Entering the world of motherhood is a dreamy and transformative experience, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Amidst the whirlwind of caring for a newborn, self-care becomes more crucial than ever.
Among the myriad self-care practices, massage therapy shines as a great opportunity to truly unwind. Beyond its indulgent nature, massage offers a multitude of physical, emotional, and mental benefits that make it a lifeline for new mamas navigating the beautiful chaos of motherhood.
Be creative! It doesn’t mean expensive spa days out, you can learn techniques to self massage to alleviate that headache or involve your partner to give you one too (if you’re so lucky!). Then there are local massage therapists to choose from so find the fit for you and budget it accordingly.
Ommm stress relief
The demands of caring for a newborn can be overwhelming, leaving new mums feeling exhausted and stressed. Massage provides a haven of relaxation, offering a precious opportunity to unwind and rejuvenate. The gentle strokes and soothing techniques used during a massage trigger the body’s relaxation response, helping to lower the levels of stress hormones like cortisol. My husband can attest to the number of times he’s fallen asleep and snored during a massage! This nurturing escape from the daily grind allows you to find moments of tranquility amidst the chaos.
Ahhh relief to me ol’ bones
The physical toll of childbirth and the demands of looking after your family can leave you feeling drained and sore. Regular massage sessions provide much-needed relief by enhancing blood circulation, which aids in delivering essential nutrients to tired muscles and expelling toxins. The kneading and manipulation techniques employed during a massage also help alleviate muscle tension and restore flexibility, giving you a chance to regain physical well-being. Be gone tight shoulders and lower back pain!
Yesss feel good, you deserve it
The emotional rollercoaster of new motherhood is undeniable, with feelings ranging from sheer joy to moments of uncertainty and even anxiety. Massage plays a vital role in supporting the emotional health by promoting the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the “bonding hormone.” This surge of oxytocin fosters feelings of connection, empathy, and security. For me it’s a chance to unwind and not think about what’s happening right now. 60 minutes of escapism.
Ooo connecting the mind and body
Juggling the responsibilities of motherhood can sometimes lead to feeling disconnected from oneself. Massage bridges the gap between the mind and body, allowing new moms to experience a profound sense of unity. As the body relaxes, the mind follows suit, creating a meditative state that offers respite from racing thoughts. This heightened mind-body connection not only aids in decision-making but also promotes self-awareness, helping new moms tune into their own needs.
Zzzz better sleep
Quality sleep is a precious commodity for any new mum and the challenges of looking after little one can disrupt sleep patterns – and that doesn’t really do justice to how that broken sleep can affect us! Massage has been shown to improve sleep quality by reducing stress, promoting relaxation, and easing muscle tension. The relaxation experienced during a massage extends well beyond the session, facilitating better sleep for those who desperately need their rest.
Self-care is making time for the things that matter : YOU
For new mamas embarking on the journey of motherhood, massage therapy stands out as a beacon of self-care that offers a lifeline of support. Its ability to alleviate stress, promote relaxation, restore physical well-being, enhance emotional health, and strengthen the mind-body connection makes it an indispensable tool for navigating the challenges of early motherhood. By integrating regular massage sessions into your self-care routines,you can find moments of respite.
It can be expensive so consider where it sits amongst other self-care ideas, check out Self-care ideas: 40 ways to feel good in motherhood for more options!