Stress Relief, Breathing Techniques, and Massage for New and Expectant Moms: A Pelvic Floor Therapy Perspective
Pregnancy and motherhood are profound experiences filled with joy, anticipation, and love. However, they can also bring significant physical and emotional changes, along with stress and anxiety. For new and expectant moms, finding effective ways to manage stress and support their well-being becomes paramount. In this collaborative blog post, PRESS Modern Massage and Marlene Handler, MS, OTR/L, founder of The Lifted Lotus, join forces to explore stress relief, breathing techniques, and the benefits of massage therapy for new and expectant moms from a holistic perspective.
The Importance of Stress Relief for New and Expectant Moms
Pregnancy and motherhood are beautiful journeys, but they also come with their fair share of stressors. From hormonal changes to the pressures of preparing for a new arrival, expectant moms often find themselves feeling overwhelmed and anxious. Chronic stress during pregnancy can have adverse effects on both maternal and fetal health, making it crucial to prioritize stress relief. Massage therapy provides a safe and effective way for moms-to-be to relax, unwind, and alleviate tension in their bodies. With gentle, nurturing touch, massage helps to promote relaxation, reduce stress hormones, and improve overall well-being.
Gentle Touch and Relaxation: At PRESS Modern Massage, we understand the importance of providing a serene and nurturing environment for expectant and new mothers. Our gentle touch massages are tailored to promote relaxation and alleviate tension in the body. Through soothing strokes and careful attention to pressure points, our skilled therapists create a calming experience that helps moms-to-be and new moms unwind and connect with their bodies.
Addressing Pregnancy Discomforts: Pregnancy can bring about various discomforts, from back pain and swollen feet to sciatic nerve pain and muscle soreness. Our experienced Lead LMT, Ellen, specializes in prenatal massage techniques designed to address these specific concerns. By focusing on areas of tension and applying targeted pressure, Ellen helps expectant moms find relief and enhance their overall well-being during this transformative time.
Ellen: “Massage therapy offers a holistic approach by reducing hypertonicity and invoking the parasympathetic nervous system, providing physical and psychological benefits for expectant people. Massage can reduce stress hormones and improve sleep quality. Massage stimulates the vagus nerve which is a key component of the parasympathetic nervous system. This helps regulate heart rate, breathing and digestion. It promotes relaxation and counters the effects of stress. Massage can help expectant people find and better tune into their inner calm and relaxation space, which is an invaluable tool for labor and delivery”.
While massage therapy offers valuable benefits for stress relief and relaxation during pregnancy, pelvic floor therapy provides essential support for new and expectant moms in addressing specific musculoskeletal issues and optimizing pelvic health. To delve deeper into this topic, we turn to Marlene Handler, who specializes in pelvic floor therapy and brings a wealth of expertise in supporting women's health and wellness. Marlene will share insights into the role of pelvic floor therapy in promoting overall well-being for new and expectant moms, offering valuable guidance and practical tips for achieving optimal pelvic health throughout pregnancy and beyond.
The Lifted Lotus (Marlene / Danielle)
In the journey toward optimal health and wellness, especially during pregnancy and postpartum, it's crucial to understand the intricate connections between different parts of the body and aspects of our lives. Pelvic floor therapy offers a holistic approach that addresses not just physical ailments but also social-emotional well-being. By incorporating relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, analysis of sleep schedules and diet, and targeted exercises, pelvic floor therapy empowers individuals to reclaim control over their pelvic health and overall wellness. It's a gentle yet powerful tool for managing life’s stresses and embracing a life of balance, vitality, and joy. For expectant mothers, a coordinated and relaxed pelvic floor is a key component of a successful birthing experience.
Chronic stress and anxiety can lead to nervous system dysregulation that affects the entire body, with expectant and new mothers being especially susceptible. A key tool to counteract this, central to pelvic floor therapy, is breathwork. Inhaling fully to expand the abdomen, back, chest, and ribs activates the parasympathetic nervous system (the rest and digest system), encouraging widespread relaxation, particularly in the pelvic floor musculature. Engaging in conscious breathwork is one of the most beneficial practices during the various stages of motherhood.
If you’re curious, please book a pelvic floor therapy appointment with us here to learn more about your body and create an empowering birth experience or smoother postpartum recovery.
As we conclude this collaborative exploration into stress relief, breathing techniques, and massage therapy for new and expectant moms, we hope you've found valuable insights and empowering practices to support your journey into motherhood. Remember, prioritizing self-care and seeking holistic support can make a world of difference in nurturing both your physical and emotional well-being. Embrace these practices with love and gentleness, knowing that you deserve every ounce of care and nourishment during this transformative time. Wishing you peace, vitality, and abundant joy on your maternal path.