Your body goes through a lot of changes during the 9-month stre-e-tch mama! So why not treat yourself to a stomach massage? When performed correctly, they can help reduce tension, stress and they’re a great way to bond with your baby.
Whether you’re a mama-to-be or have already given birth to your little one (little ones)? Read on find out the best way to perform a stomach massage and our top tips on how to do them safely and effectively. Are you ready to pamper yourself, mama?
What is a stomach massage during pregnancy?
A relaxing stomach massage can do wonders for you and your baby, helping you to relax and unwind from the stresses of your day. It consists of soft, gentle movements with your hands over your stomach, moulding the contours of your body using a rich cream or nourishing oil.
As always mama, before you begin any massage or stomach massage during pregnancy, be sure to check with your doctor to make sure that it is safe for you to do so. Also, if you want to use aromatherapy essential oils, check with your midwife or doctor beforehand as not all oils are safe to use on the skin during pregnancy.
Is A Stomach Massage During Pregnancy Safe?
Absolutely, mama! However, we recommend avoiding all massages during your first trimester of pregnancy, just to be on the safe side as massaging your bump in your first trimester can make morning sickness worse. But, from around 3 months pregnant, it is perfectly safe for you to perform a gentle stomach massage during pregnancy!
In fact, a stomach massage in your second and third trimester can provide a range of benefits for you and your little one and can help relieve you of aches and pains, boost , help reduce anxiety and even improve sleep! Convinced? We thought so.
Stomach Massage After C Section Or Natural Labour
Postpartum, you should still be giving your tummy some love and nourishment and this act of self-care is the perfect way to let go of physical, emotional and mental tension, mama!
It is thought that abdominal massage can be very beneficial for up to 2-3 weeks after birth. However, a uterine massage (stomach) can be harmful if too much pressure is applied, so be sure to talk to your doctor or midwife before doing a postpartum stomach massage at home or with a massage therapist.
If you gave birth via c-section, during the first 2 weeks postpartum your body is extremely sensitive and prone to infections so it is important that you give your body plenty of time to recover, mama. So, most doctors will suggest that you wait until your scar is completely healed before considering any form of massage or a stomach massage after c section, which usually takes around 6-7 weeks.
How To Perform A Stomach Massage During Pregnancy?
Step One:
Make sure you’re sitting in a comfortable position, perhaps closing your eyes as if you were about to begin a calming meditation exercise.
Step Two:
Depending on your preferred texture, either warm a dollop of our ultra-rich clinically proven* Tummy Rub Butter between the palms of your hands or spritz a few drops of our silky-smooth Tummy Rub Oil over your bump.
*Independent clinical trial
Step Three:
Take some deep, relaxed breaths and begin at the sides of your bump, slowly moving your hands towards the middle and gradually moving them down towards your pubic bone; along each side of your groin and back up to each side.
Step Four:
Repeat step three, but this time move your hands up slowly towards your breasts, along the top and down to the sides.
Step Five:
Using the palm of your hands, glide across and around your bump in overlapping ‘c’ shapes.
Who said that you had to do it yourself, mama? A stomach massage is a lovely way for your partner to join in on your pregnancy journey too. Let them gently massage your bump using the same techniques listed above whilst you drift away to a peaceful state of relaxation and calm.