The Benefits of Post-Natal Massage
Date Published: 26th May 2025
Written By: Laura Dimmock-Jones
Why taking time for yourself is one of the best gifts you can give you and your baby!
Let’s be honest - after having a baby, “me time” can feel like a distant dream. After my second and third babies, the idea of doing anything just for me seemed laughable. Looking back, I wish I could go back in time and have a stern little chat with myself: “Taking time to restore yourself mentally and physically is not indulgent - it’s essential.” And one of the best ways to do that? Post-natal massage.
Why Even Bother with a Post-Natal Massage?
Massage at any time in life is a beautiful thing. It helps you access the parasympathetic nervous system - your body’s rest and digestion mode—which can feel nothing short of magical when you’re running on empty. And when are we most sleep-deprived, achy, stressed, and downright exhausted? During the fourth trimester, of course.
That post-birth period, when your hormones are all over the place, your body feels like it’s been through battle (because it has), and you’re trying to care for a tiny human around the clock? Yeah, that’s the moment massage becomes not a luxury, but a lifeline.
When Can You Get a Post-Natal Massage?
As soon as you’re cleared by your midwife or health visitor, you can start. If you’ve had a c-section, you might need to wait a bit longer - but once you get the green light, into the treatment room you go! Relaxation helps your body restore, mend, and find its balance again.
That said, always listen to your body. If the idea of being touched still feels like too much, that’s completely okay. There’s no rush. Wait until it feels right for you.
What to Expect in a Session
Worried about leaky boobs, bleeding, or - let’s be real - unexpected flatulence? Trust me, I’ve seen it all. A well-qualified post-natal massage therapist will know how to support your body without putting pressure on your breasts, and they’ll have towels ready if needed. It’s not a problem. Just be open - tell your therapist if you’re breastfeeding, where you’re feeling pain, and how your body’s holding up. You deserve to be cared for without stress or shame.
Physical Benefits You’ll Notice
Feeding and holding a baby for what feels like eternity can wreak havoc on your neck, shoulders, and back. Achy muscles, tenderness, tension—massage can help ease all of that. Whether you had a vaginal birth or a c-section, your body’s been through a lot, and gentle massage of the soft tissues can boost circulation, ease strain, and help release endorphins (aka nature’s very own painkillers).
Emotional & Hormonal Support
After birth, your estrogen levels take a nosedive, which can leave you feeling low, irritable, or emotionally fragile. For some, it’s a fleeting shift. For others, it’s part of post-natal depression. Either way, massage can help. It encourages the release of oxytocin and serotonin - your body’s “happy hormones” - bringing a sense of calm and connection back into your body.
Stress, Anxiety & The Joys of Sleep Deprivation
Now, let’s talk about stress and anxiety - those unwanted companions of new motherhood. Hunched shoulders? Clenched jaw? Headaches and neck pain? Massage helps you access that parasympathetic nervous system again (remember the magical one?), which brings down those stress levels and makes everything feel a bit more manageable.
And sleep! Oh, sleep - the most talked-about topic among new mums. I vividly remember feeling like I was failing because my first baby was not a sleeper. Even when he did finally snooze, I couldn’t. I was a wreck, hovering over the cot, convinced he’d spontaneously combust at any moment. Sound familiar?
Massage helps here, too. It reduces anxiety, encourages deeper relaxation, and yes - helps people sleep. Clients regularly drift off on the table mid-session, and that sense of calm often follows them long after they’ve left.
Final thought
Post-natal massage isn’t a luxury - it’s an essential form of care. It helps your body heal, your mind settle, and your spirit recharge. So if you’re a new mum wondering if it’s worth it - yes, it absolutely is. Take the time. You need it. You deserve it. And your baby will benefit from a more restored, relaxed you.
Your Postnatal Plan Checklist:
- Make Sure Your Massage Therapist is Qualified
In the UK, a massage therapist should hold at least a Level 3 Diploma in Massage Therapy. This is the gold standard entry-level qualification and ensures they understand anatomy, physiology, and basic massage techniques. - Look for Pregnancy/Post-Natal Specialism
Because post-natal bodies are not the same as everyday massage clients, it’s a huge plus if your therapist has additional CPD (Continuing Professional Development) training specifically in pregnancy and post-natal massage. This means they’ve had extra training in how to support your changing body and know how to adjust techniques safely and effectively. - Check They're Insured
Your therapist should have public liability and professional indemnity insurance - this protects both of you in case something goes wrong. Don’t be shy about asking; any reputable therapist will be happy to confirm this. - Registered with a Professional Body
Look for membership with a recognised UK organisation such as:
- Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT)
- Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC)
- Association of Physical and Natural Therapists (APNT)
- The Guild of Holistic Therapists
These bodies uphold professional standards, ethics, and require continued learning—so it’s a great sign your therapist takes their work seriously. - Reviews and Recommendations
Check Google, social media or local parenting groups (hello, Facebook mums’ networks!) for honest reviews. A personal recommendation is always a winner, especially from another mum who’s been in your exact shoes (and maybe even cried into them at 3am). - Location, Access & Comfort
Is the treatment room accessible if you’re still healing? Do they offer home visits (some do!) or have a calm, baby-friendly space? If you’re breastfeeding, you might want a private space to feed before or after. These little details can make a huge difference to your experience. - Speak Up About Your Needs
A good therapist will ask you about:
- How recently you gave birth
- Whether you had a vaginal delivery or c-section
- If you're breastfeeding
- Any discomfort, pain or emotional challenges you're navigating
And if they don’t ask—tell them anyway! A tailored massage is far more beneficial than a one-size-fits-all approach. - It’s OK to Say No
Don’t feel you have to power through if something doesn’t feel right. A skilled therapist will always be happy to adapt the session or stop if you’re not feeling it. This is your time, and your comfort comes first. - Price vs Value
Price matters, especially when you're on maternity pay—but remember, cheaper isn't always better. Look for value: experience, specialist knowledge, and a therapist who helps you feel completely safe and supported. That’s worth every penny.
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Written By:
Laura Dimmock-Jones
Owner of Lovely Massage
A Librarian by training, now a fully qualified massage therapist and reflexologist.Mother to a young family, I work my hours around them. I am a qualified reflexologist and holistic massage therapist and I’m qualified to perform chair massage, pregnancy and post-natal massage, deep-tissue massage and aromareflex.
Further Reading:
Association of Reflexologist
www.aor.org.uk
Complementary Therapists Association
www.ctha.co.uk
Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council
www.cnhc.org.uk
Abson, Maureen. 2016.
Healing massage : am a-z guide for more than 40 medical conditions, for professional and home use. Chichester: Lotus.
Earlem, Sally & Smith, Tracey. 2015.
Reflexology: supporting your client through the conception and maternity journey. Taunton: The Association of Reflexologists.
Fox, Su. 2014.
The massage therapist’s pocket book of pathology. Chichester: Lotus.
Tucker, Louise. 2020.
An introductory guide to reflexology. London: EMS Publishing.
