5 Surprising Benefits of Partner Massage for Pregnancy & Labor Support
Share this with your partner!
Pregnancy and labor are probably the most physically strenuous experiences a person can have in their life. Most people who can get pregnant will most likely never feel their body under that kind of strain at any other time in their whole lifetime.
Therefore, it is really important to ensure that those around them give them the support and care that they need. One incredible way of providing a pregnant parent with that is learning how to give them a Partner Massage.
So let’s explore more about Partner Massage!
What is Partner Massage?
Partner massage is a type of bodywork that soothes and relaxes a parent-to-be during the difficulties of pregnancy and labor. Similar to Prenatal Massage, it helps to relieve some of the aches and pains pregnancy can bring upon a person’s body. As mentioned, it can be done during both pregnancy and labor and can provide much-needed relief to a mom-to-be during this time. Read more about Partner Massage here: What is Partner Massage?
It is a highly interactive and bonding experience that soon-to-be parents will surely enjoy. And it is also so easy to learn!
If you or your partner would like to learn this massage technique, we are currently providing 1:1 virtual and in-person sessions at our Prenatal Massage & Movement Center here in New York. During these sessions, we will teach you, your partner or your birthing partner exactly how to give this type of massage.
Partner Massage as a Tool in Labor Support
If you are looking for a way to support your partner in labor (or be supported in labor), Partner Massage is definitely something you want to consider adding to your birth plan!
This is because massage is very effective at helping to reduce stress and tension in the body. This in turn helps lead to a calmer birth which some evidence suggests can reduce the possibility of complications.
What’s more, this form of massage also helps with labor support as it increases blood flow to the uterus and pelvis. It can also help to relieve pain during labor which your partner will definitely be very thankful for.
However, as previously mentioned, this type of massage can be used at any time during pregnancy so there is no need to save it just for labor!
Use it to help your partner unwind after work or when the ailments of pregnancy are causing them too much discomfort.
What Are the Benefits of Partner Massage When it Comes to Pregnancy & Labor
There is a wide range of benefits to Partner Massage. Of course, it helps the mother-to-be to relax as well as release tension and pain during pregnancy and labor but it also can be such a wonderful way for you and your partner to connect.
Here is a closer look at 5 of its main benefits:
5 Benefits of Partner Massage:
Lowers Stress
Partner Massage has been shown to significantly reduce stress during labor a study found. Twenty-eight women were selected to receive massage therapy during labor. After they were massaged, the women reported a decrease in anxiety and pain and generally displayed less agitation overall. Significantly, the mothers had shorter labors and less postpartum depression after giving birth.
Helps You to Bond with Your Partner
Giving your partner a massage during labor and pregnancy can be a great bonding activity for you both. Touch is a form of non-verbal communication which can help strengthen intimacy and connection. Your partner will also feel supported and cared for and it will give you an opportunity to help ‘take a load off’.
Creates An Opportunity For Partners to Participate in Pregnancy and Labor
Sometimes being a birthing partner can be a little bit puzzling and stressful. What kind of things should you be doing other than ensuring the mom-to-be has enough water and snacks? Well, Partner Massage is definitely something you should consider doing if you are a birthing partner. It will give you something to do to help when your partner is doing the real hard work. As mentioned, it will also help to ease any pain and tension your partner will experience as well as help the whole birthing process to go smoother.
Boosts Feel-Good Hormones and Reduces Pain During Labor
Another benefit of massage during labor, is that it helps to boost feel-good hormones that help to reduce pain and improve mood. For example, one study showed that massage may help to reduce adrenaline whilst boosting feel-good hormones such as oxytocin and other endorphins. These hormones help to both reduce pain and pain perception.
Helps With Sleep (Especially During Pregnancy)
One of the very unwelcome side-effects of pregnancy is interrupted sleep. However, Partner Massage can also help in this area too! With its ability to promote relaxation and calm in its recipient, massage helps to ensure a restful and peaceful sleep. What’s more, since it assists in relieving the ailments of pregnancy, it might be something you want to incorporate into your nightly routine.
How to Get Partner Support With a Relaxing Massage at Home
During a Partner Massage session, our trained massage therapist will show you how to get support with a relaxing massage. The session will provide you with expert instructions on how to give a soothing and relaxing massage. It will also provide you with a new way to connect with and support your pregnant or laboring partner.
A lot of people don't know that getting a massage can be one of the best ways to release tension and stress in the body. This is especially true if you have someone else give it to you! Partner massage can be a great addition to your birth plan and labor process.
Book a session today!
FAQs
How can I massage my wife or partner during pregnancy or labor?
The best way to massage your wife or partner during labor or pregnancy is to book a 1:1 session with a therapist to learn how to do this effectively. However, you can experiment at home as well. Experiment with using different parts of your body such as the palm or elbow as well as different types of pressure and touch. This should be an experience that is enjoyable for you both so listen to any feedback your partner gives you.
What are some tips for giving partner massage?
A few tips for partner massage are to firstly avoid giving a pregnant person a massage when they have a fever, are experiencing preterm labor, bleeding or cramping. Secondly, avoid any essential oils that are harmful for labor or pregnancy. These include Clary Sage (can bring on contractions), Basil, Aniseed and Mogwort. Take a look at Essential Oils and Pregancy Safety for a full list. Thirdly always, listen to what your partner wants and ask them what feels best for them.