- Childbirth is a momentous occasion, whether a firstborn or the seventh. The health and upbringing of a newborn depend on the mother’s preparedness to handle this delicate issue. We can read or watch videos of childbirth, but it is an experience that carries weight.
- The first step is to understand female anatomy and how it works during different phases of childbirth. Ovulation is one such phase of the menstrual cycle when an egg or ovum is released from the ovaries. If this ovum meets with male sperm in its journey down the fallopian tube, conception takes place. It does sound simple, but Ovulation depends on the interplay of glands and hormones. This may be one reason why some women cannot conceive. The gland that affects Ovulation is the Hypothalamus, using its hormones for communication with the pituitary gland, referred to as the master gland of the endocrine system. In turn, the pituitary gland produces luteinizing hormone (LH) and FSH. High levels of LH cause Ovulation within two days. The cycle continues with mature follicles releasing the ovum into the peritoneal cavity, the fallopian tube, and the uterus. If the ovum does not encounter a sperm within 24 hours, it dies.
- Ovulation occurs two weeks before the onset of the menstrual period once every month till menopause, or break in between for childbirth and pregnancy. Specific changes occur in the cervical mucus, which gets slippery and slick, accompanied by general or localized pain. Sometimes there is delay or deviation from 24 to 35 days in the menstrual cycle or slight fever in women who follow natural family planning methods. This persuades them to mistake Ovulation for premenstrual symptoms if accompanied by pain and changes in the body. Ovulation should be confirmed with kits available on the market or through blood tests or pregnancy ultrasounds instead of playing guessing games. Once sure, it is advisable to take precautions to avoid miscarriage or bleeding. Motherhood is something nature intended us to enjoy, and we should welcome it in all its cycles.
Post-natal massage may be the solution to her needs.
Top 6 benefits of Post-natal massage therapy:
1. Relaxation
2. Stress Relief
3. Relieves aches on shoulders or neck
4. Hasten the reduction of fluid retention.
5. Help uterus to shrink to the original size
6. Reduce cellulite and help to tone up the body.
- In many parts of Asia, many women before delivery would pre-book sessions with an Indonesian massage therapist for post-natal massage. The treatment is a traditional one that has been handed down several generations and even practiced today. This treatment involves a massage oil applied to the stomach and a tummy wrap (bengkung), essentially a cotton cloth of several meters. The bengkung is used to wrap the body to push up the uterus, apparent water retention, wind, spasm, shrink the tummy, and helps to reduce weight. Post-natal massage is usually done in the privacy of one’s own home.
- For a mother that has delivered her baby naturally, it is generally pretty safe to go for a post-natal massage. For those that paid by caesarian, be sure to consult your professional massage therapist or your doctor first. Most would recommend that you wait a few more weeks before proceeding with a post-natal massage.
- Post-natal massage provides a sense of continuing comfort for the new mother. This massage aims to give nurturing and emotional support and alleviate the muscle strain of labor and childbirth. Some post-natal massage therapies also come with a detoxification ritual that rids the midriff of post-birth bagginess.
- In some instances, post-natal massage can also bring about a much shapelier silhouette than the one just before pregnancy!
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