The Massage Guide

Maternal Massage

The Ultimate Guide to Maternal Massage: Relief, Recovery, and Rejuvenation for Moms & Families

Motherhood is a beautiful journey, but it comes with its challenges—fatigue, body aches, stress, and the constant demand to nurture others. At Maternal Massage and Skin, we believe in nurturing the nurturers by offering rest, pain relief, and a supportive community for moms and their families. This guide explores how maternal massage plays a vital role in pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and overall well-being, while introducing our network of care providers for a holistic approach to maternal health.


Why Moms Need Specialized Massage

The physical and emotional demands of pregnancy and motherhood take a toll on the body. From the changes of pregnancy to the postpartum healing process and the everyday stress of raising a family, massage therapy provides essential support by:


  • Relieving muscle tension and joint pain
  • Improving circulation and reducing swelling
  • Supporting hormonal balance and reducing stress
  • Enhancing sleep quality and overall relaxation


Research published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology shows that prenatal massage reduces cortisol and increases serotonin and dopamine, improving mood and reducing anxiety. The International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork highlights how postpartum massage reduces pain and improves sleep patterns.

Massage is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity for maternal wellness. Incorporating it into a self-care routine allows moms to feel more energized, balanced, and supported in their journey.


The Benefits of Maternal Massage

1 - Pain Relief
Prenatal massage alleviates common pregnancy and postpartum discomforts—like back pain, neck tension, and swollen feet—by improving circulation and reducing muscle tension (American Pregnancy Association).

2 - Hormonal Balance
Research from the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami shows that massage during pregnancy significantly decreases stress hormones and increases dopamine and serotonin, easing depression and anxiety.

3 - Better Sleep & Energy
A Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine study found that massage therapy stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, enhancing sleep and energy restoration.

4 - Postpartum Healing
The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine reports that postpartum massage reduces swelling, promotes tissue repair, improves circulation, and supports C-section and muscle recovery.


Types of Massage for Moms & Families

  • Prenatal Massage: Gentle techniques to relieve discomfort, boost circulation, and reduce pregnancy stress. Research suggests it may reduce labor complications and improve fetal outcomes.
  • Postpartum Massage: Helps restore balance, relieve nursing tension, and aid in recovery. Linked to reduced postpartum depression.
  • Therapeutic & Deep Tissue Massage: Great for chronic pain, tension, or fatigue. Studies show deep tissue massage reduces stiffness and boosts mobility.
  • Lymphatic Drainage Massage: Eases postpartum swelling and detoxification by improving lymph circulation, as supported by Manual Therapy Journal.
  • Couples Massage: A relaxing experience for partners to reconnect. Shared relaxation has been shown to improve emotional bonds and reduce stress.


Beyond Massage: A Holistic Approach to Maternal Wellness

We believe true wellness is built through community. That’s why we work with trusted professionals who support moms beyond massage:

  • Doulas: Provide birth and postpartum support. Studies show doula-assisted births lead to fewer interventions and better outcomes.
  • Breastfeeding Professionals: Offer lactation consulting and education. Research from the Journal of Human Lactation shows expert support improves breastfeeding success and reduces complications.
  • Women’s Health Social Workers: Address emotional wellness for new moms. Mental health support is key in preventing postpartum depression.
  • Yoga Teachers: Specialize in prenatal/postpartum movement to improve flexibility, strength, and reduce stress.

When paired with massage therapy, these services help create a complete support system for every stage of motherhood.


How Often Should Moms Get a Massage?

Massage frequency depends on each mom’s needs:

  • Pregnancy: Monthly in the first and second trimesters; biweekly or weekly in the third.
  • Postpartum: Weekly or biweekly during the first few months after birth.
  • Ongoing Self-Care: Monthly sessions to maintain health, balance, and stress relief.

Regular massage is an investment in your physical and emotional well-being.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is prenatal massage safe?
Yes! When performed by a trained therapist, it’s safe and highly beneficial. We use specialized positioning and techniques for your comfort and safety.

2. How soon after giving birth can I get a massage?
As early as a few days after a vaginal delivery or a few weeks post-C-section, with doctor’s clearance. It supports recovery, hormone balance, and reduces muscle tension.

3. Can massage help with postpartum depression or anxiety?
Yes. Studies show massage therapy reduces cortisol and boosts serotonin and dopamine—supporting better mood and reduced anxiety.

4. Do you offer massage for partners or family members?
Yes! Couples massage helps partners relax and reconnect. Massage is also great for caregivers experiencing stress or physical tension.

5. Can a massage cause a breech pregnancy?
No. There’s no evidence that massage causes breech positioning. In fact, safe techniques may support optimal fetal positioning.

6. How long are the massage sessions?
We offer 60- to 90-minute sessions. Your therapist can help you choose the right duration based on your goals.

7. Do you use special oils or lotions for pregnancy massage?
Yes. We use pregnancy-safe, fragrance-free, and non-toxic products. Let us know about any allergies or preferences.


Nurturing the Nurturers

Moms spend so much time caring for others—it’s time they received the same care. Maternal massage is more than relaxation; it’s a path to healing, balance, and rejuvenation.

At Maternal Massage and Skin, we’re committed to supporting moms and families through every step. If you’re ready to rest, heal, and feel supported, we invite you to book a session and experience holistic maternal care.


Book Your Massage Today!

Doulas of Utah
By This blog post was written by Kylee Alejandre, founder and CEO of Doulas of Utah, for our friends at Maternal Massage and Skin. January 14, 2026
Postpartum recovery in the U.S. has long been treated as an afterthought, something parents are expected to “figure out” once they’re home with a newborn. At Doulas of Utah , we believe postpartum care should be proactive, accessible, and deeply supportive. That belief is exactly how we’re revolutionizing postpartum recovery in Utah. Rethinking Traditional Postpartum Care Traditionally, postpartum care has focused almost exclusively on a single follow-up appointment at six weeks postpartum. But healing, adjustment, and emotional well-being don’t wait six weeks, and neither should support. Doulas of Utah takes a comprehensive, hands-on approach to postpartum recovery by meeting families where they are, starting immediately after birth. In-Home Support That Meets Real-Life Needs Our professionally trained postpartum doulas provide practical, in-home support that bridges the gap between medical care and real life. That includes overnight newborn care so parents can rest, feeding support without judgment, emotional check-ins, light household help, and education that empowers parents to feel confident instead of overwhelmed. Recovery isn’t just physical, it’s emotional, mental, and relational, and our care reflects that reality. Postpartum recovery shouldn’t be something parents survive. It should be something they’re supported through. Flexible, Inclusive Postpartum Support We’re also changing postpartum recovery by making support more flexible and inclusive. Families can choose daytime support, overnight care, short-term help, or extended contracts depending on their needs. We support first-time parents, growing families, high-risk postpartum situations, and parents navigating anxiety, depression, or trauma, all with the same level of respect and individualized care. Preparing Families Before Baby Arrives Another way we’re revolutionizing postpartum care in Utah is through education and preparation. Our team helps parents plan for postpartum before the baby arrives, setting realistic expectations and building support systems early. When parents know what’s normal, what’s not, and when to ask for help, recovery becomes smoother and far less isolating. Raising the Standard for Postpartum Doulas Finally, we’re raising the standard for postpartum care by investing in our doulas. Our team is professionally trained, evidence-based, and supported behind the scenes so they can show up fully for families. When doulas are supported, parents receive better care, plain and simple. Postpartum recovery shouldn’t be something parents survive. It should be something they’re supported through. At Doulas of Utah, we’re proud to be revolutionizing postpartum recovery in Utah, one family, one night of sleep, and one supported parent at a time.
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