Pregnancy Massage: Tips for Partners.
If you are reading this weeks blog, I’m going to assume you are probably pregnant so…Congratulations Mama! I’m sure by now that you have an idea that pregnancy can be both beautiful and yet both physically and mentally demanding…have you reached that point yet?!
Pregnancy massage is (in my opinion) one of the most underrated ways to take care of yourself on your pregnancy journey. The benefits of pregnancy massage are well documented yet many Mums-to-be still see it as a ‘pamper’ or one-off treat but with the huge range of benefits to both your own and your unborn baby’s wellbeing I am on a mission to help Mamas realise that massage shouldn’t be seen as a luxury but a necessity.
Research also shows that when massaged by your partner your oxytocin levels become even higher, help you to connect on a deeper level and help partners to feel more involved in your pregnancy and birth journey. Your partner can play a huge role in supporting your comfort and connection, read on to find out my pregnancy massage tips for partners to use to support your pregnancy journey.
Why pregnancy massage matters.
Pregnancy massage has a wide range of benefits including:
- Deep relaxation which helps to reduce the stress hormone Cortisol
- Reduced muscular pain and tension (achy legs, back ache and tight shoulders anyone?!)
- Boost feel good hormones such as oxytocin, endorphins and serotonin to improve mood
- Improves circulation
- Can decrease puffy feet and hands
- Can support bonding and connection with your baby
- Can supporting bonding and connection with your partner
- Helps you to feel more calm, relaxed and grounded
- Helps prepare both mind and body for birth.
I would say 9/10 of my pregnant clients tell me after their first appointment that they hadn’t realised how much they needed their treatment. We have become so disconnected in our busy lives that taking time out to just stop, to breathe and to relax can help bring perspective and connection to ourselves, our baby, our partner and our pregnancy journey.
When your partner gets involved in your massage care it can support them in feeling more connected to both you and your baby. Many partners also tell me that they like being able to do something practical to help their partner and find that massage helps them to communicate together after a busy day. It’s important to remember that communication is key when your partner is giving you a gentle massage. Let them know if it feels good, if the pressure is ok and if you are comfortable. They can check in with you to see how you are feeling, if they are working on the right area and help remind you to breathe slowly and deeply. This 2-way communication can create a really special, calming and supportive environment. Remember partner massage is about connection NOT perfection.
Pregnancy Massage tips for partners: Simple massage techniques your partner can try.
There are certain areas that should not be massaged over until you are 37 weeks gestation as they are known to support labour these include on your shoulders (that area you are probably feeling really tight!) around the ankle and between your thumb and forefinger. These are common acupuncture points that are believed to help bring on labour (more evidence is still needed to support this but better to avoid unless you are at the end of your pregnancy or being massaged by a professional such as myself).
If you are unsure if massage is safe for you and your pregnancy please seek medical advice before attempting any of these gentle techniques.
Below are some nice simple but beautiful ways your partner can support you with pregnancy massage safely.
Technique 1: Head massage
Make sure you are sitting comfortably, close your eyes and take some nice deep, slow breaths.
Your partner can stand behind you, place their hands in a prayer position and gently ‘melt’ their hands down so they are cupping your head, stoke down the neck and gently sweep across the shoulders. Repeat as many times as feels good. This is a super relaxing stroke and is great to ease stress and a busy mind.
Technique 2: Belly Massage
Lay back on your bed or sofa making sure you are not lying flat and are well supported by pillows.
Partners should rub their hands together to make sure they are warm and then gently place them onto your tummy. Using a little (natural) massage oil. Glide hands up the middle of your tummy to the top of your bump and then separate hands to follow to glide down the sides until they meet at the bottom of your bump again. Repeat as many times as feels good. Bonding Bonus: Get your partner to speak (to you or to your baby) or sing so that baby hears their voice. It may encourage baby to give a little kick and respond to their touch and sound. They can also massage circles around your belly using slow and gentle strokes going in a clockwise motion. This supports digestion and can be particularly beneficial if you are experiencing constipation or trapped gas.
Technique 3: Foot massage
Lie on the sofa or bed propped up so you are not laying flat and are well supported. Place a pillow on your partners lap and rest your feet on it. Your partner can make a fist with their hand and use the flat knuckle area (between the first and second knuckles) to press into the sole of your foot and glide it up and down to release tension. A little oil will help them to glide up and down but to much will make it to slippy so start with a dab and add more if needed!
Grab your partner and work through these 3 techniques together, remember communication is key and its all about the connection not perfection.
If you would like to add massage into your pregnancy or labour journey there are a number of ways I can support you with this: Professional pregnancy massage appointments from my cosy, quiet clinic just outside of Lincoln, Massage for Labour workshop for you and your birth partner or if you are not close by, my Online Hypnobirthing Essentials course has a bonus module covering Massage for Labour and will guide you through key techniques and massage strokes that you can carry out yourself and get your partner involved in.
I would love to know how you got on with these techniques! Let me know!
Good luck and enjoy this special time together.
