When Can I Start Postpartum Massage After Giving Birth?
Topics
Introduction
Postpartum Massage After a Cesarean Birth
Postpartum Massage After a Vaginal Birth
Benefits of Postpartum Massage in the First Week After Birth
Benefits of Postpartum Massage 6 Weeks After Birth
Benefits of Postpartum Massage Months After Birth
Emotional Benefits of Postpartum Massage
What It’s Like to Work with Allay For Postpartum Massages
Introduction
Bringing a new baby into the world is one of life’s most transformative experiences. Along with the joy and bonding, the postpartum period often comes with aches, fatigue, emotional changes, and the physical recovery of birth. Many new parents ask, “When can I start postpartum massage after giving birth?”
The answer depends on how you delivered (vaginal or cesarean), how your recovery is progressing, and whether you have any health concerns. Massage can begin surprisingly early for many parents and can provide powerful physical and emotional benefits when tailored to your stage of healing.
In this blog, we’ll explore the best timing for postpartum massage, common concerns, evidence-based benefits of massage, and how Allay brings expert postpartum massage directly to your San Francisco or Bay Area home.
Why Consider Postpartum Massage?
Postpartum massage is more than relaxation—it is a therapeutic and restorative practice designed to help new mothers recover both physically and emotionally after childbirth. While the postpartum period is often filled with joy, it also brings immense physical changes, hormonal shifts, and the challenges of caring for a newborn. Massage therapy can play a key role in easing this transition and supporting long-term recovery.
Research shows that postpartum massage provides a range of benefits, including:
Reducing pain and muscle soreness from childbirth and daily activities. Labor, delivery, and the new demands of breastfeeding or bottle-feeding often cause tension in the back, shoulders, hips, and wrists. Postpartum massage helps release tight muscles, alleviate aches, and restore comfort.
Improving circulation and lymphatic drainage to decrease swelling (edema). Fluid retention is common after pregnancy, especially in the legs, ankles, and feet. Massage helps stimulate circulation, support the lymphatic system, and reduce heaviness or puffiness. This makes movement easier and enhances overall well-being.
Supporting hormonal balance. Massage has been shown to lower stress hormones such as cortisol while increasing feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. This hormonal shift can promote relaxation, enhance mood, and help the body return to balance after birth.
Decreasing anxiety and symptoms of postpartum depression. Emotional health is just as important as physical healing during postpartum. Massage creates a nurturing, calming environment where mothers can unwind, feel supported, and reconnect with their bodies. Research has linked massage therapy to reductions in both anxiety and depressive symptoms, making it a valuable complementary approach to postpartum mental health care.
Encouraging better sleep. Many new parents struggle with disrupted sleep patterns, nighttime feedings, and difficulty relaxing. Postpartum massage promotes deep relaxation, helping the nervous system settle and improving the quality of rest—even if sleep time is limited.
For example, one research study found that slow-stroke back massage given on the first postpartum day significantly reduced anxiety levels compared to mothers who did not receive massage (Beiranvand et al., 2016). Another study by Field (2010) highlighted that massage therapy in the postpartum period not only improved mothers’ mood but also lowered stress hormone levels, demonstrating its value as both a physical and emotional recovery tool.
Postpartum Massage After a Cesarean Birth
For mothers who delivered via Cesarean section, recovery timelines look different. A C-section is a major abdominal surgery, and the incision site requires proper time to heal. Most doctors recommend waiting at least 4–6 weeks before beginning direct abdominal massage or scar tissue work.
That said, massage does not have to wait until full healing has occurred. Many new mothers can begin with gentle massage on the shoulders, neck, arms, back, and legs within the first 1–3 weeks, once cleared by their doctor. These sessions can ease muscle tension from breastfeeding positions, reduce swelling, and provide emotional grounding while avoiding the healing incision.
Postpartum health concerns to monitor before scheduling massage include:
Heavy bleeding or ongoing hemorrhage – Postpartum bleeding should gradually decrease. If you are still experiencing heavy bleeding, wait until your provider clears you.
Signs of infection at the incision site – Redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or increasing pain around the scar may indicate infection and should be treated before massage.
Severe abdominal pain or tenderness – Some discomfort is normal, but sharp or worsening pain should be evaluated by a doctor.
Fever or chills – These can signal infection and are a reason to pause massage until you’re medically cleared.
Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT) – Symptoms like sudden swelling, warmth, redness, or pain in the legs should be checked immediately. Massage is contraindicated until resolved.
Uncontrolled high blood pressure or preeclampsia symptoms – These conditions require careful monitoring before massage is safe.
Other complications flagged by your provider – Always follow your doctor’s advice if you have specific postpartum health risks.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is best to get clearance from your OBGYN or midwife before scheduling postpartum massage. Once you’re medically cleared, gentle massage can be a safe and effective way to support healing.
Research found that massage therapy after a cesarean significantly reduced pain intensity at multiple time points (immediately after, 60 minutes, and 90 minutes post-massage) compared to the group who did not receive massage (Zhao et al., 2023). Another study showed that hand and foot massage after cesarean birth not only reduced pain and anxiety but also increased breastfeeding frequency (Vakilian et al., 2016).
Postpartum Massage After a Vaginal Birth
For mothers who deliver vaginally, postpartum massage can usually begin as soon as you feel ready, provided there are no complications. Some parents enjoy their first massage just a few days after birth, while others prefer to wait a couple of weeks. The key is to listen to your body. Light, gentle massage can help reduce soreness, relieve muscle tension, and promote relaxation after the intensity of labor and support muscles aches that come with breastfeeding. Massage at this stage can ease perineal soreness, reduce back and hip pain, improve circulation, and provide much-needed relaxation.
If you had perineal tearing or stitches, you may prefer to wait until you’re more comfortable. Most providers recommend 2–6 weeks depending on your healing speed. Massage therapists trained in postpartum care can work around tender areas while still providing support for your back, hips, legs, and shoulders
Postpartum health concerns to monitor before scheduling massage include:
Heavy bleeding or ongoing hemorrhage – Postpartum bleeding (lochia) should gradually decrease over time. If you are still soaking more than one pad per hour or passing large clots, massage should be postponed until cleared by your provider.
Severe perineal pain or infection – If you experienced tearing, an episiotomy, or stitches, monitor for redness, swelling, foul odor, or worsening pain at the perineal area, which may indicate infection and should be treated before massage.
Urinary or bowel complications – Difficulty urinating, incontinence, or severe pain with bowel movements may require medical evaluation before massage is started.
Fever or chills – These can be signs of infection (such as endometritis) and are a reason to wait until you’re medically cleared.
Signs of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT) – Sudden swelling, warmth, redness, or pain in the legs require immediate attention and are contraindications for massage.
Uncontrolled high blood pressure or preeclampsia symptoms – Headaches, vision changes, or high blood pressure readings should be addressed by your doctor before scheduling bodywork.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s best to consult with your OBGYN or midwife first before booking a postpartum massage. Once cleared, a postpartum massage after a vaginal birth can be an incredibly supportive tool for recovery—helping to restore balance, ease muscle tension, and provide a safe space to unwind during the transition into motherhood.
Benefits of Postpartum Massage in the First Week After Birth
Many mothers ask whether it is safe to receive massage in the first few days after birth. The answer depends on your delivery and your individual recovery.
If you had a vaginal birth without complications, gentle postpartum massage may be started as soon as you feel comfortable—sometimes even within the first 2–5 days. At this stage, sessions are generally shorter and more restorative, focusing on light pressure techniques to encourage circulation, reduce swelling (edema), and provide relaxation. Massage therapists can use side-lying positions with pillows and bolsters to keep you fully supported or provide the massage on your back if you are feeling comfortable.
Massage during the first week postpartum is particularly helpful for:
Upper back, shoulder, and neck strain that often develops from breastfeeding, pumping, or bottle-feeding positions. These repetitive postures can create tension that massage helps release.
Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet, which may occur due to increased blood volume during pregnancy, IV fluids from labor, or reduced mobility after delivery. Gentle lymphatic drainage techniques can help ease this heaviness.
Abdominal muscle tension and soreness after delivery. Light, supportive massage around the abdomen (avoiding direct pressure) can encourage circulation and promote healing in the core.
Perineal tension and pelvic discomfort, especially after tearing or stitches. While direct pressure is avoided in the first days, surrounding areas like the hips, sacrum, and inner thighs can be gently massaged to promote relaxation and reduce holding patterns.
Hand and wrist pain, which is extremely common in new mothers due to holding and feeding the baby. Gentle massage can reduce strain, stiffness, and nerve compression often linked to "mommy thumb" or carpal tunnel-like symptoms.
Emotional support and grounding. The early postpartum period often brings mood shifts such as the “baby blues.” Massage promotes deep relaxation, lowers stress hormones, and can help mothers feel more centered during this transition.
Encouraging rest and sleep. Even short massages help calm the nervous system and improve sleep quality, which is essential for recovery when rest is often fragmented.
Reducing postpartum headaches or tension. Hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and stress can contribute to headaches in the early weeks. Gentle massage of the neck, shoulders, and scalp can provide relief.
Promoting lactation comfort. While massage does not increase milk supply, reducing stress, shoulder strain, and poor posture can support more comfortable breastfeeding sessions.
However, there are important times to wait before scheduling a massage. If you are experiencing heavy bleeding, dizziness, fever, severe pain, or any complications noted by your provider, it’s best to hold off until you’ve been cleared.
👉 Tip: Even if you’re not ready for a full-body massage, many mothers benefit from a shorter in-home session focused only on the back, shoulders, feet, or hands to provide comfort without overwhelming the body during those delicate first days.
Benefits of Postpartum Massage 6 Weeks After Birth
The six-week postpartum check-up is often considered the milestone for resuming many normal activities, including regular exercise, intimacy, and deeper bodywork. For most mothers, this is an excellent time to begin or continue postpartum massage.
By this point, the uterus has typically returned closer to its pre-pregnancy size, vaginal bleeding has slowed or stopped, and incisions (from C-sections or perineal tears) are well on their way to healing.
Massage at the six-week mark can provide:
Deeper muscular release to ease chronic hip, back, and neck tension from pregnancy and newborn care. This helps restore freedom of movement and reduces the risk of long-term muscular imbalances.
Scar support after C-section or perineal tears, once fully healed, to improve mobility and reduce adhesions. Gentle massage around scar tissue can also soften tightness and restore comfort in daily activities.
Joint and wrist relief for hands, wrists, and forearms strained by repetitive feeding and baby care. By reducing inflammation and easing muscle tightness, massage can prevent issues like carpal tunnel or tendonitis from worsening.
Better posture alignment, countering rounded shoulders and forward head strain common in new mothers. Regular sessions support spinal alignment and prevent chronic pain from poor ergonomics.
Improved circulation and lymphatic flow, reducing lingering swelling and enhancing healing. Increased circulation also supports nutrient delivery to tissues, speeding up postpartum recovery.
Hormonal and emotional balance by lowering cortisol and supporting serotonin and dopamine levels. This natural shift helps mothers feel calmer, more grounded, and less overwhelmed.
Improved sleep quality, helping mothers manage cumulative fatigue from frequent night waking. By reducing tension and activating the parasympathetic nervous system, massage encourages deeper rest.
Stress management and resilience, especially useful for those transitioning back to work or balancing family demands. Many mothers find massage creates a safe space to release emotional and physical stress.
A sense of self-care and reconnection, helping mothers feel grounded and supported in their recovery journey. Taking this time reinforces that their healing and well-being matter, too.
👉 Tip: Many mothers schedule massage every 1–2 weeks during the early months, which can make a noticeable difference in recovery, energy, and emotional well-being. Then either once or twice a month to support lasting benefits during postpartum recovery.
Benefits of Postpartum Massage Months After Birth
It’s important to know that it’s never too late to begin postpartum massage. Even if you did not receive massage during the first few weeks or months, you can still benefit months—or even years—after giving birth.
By this stage, mothers often face different challenges:
Chronic back, shoulder, or neck pain from months of lifting, carrying, and feeding their baby. Postpartum massage can release muscle tension, restore flexibility, and improve comfort during daily activities.
Hip and pelvic discomfort caused by lingering pregnancy and birth-related changes. Gentle massage helps realign muscles and connective tissue, supporting better mobility and posture.
C-section scar tissue that may feel tight or restrict movement. Once fully healed, targeted massage techniques can soften adhesions and improve scar mobility, which may reduce discomfort and increase functional range of motion.
Emotional burnout and stress as sleep deprivation and ongoing parenting demands accumulate. Massage has been shown to reduce cortisol levels while boosting mood-enhancing neurotransmitters, supporting emotional balance Field (2010).
Massage months after delivery can be transformative, helping to rebalance the body, restore flexibility, and provide much-needed time for self-care. It’s particularly helpful during transitions such as weaning, returning to work, or adjusting to new family routines, when stress levels may be higher.
Another valuable benefit of postpartum massage at this stage is its role in preparing the body for another pregnancy. Regular massage helps:
Restore pelvic alignment and mobility, which supports optimal positioning and comfort for future pregnancies.
Release tension in the lower back, hips, and sacrum, creating a more comfortable foundation for carrying another baby and reducing strain on core muscles.
Promote circulation and lymphatic flow, which aids tissue health and supports recovery of reproductive and core muscles.
Support overall stress reduction, positively influencing hormonal balance and potentially improving fertility and conception readiness.
Even if it’s a year or more postpartum, massage can help your body reset, heal, and strengthen, making it more resilient for future pregnancies while also improving current comfort, mobility, and emotional well-being.
A study explored the clinical application of myofascial therapy in treating postpartum dysfunction. The results indicated that myofascial therapy improved subcutaneous tissue microcirculation, accelerated the metabolism of inflammatory factors, and alleviated pain. These effects contribute to tissue health and support the recovery of reproductive and core muscles (Zhang et al, 2024).
Emotional Benefits of Postpartum Massage
The postpartum period is as much emotional as it is physical. Hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation, and the demands of newborn care can feel overwhelming. Massage provides grounding and emotional relief by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the "rest and digest" system, which counteracts the stress-induced "fight or flight" response.
Research supports this benefit: a randomized controlled study found that weekly postpartum massage over 4 weeks significantly lowered scores on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, showing massage can be an effective complementary therapy for postpartum depression (Udayani et al., 2021).
Furthermore, a systematic review published in The Benefits of Holistic Therapy for Psychological Disorders in Postpartum Mothers indicates that holistic therapies such as massage can reduce psychological disorders like anxiety and depression in postpartum mothers by increasing relaxation and positive mood (Ainur et al, 2020).
What It’s Like to Work with Allay For Postpartum Massages
At Allay, we bring the nurturing benefits of prenatal massage directly to your home. This means no commuting, no waiting rooms, and the comfort of your own space. Our massage therapists are trained to provide safe, effective, and deeply relaxing sessions tailored to your trimester and individual needs.
Allay’s Mission: At Allay, we are dedicated to improving pregnancy care, birth outcomes, and postpartum recovery. We offer personalized, holistic care that empowers parents to thrive during every phase of their journey—from pregnancy to postpartum. Whether it’s in-home therapeutic massage, lactation consultations, or educational resources, we aim to provide compassionate, evidence-based care to support you every step of the way.
Home massages eliminates the stress of commuting and allows you to relax in your own environment while being close to your baby.
In the early postpartum period, we use gentle techniques with your preference of pressure to support circulation, reduce swelling, and provide deep relaxation.
After a cesarean birth, our massage therapists work safely around your comfort level and focus on easing shoulder, back, and hip pain caused by limited mobility and feeding positions.
As your recovery progresses, we can also gently support scar tissue mobility once your provider clears you, helping restore comfort and flexibility.
We provide targeted support for muscle aches and tension caused by breastfeeding, carrying, and holding your baby, helping relieve strain in the neck, shoulders, back and arms.
Our mission is to make postpartum care accessible, stress-free, and nurturing. Every session is tailored to your stage of healing, so you feel supported physically and emotionally.
✨ Book your home postpartum massage today and discover the difference supportive in home massages can make in your postpartum recovery journey. Currently serving families in San Francisco, San Mateo, Burlingame, Palo Alto, Los Altos, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, San Jose, Oakland, Berkeley, and throughout the Bay Area!
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