3
Mar
2026

Postnatal Massage Methods & When Can You Get a Postnatal Massage

Posted By:

Massage Therapy Madison When is Postnatal Massage SafeWelcome back to our series on postnatal massage.

In case you missed them, here are links to earlier installments of the series:

Today, we’re taking a look at some postnatal massage methods you might want to consider after giving birth. Just as importantly, we’re also focusing on exactly when you can safely receive postnatal massage, which can be different depending on whether you have delivered vaginally or from a C-section.

For Vaginal Births

  • WHEN: As soon as you’re comfortable. Many women start within the first few days or weeks, or even in the hospital. That said, it’s crucial to get clearance from your doctor before booking an appointment, especially after a C-section.
  • METHODS: Gentle techniques  like side-lying or face-up positions. Focus on Swedish, lymphatic drainage, or gentle face-up/side-lying positions to avoid pressure on stitches or perineal tenderness.

For C-Section Births

  • WHEN: As mentioned above, it’s important to wait for clearance from your doctor. The typical wait is about 4-8 weeks for the incision to heal before regular massage, though light touch or specific therapies might be okay sooner. Again, always consult your healthcare provider to ensure it’s safe for your specific situation.
  • METHODS: Some light touch or craniosacral therapy might be possible sooner.

Safety Considerations

Regardless of whether you had a vaginal or C-Section birth — firstly congratulations, you did it! That said, postnatal massage therapy offers many benefits to women, but, like any type of treatment, there are some risks to consider, including increased blood flow, and potentially and potentially have an effect on  certain health conditions. So if you’re experiencing any of these conditions, be sure to speak with your gynecologist or general practitioner before considering massage …

Postnatal Massage Therapy in Madison WI Heart Disease High Blood Pressure and Postnatal Massage in Madison WI Pregnancy Massage Therapy in Madison WI Healing

Get in Touch

Feel free to reach out if you have questions, or visit my Scheduling page to book a massage.

17
Feb
2026

The Benefits of Postnatal Massage

Posted By:

Postnatal and Prenatal Massage Therapy in Madison WIYour body has gone through many changes over your pregnancy and you’ll need to take the time — and a little bit of extra effort — to allow it to rest and recover.

Postnatal massage is a massage that can help ease women into motherhood by offering both physical and emotional benefits.

What Is Postnatal Massage?

Unlike regular massage therapy, which primarily focuses on relaxation or muscle tension relief, postnatal massage is tailored to the unique requirements of new mothers, helping them regain strength, comfort, and emotional equilibrium. The postpartum period is a critical time for recovery.

Some of the Benefits of Postnatal Massage Include …

  • Muscle Relaxation. Postnatal massage relaxes muscles, increases circulation, and lowers stress hormones, bringing both physical and emotional relief. Some women prefer a light-touch massage, while others opt for a deeper massage that reaches further into the muscles and soft tissues of the body for more complete healing.
  • Pain Relief. It’s normal to experience achy muscles after childbirth. A postnatal massage therapy can help relieve pain, especially in areas that are prone to getting sore like the neck, arms, and back. Massaging the chest area also opens up the shoulders and relieves breast pain.
  • Decreased Swelling. During pregnancy body fluids typically increase by about 50%. After pregnancy, a postnatal massage can help increase circulation so that the body can effectively process excess fluid and restore balance.
  • Better Sleep. It’s common to feel exhausted after giving birth and especially as you take care of your newborn. Massage can help ease fatigue, support relaxation, and improve quality of sleep.
  • Improved Breastfeeding. Postnatal massage has been shown to increase a lactation hormone known as prolactin, which increases milk production.

Safety Considerations

Postnatal massage therapy offers many benefits to women, but, like any type of treatment, there are some risks to consider. 

Massage can increase blood flow and potentially affect certain health conditions. If you’re experiencing any of the following conditions, talk with your doctor before scheduling a massage:

  • High blood pressure
  • Congenital heart disease or preeclampsia (a condition that includes high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and swelling in the legs, feet, and hands)
  • Listen to your body: The postpartum period is a time of healing, and massage should support that, not add stress.

High Blood Pressure and Postnatal Massage in Madison WI Postnatal Massage Therapy in Madison WI Heart Disease Pregnancy Massage Therapy in Madison WI Healing

In our next installment of our postnatal massage therapy series, we’ll take a look at why you might need postnatal massage.

Until then, if you’d like to schedule a postnatal or prenatal massage, you can do so here.

Thanks for visiting!

17
Jul
2016

Aftercare: How to Get the Most Out of Your Massage

Posted By:

Massage Therapy Madison WI AftercareHave you ever wondered how can you extend the benefits of massage in-between sessions?

Here are 11 proven tips to help you do just that!

  • Drink water. It combats dehydration, which has it’s own set of problems. Staying hydrated can ward off headaches, too. Also, coffee doesn’t count as water.  : )
  • Breathe. So simple, yet sometimes hard to remember, make sure you’re not holding your breath. It helps get that oxygen to your muscles to help with repair. Being mindful of your breath can also be useful as a mini-meditation.
  • Move your body. It doesn’t have to be exercise. You don’t even have to sweat or raise your heart rate. Just move your body.
  • Stretch. Keep those muscles open and relaxed for as long as possible. Retrain your body and brain that this is the way you want to feel, open and loose. Gentle stretching works great — no overextending!
  • Strengthen weak muscles. It will help your body work optimally and allow all muscles to do what they were made to do and not compensate for each other. The result is less pain and strain.
  • Use heat or cold. Have a general feeling of achiness or chronic dull pain? Put a hot pack on the tight muscle for a while, or take a hot Epsom salt bath. Tight muscles love heat! Or, if you’re experiencing inflamed tissue that has acute pain or feels like it’s “on fire,” throw some ice on it for 10-15 minutes.
  • Find ways to manage your stress. What makes you smile? What do you look forward to coming home to? Is it walking your dog, petting your cat, listening to music, baking bread, talking to a friend on the phone? Whatever makes you happy — do it — even if it’s only for a few minutes a day. Plan little treats for yourself at the end of each day or each week, so you have something to look forward to.
  • Get some sleep. Real, actual sleep helps your body and mind repair. 
  • Eat healthy food. Get some nutrients in you to repair any damaged tissue we are working on. Whole foods, as opposed to overly processed, are always preferred.
  • Get regular massage. Make sure you don’t go too long withoug a massage. It’s OK to have body work BEFORE your body feels tight, tense or painful. Regular massage can help you sleep better — and who doesn’t like to sleep well?
  • Talk to your doctor: If you aren’t seeing improvements in your condition, or you feel worse, it may be a good idea to check in with your doctor to see if your symptoms are related to something non-muscular based.

I hope these tips help you feel great in-between your massage sessions.

Thank you for visiting Lighthouse Healing Massage Therapy!

7
Nov
2015

The Benefits of Getting a Massage at Lighthouse Healing Massage Therapy

Posted By:

Lighthouse Healing Massage Therapy Madison WI BenefitsIn this blog post, I’d like to share some of the top benefits of working with Lighthouse Healing, as opposed to your typical spa or franchise.

Flexibility with Schedule

Most spas schedule on the hour. I can be flexible. I can schedule you on the half hour, quarter hour, early morning (before the spa opens) or after spa hours. I also schedule time before and after your massage so you can get dressed, ask questions, and just sit for a few minutes before running back into the world.

You Always Get Me …

and not whoever happens to be on the schedule that day. You know I will be the one doing the massage. I know you and your body. I already know that you like the table warmed up, want a bolster under your knees, and hate Enya with a passion. You don’t need to tell me every time we meet that you have chronic pain in your neck and your right knee gives out on occasion.

Personality and Personalization

Yup. I am not a chain or a big box store. I do not do a “one size fits all” kind of massage and I am not your typical massage therapist. I am a little quirky with a big heart and have no problem giving you a hug before you leave.

Accommodating Your Needs 

Don’t like oil? No problem – let’s use cream. Do you hate “spa music” – let’s listen to Depeche Mode or you can bring whatever music helps you relax.. If you are uncomfortable getting completely undressed, we can do reflexology just on your feet, you can leave all of your clothes on and just take off your socks! There are some things I can’t do. If you don’t like draping, well, I can use a sheet instead of a blanket, but draping is a must.

Online Scheduling!

You don’t have to remember to call me during business hours or leave me a voicemail. At 4AM, in your pajamas, you can go online and schedule an appointment.

Thank you for visiting Lighthouse Healing Massage Therapy!