Benefits of Massage in Pregnancy
A woman not only changes physically in pregnancy but also emotionally and spiritually, wanting to protect the most important thing in her life. Massage can aid relaxation promoting a deeper sense of well being as well as lessening the risk of insomnia, anxiety or depression. Pregnancy can be quite hard on the body and fatigue is a big part of it. Massage can increase blood and lymph flow eliminating toxins which in turn decreases tiredness. It’s a wonderful de-stress which is essential to the mother-to-be as she wants to remain as calm as possible during the pregnancy. Massage in pregnancy can also alleviate physical problems like swelling in hands and feet which is extremely common. Pregnancy can cause a lot of discomfort to the expecting mother and massage is a wonderful way to relieve such problems.
Benefits of Massage for Babies
Massage not only benefits the baby but the parents as well. For the parents, massage releases the hormone Oxytocin which is the warm and loving feeling you get when you hold your baby close to you. It also strengthens the attachment you have with your baby and can often lessen the symptoms of post natal depression for mothers.
Baby massage has been linked to brain development as touch stimulates the baby’s senses. It can also help reduce crying and fussing as well as common problems like constipation and colic. Massage is fantastic for bed times as a loving massage can promote better and longer sleep which is also a great benefit to any parent!