Being a certified postnatal massage therapist, Valerie is happy to see you as soon as one day after giving birth, However, often new mothers want to wait a while to heal before returning to massage. In the instance of a C-Section deliveries, Valerie recommends booking your next massage around 6 weeks post labor or unless otherwise advised by your provider. Once you are comfortable, face down massages can resume, however massages on your side are still available.
Specialty Available Options
- Breast Cushion – Nursing mothers often find it uncomfortable to lay face down due to tender breasts. Valerie offers a special breast cushion pillow with holes for the breasts to provide added comfort during your massage.
- Breast Massage – With your written and verbal consent, Valerie can perform a Manual Lymphatic Drainage Breast Massage. This massage can help with breast congestion and may even help increase the milk supply.
- Abdominal Massage – This option targets rectus diastasis and promotes healing as your abdomen returns to its pre-pregnancy state.
- Pelvic Floor Massage – Labor can weaken the pelvic floor muscles. Valerie offers external techniques to promote healing and release tension.
- Neck and Shoulders Focus – New mothers often experience tension in the neck and shoulders from various caregiving tasks. Valerie uses therapeutic techniques to relieve this tension and promote relaxation.
Benefits of Postnatal Massage
According to the East West School of Healing Arts in Portland, OR, the benefits of massage include:
- Relaxation and stress reduction
- Help offset baby blues and postpartum depression
- Pain relief
- Hormone regulation
- Reduced inflammation
- Improved breastfeeding
- Increased sleep
Valerie Carsey, LLC 