12
Mar
2026
At What Point Are You No Longer Considered Postpartum?

Postnatal Massage Therapy in Madison WI Recovery TimeYou’re no longer considered postpartum when your body has largely returned to its pre-pregnancy state.

This is a gradual process, officially recognized for up to 12 weeks (the “fourth trimester”) by ACOG, though full physical and hormonal recovery can take 6 to 12 months, or even up to a year — with some physical changes like hair loss or menstrual cycles potentially lasting longer.

Key Timeframes to Keep in Mind

  • First 6-8 Weeks: The most intense recovery phase, often called the “fourth trimester,” where your body starts healing from childbirth. 
  • Up to 12 Weeks: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) considers postpartum care to extend this far, though some bodily functions may still be normalizing. 
  • 6 Months to 1 year: Many experts suggest this is a more realistic timeframe for full physical recovery, including hormone regulation, return of menstruation, and pelvic floor healing, especially after a C-section or difficult delivery. 

Safety Considerations

As we’ve mentioned throughout the series, there are potential risks with postnatal massage, and this is why a conversation with your doctor before booking an appointment is so important.

That said, here is a handful of health conditions that can be affected by postnatal massage. These are specifically associated with the increase of blood flow that massage can cause …

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3
Mar
2026
Postnatal Massage Methods & When Can You Get a Postnatal Massage

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 …

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Get in Touch

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

25
Feb
2026
Why You Might Need Postnatal Massage

After delivering a baby, a woman may experience the “baby blues,” depression, aches and pains, and varicose veins. Any one of these conditions can affect a woman’s ability to heal emotionally and physically after giving birth. But many of them can be improved with postnatal massage.

Let’s take a deeper look at each of these conditions and how postnatal massage can help …

Baby Blues

New mothers can experience the “baby blues,” which often involves symptoms including mood swings, increased feelings of anxiety and sadness, reduced appetite, and difficulty sleeping. 

Postpartum Depression

This is a severe type of depression that affects some women after giving birth. Symptoms include mood swings, withdrawing from friends and family, loss of appetite, and difficulty bonding with the baby. 

Pain

After giving birth, women may experience pain throughout the body as well as residual muscle aches.

Vascular Problems

Pregnancy causes an increased pressure on the leg veins, causing some women to experience varicose veins (twisted enlarged veins).

That all said, massage therapy can increase blood flow, and potentially have an effect on certain health conditions. If any of the following health conditions are present, talk with your doctor before scheduling a massage …

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

Thanks for visiting!

17
Feb
2026
The Benefits of Postnatal Massage

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.

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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!