotional balance. This natural shift can ease mood swings, reduce anxiety, and help with recovery. Massage may also help regulate other chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, which are very important in managing depression. Some therapists even use essential oils to better support mood balance. All in all, hormone regulation through massage gives new moms physical and emotional support when they need it most. Besides massage, acupuncture can also be very useful for emotional support and hormone balance during the postpartum period.
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Decreased Swelling
Post-natal massage can be very effective in reducing swelling after birth. During pregnancy, the body holds on to extra fluids - sometimes up to 50% more. After delivery, massage helps get things back in balance. It improves circulation and lymphatic drainage, which helps the body move and release excess fluid. This gentle tissue work also supports hormone balance, which is important for how the body manages swelling. For new moms dealing with puffiness in the legs, feet, or hands, massage can be a safe, natural way to feel better. -
Better Sleep
Post natal massage therapy can help new moms get better sleep by easing physical and mental tension. After childbirth and sleepless nights, the body stays on high alert, making it hard to relax. Gentle massage calms the nervous system, triggers the release of sleep-promoting hormones, and supports deeper rest. It’s common to drift off during a session. Better rest is very important for better healing, energy, and overall recovery.
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Improved Breastfeeding
Post natal massage service may help support breastfeeding by helping with relaxation and improving circulation. Studies suggest that massage can increase prolactin, which is the hormone that supports milk production. Loosening the muscles in the chest and shoulders can also help open up the area, which may improve milk flow. This type of massage doesn’t involve direct breast contact, but it can still be useful in easing discomfort and supporting lactation. For moms with breastfeeding challenges, postpartum massage can be helpful.
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Postpartum Massage Techniques
- Abdominals. Gentle circular strokes on the belly can help with digestion and support the uterus as it returns to its original size. Strong pressure is usually avoided, especially after a C-section.
- Lower Back and Hips. These areas carry a lot of stress during pregnancy and labor. Techniques like myofascial release, light kneading, and stretching help release tight muscles and ease pain.
- Shoulders and Neck. Feeding and holding your baby often leads to tension here. Gentle pressure and stretching can ease stiffness and help with relaxation.
- Legs and Feet. Soft strokes on the legs and feet help boost circulation and reduce swelling. Deep massage is avoided early on to reduce the risk of clotting.
- Hands and Wrists. New moms often get wrist pain from frequent lifting. Light post pregnancy massage and stretching can ease discomfort and improve mobility.
- Breast Massage. With your comfort in mind, outward strokes on the chest may help relieve engorgement and boost healthy lymph flow. Only done when you feel okay with it.
Still have questions about whether Postpartum Massage is right for you?
Schedule a consultation here to find out!
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Postpartum Massage Therapy at Copper Wellness in Chicago, IL
At Copper Wellness, we provide specialized post pregnancy massage therapy designed to support your body’s healing and recovery after childbirth. As an integrative health clinic in Chicago, IL, we take a whole-body approach. It means we combine safe, effective massage techniques with personalized care. Our team understands the unique challenges that new mothers face – from muscle aches to hormone changes and stress – and works to help you feel balanced, relaxed, and restored.
We also offer many complementary services like prenatal chiropractic care and postpartum chiropractor support, making your recovery smoother and more complete. Whether you need pain relief, better sleep, or help adjusting to your body’s changes, we’re here to help.
Schedule your post delivery massage today and let Copper Wellness make your recovery easier and more effective.
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Reviews About Postpartum Massage
I. Love. This. Place! I see both Dr. Mimosa for chiropractic and Dr. Madden for acupuncture, and they are two of the best practitioners of *any* type of medicine I've EVER worked with. They listen. They care. They genuinely want to help you feel your best. I can't recommend them and Copper Wellness enough.
Best Chiropractors in the city yall!! Dr.Mimosa is sweet and easy to talk to. Dr. Adam is very easy to talk to as well. Highly recommend!!!
Can't say enough good things about Anais. Very professional, very knowledgably, and just an amazing caring person! You are in the best of hands with her, would highly recommend!
I have been seeing Dr. Madden for acupuncture for almost a year now and I don't know where I'd be without her. She's incredible at what she does and the entire staff is awesome.
Anais is simply the best! Had a great review, consultation of problem areas and left feeling like I was on a cloud! Can't wait to go back, highly recommend the electrode therapy, it was amazing.
Dr Madden is a miracle worker. For over a year I had issues with my feet. She was the 1st to say my calf’s were right! Her acupuncture was spot on and helped right away. The stress caused issues in my neck as well that she helped not only with acupuncture but cupping as well. Her care and compassion is amazing. I will continue on maintenance because she is so amazing. ‼️
Copper Wellness has been a pivotal part of my health journey! The integrative services that are offered are tailored to my needs/situation. Specifically, when I needed to start doing massage therapy for upper and lower back pain, Cameron Sand did a great job from the start making me feel comfortable. Whenever I have a question, they answer it readily and explain how and what they are doing during our session. I’ve seen a huge improvement since working with them and couldn’t recommend them enough!
I sincerely wish that I could give Dr. Stephanie Madden 1 million stars. From the time that I met her for consultation through my entire acupuncture journey with her, she was incredibly attentive, genuine, personable, professional, precise, safe, knowledgeable, skilled, and wise with her work. I saw Dr. Madden for about 1 a little over a year to help resolve physical issues from emotional traumas and sufferings in my life. I cannot stress how different my life is from when I first saw her. She helped me get to core issues in my physical health that other doctors never came close to articulating, let alone being aware. Working those physical issues directly helped me so much with my emotional health. My quality of life now is so much better because of her contributions to my healing journey. After working with Dr. Madden, she is a practitioner that I trust and deeply respect. If anyone ever asks me to recommend an acupuncturist, I would never hesitate to recommend anyone to her. I even recommended her to one of my friends on his journey to receive a heart transplant, and she made a positive impact on his quality of life. He had nothing but positive things to say about her (and now he is thriving with a new heart!). Dr. Stephanie Madden has made a wonderful impact on my life, and I can only imagine the impact she is making on the lives of others whom encounter her. She is someone that has answered her call in life, and is absolutely brilliant at it. Brilliant!
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FAQs About Postpartum Massage
When Can I Get a Massage Postpartum?
Postpartum massage can often be started within the first 1–2 days after a vaginal delivery, provided there are no complications and you feel ready. If you’ve had a C-section, it’s typically advised to wait several weeks—usually between 2 and 6—after getting clearance from your healthcare provider. Make sure to work with a therapist trained in postpartum recovery.
Is Postpartum Massage Necessary?
Postpartum massage is not medically necessary, but it can be highly beneficial for recovery after childbirth. It helps reduce muscle soreness, improve circulation, balance hormones, and relieve stress and fatigue. Many new mothers find that postpartum massage supports both physical healing and emotional well-being during the adjustment period.
What Position Is the Postpartum Massage?
Postpartum massage is typically performed in a side-lying or reclined position to ensure comfort and safety, especially after a vaginal birth or C-section. Pillows and bolsters are used for support, allowing the body to relax while avoiding pressure on sensitive areas. The position may be adjusted based on individual needs and recovery stage.
Is Postpartum Massage Safe After a C-Section?
Yes, postpartum massage is generally safe after a C-section once your doctor gives approval, usually after 2–6 weeks depending on healing. Gentle techniques can help reduce swelling, improve circulation, and relieve tension in the back, shoulders, and legs. Massage around the scar area should be avoided until fully healed, then gradually introduced to reduce adhesions and promote mobility.
How Often Should You Get a Massage After Giving Birth?
After giving birth, you can get a postpartum massage as early as once a week, depending on your recovery and how your body feels. Weekly sessions in the first month can help reduce pain, stress, and swelling. As your body heals, massages can be spaced out to every two to four weeks for continued support and relaxation.
How Soon Postpartum Can You Get a Massage?
You can get a postpartum massage as soon as 24 to 48 hours after birth, if you had a healthy, uncomplicated delivery and feel comfortable. For C-sections or complicated births, it’s best to wait 2 to 6 weeks and get your doctor’s approval. Always choose a therapist experienced in postpartum care.
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