How postpartum massage supports recovery after birth

MASAJ therapist Kelroy Sandy, a specialist in pregnancy and postnatal massage, shares his insights on safety, benefits, and his personalised approach.

The weeks and months following your baby's arrival – often referred to as the “fourth trimester” – are a whirlwind of change. From sleepless nights to physical recovery and emotional adjustment, it’s a period where care for yourself can easily fall by the wayside. That’s why postpartum massage is so transformative: it’s a moment to feel nurtured, rebalanced, and supported.

At MASAJ, we’re passionate about creating spaces where new mums can feel held and cared for. Here’s how postnatal massage can help you on your journey back to yourself after birth.

Aiding Physical Recovery

Birth is a monumental physical experience, leaving many folk with lingering aches and tension, whether from labour, caesarean recovery, or the demands of breastfeeding and caring for a newborn. Postnatal massage provides a supportive space for physical recovery, helping to heal from any birth trauma or difficulties, while focusing on:

• Relieve back, neck, and shoulder pain caused by awkward feeding positions or lifting your baby.

• Enhancing circulation to support healing, reduce swelling, and eliminate toxins, Lymphatic Drainage Massage can be incredibly beneficial after childbirth and is safe to use immediately post-birth.

• Easing pelvic discomfort and restoring alignment as your body adjusts post-birth.

We have therapists who are specifically trained to treat folk post birth and they each use tailored techniques to support your body during recovery, whether you’re weeks or months postpartum.

Reducing Stress and Promoting Relaxation

The transition to motherhood often comes with increased stress and disrupted sleep. Postnatal massage helps regulate the nervous system by:

• Boosting serotonin and dopamine, the body’s natural mood lifters. These hormones play a key role in regulating mood and emotional well-being, helping to lift feelings of overwhelm and create a sense of positivity and balance during a demanding time.

• Reducing cortisol, the stress hormone creates a calmer, more centred feeling.  By lowering cortisol levels, massage helps to alleviate the physical and mental effects of stress, allowing you to relax deeply and feel more in control amidst the changes of new parenthood.

Encouraging better sleep, even if only in short stretches, so you can feel more energised and refreshed.

Supporting Emotional Wellbeing

For many new mums, postnatal depression and anxiety can make this time feel especially challenging. Massage offers more than just physical relief – it helps to:

• Rebalance hormones, providing relief from the emotional rollercoaster after birth.

• Create a moment of mindfulness and connection to your body, helping you feel grounded and present.

• Offer a sense of being cared for, which is so often missing when all your focus is on your baby.

Reclaiming Time for Yourself

When life revolves around your little one, it’s easy to forget to care for yourself. Postnatal massage is a rare opportunity to pause, breathe, and focus on your own needs. Whether it’s a one-off session or part of a longer self-care plan, it’s a moment to remind yourself: you deserve this.

Your Postnatal Journey at MASAJ

At MASAJ, we’ve designed our postnatal treatments to provide deep relief and rejuvenation during this precious yet demanding chapter. Every session is completely tailored – whether you’re looking to target specific discomforts or simply take a moment to relax.

From our serene studios to our highly skilled prenatal and postpartum therapists, every detail is crafted with your comfort in mind. And if you’re not quite ready to leave your baby just yet, we’ll work with you to create an experience that feels right for where you are.

You Deserve to Feel Held

The early days of parenthood are about so much more than just adjusting to life with a baby – they’re about rediscovering yourself. Let us support you on this journey with the Power of Touch, bringing comfort, connection, and care to your postpartum recovery.

Written by: Kelroy Sandy - MASAJ Therapist (Pregnancy & Postnatal Massage Diploma).

Verified by: Polly Powell (BA, BSC, IBCLCBA, BSC, IBCLC)