Postpartum depression affects 15% of Canadian women.
Becoming a mother is supposed to be one of the happiest times of a woman’s life. You expect to feel exhausted from lack of sleep, constant feeding and diaper changes. You may even be a bit frazzled by the crying, not knowing what to do to calm your baby. But, no one anticipates the often debilitating symptoms that accompany postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression affects 15% of Canadian women. For women with a history of depression, the rates increase to 35%. Even more so to 50% if the woman has experienced depression in pregnancy.
Postpartum depression is more than just the “baby blues”. It can cause severe mood swings, insomnia or over sleeping, difficulty feeling bonded with your baby, panic attacks, extreme fatigue and anxiety.
What if there was something you could do to help prevent postpartum depression?
Prenatal Massage has actually been proven to reduce rates of postpartum depression. In addition to reducing the symptoms of postpartum depression, prenatal massage helps lower cortisol levels in both mom and baby. Cortisol is the hormone your body releases when you’re under stress, which is why it’s often called the “stress hormone”. Women who have prenatal massage are less likely to go into labour prematurely and are also less likely to have babies with low birth weight.
Additional Benefits of Prenatal Massage:
- Treats aches and pains throughout the body
- Decreases postpartum depression
- Minimizes chances of preterm labour
- Provides better sleep quality
- Relieves muscle tension
- Reduces swelling in legs and feet
- Increases circulation
- Prepares the body for labour and delivery
Visiting a Registered Massage Therapist for prenatal massage treatment is perfectly safe through all stages of pregnancy. Modifications to treatment may be made as you transition through each trimester and your body changes to allow for more comfortable positioning. Not only is massage good for your mental health and the health of your baby, it’s also great for addressing all those aches and pains that have arisen during your pregnancy.
Whether it’s your 1st pregnancy or your 5th, it’s important to take some time for self-care. Book an appointment for a prenatal massage with one of our experienced female registered massage therapists. We want you to be as happy, healthy and well rested as possible when your newest family member arrives.