Massage

Massage can help ease the pains of pregnancy and, when the time comes, labour.

The weight of pregnancy affects a woman’s posture and can bring with it backaches, headaches and swollen ankles. Giving birth is a task with its own challenges to the body. Massage during pregnancy and labour provides not only relaxation and relief from discomfort, but also non-verbal communication of caring. When you are having contractions, massage can ease your pain, and after your contractions, it can erase tension. Lotions or oils can be nice, especially during a long labour, to avoid chaffing the skin, but they are not essential. If you would like professional support, some registered massage therapists (RMTs) have extra training in labour support.

When possible, express your feelings: Is the massage right for you or not? During labour, when communication becomes non-verbal, body language (such as pulling away, satisfied noises, hand gestures and facial expressions) becomes important. Guide your partner or RMT to let them know what feels good. Have your partner use firm yet gentle strokes and experiment with the pressure until you find what feels just right. Say what would feel better, or give your partner a massage to demonstrate what you mean. If you relax towards the warmth of your masseur’s hands, you will get more out of the massage. If an area is tensed, firm stroking can help it relax.

Massage Positions

A good position for massage is lying on your side with the top leg bent at the knee, and dropping forward onto a pillow or cushion. Another position (one that doesn't allow access to the back) is sitting with the back propped up, the knees bent and soles facing towards each other. Take slow, deep breaths with your eyes closed. Allow the weight of your body to sink into the floor, bed or chair.

For the Masseur

Massaging is less work when you use your own body weight behind your working hands, rather than just pushing with your arms to exert pressure. Keep your hands relaxed and warm. Use continuous movements, without abruptly putting your hands on or lifting your hands up at any time. Accept a massage yourself if one is available. Take stretch breaks.

Prime targets for massage during labour include the back, buttocks and legs, breast, belly, hands and inner thighs. Techniques for massaging all of these areas can be learned in prenatal classes. For more information about prenatal classes offered by Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, at Women’s College Hospital in downtown Toronto, call 416-323-6030.

Breast and nipple stimulation can induce or strengthen labour. Avoid this during pregnancy if you have a history of preterm labour.

Massage During Labour

A woman's need for massage varies during the different stages of labour. During early labour and sometimes during active labour, many women enjoy being stroked. During transition, constant low pressure on the back or just supporting the woman's body may be all that is needed. Some women enjoy just having their hand, or feet or head held, or simply knowing that a caring partner is touching them.

Some women do not like being massaged or touched at all during labour. Don't worry. While the techniques described here are helpful to some, there are also other ways to help her cope.

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