Benefits of Postpartum Mommy and Baby Massage

According to Ayurveda and Eastern Medicine, during the first 4-6 weeks following pregnancy, a woman is at a very vulnerable stage in her life . It is said that after giving birth, all her channels are open and she is susceptible to weakness and instabiity. Most of you who have given birth may already know what I am talking about!

During a woman’s pregnancy, she feels full and round with life. After giving birth, many women may feel a sense of void and emptiness. According to Ayurveda, this increases the ether and air element in her constitution which may result in insomnia, overwhelm, feeling of emptiness, constipation, pain, and fatigue to name a few.

So, this is a very important time to nourish mother and babe. One of the main healing tools used in Ayurveda for this special time, is Oil! Yes, Oil!! And lots of it!

Why?

One of the most important things you may want to remember about Ayurveda and healing, is the rule of “opposite cures”. We always look at the qualities ( light, dry, mobile, heavy, cold, hot, sharp, slow) of the dis-ease or imbalance, and use the opposite qualities to heal and treat someone.

So in the case of a mother who has just given birth, we want to nourish her with warm and heavy qualities. Oil is both those things!

What I would love to share with you is the benefits of Mommy and Baby Massage!

BENEFITS

*Proven to increase immune function
*Helps with Hormonal and Mood Balance
*Relaxing and calming for body and mind
*Enhanced bonding with mother and babe ( Father, too!)
*Builds Confidence and Self Love
*Nourishing and builds the tissues

Directions:

It is best to use organic oils, such as Sesame or coconut oil. (Not the one that you cook with!)
I would highly recommend Sesame, maybe add a little bit of coconut or sunflower oil if it is very warm outside.

For Mama: Warm up some oil, and massage your whole body with it ( may take about 5-15mins) and then mama can take a warm nourishing bath afterwards where she can relax and the oils can set in.

For Baby: Warm up some oil, and massage your baby from head to toe. Make sure to cover the whole head with oil. Then you can take your baby in a nice warm bath!

Sound good?!

Try this at home, it is recommended for the first 30-90 days after giving birth, and you can start from day 1!!!

Enjoy!
Jenny Ahn