sure way to keep an expectant couple in touch with each other’s feelings and love, is for Dad to massage Mom, and vice versa. A massage is such a simple thing to do and it has a powerful effect with so many benefits. And yet there is often a lot of mystery and fear about massaging expectant women. While there are certain precautions to be observed, touch therapy has been used safely for thousands of years in many cultures, with techniques passed from one generation to the next. The most important thing is to get started.
This section has some important pointers for Dad to help ensure he can confidently massage his partner – who will no doubt be suitably impressed and may even return the favour, within the physical limitations of her pregnancy.
1.Benefits of pregnancy touch techniques
A lot of research has been conducted over the last two decades and it’s now clear that massage reduces the rates of prematurity as well as pregnancy and postnatal depression, helps relieve the aches and pains of pregnancy and improves sleep patterns. You will feel comforted, relaxed and cherished too. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, you can still profit greatly from a few general touch techniques, but if you would like a full-body massage, rather use a trained therapist.
2.Top massage tips
The best positions are lying on your side, sitting comfortably facing and leaning onto the back of a chair, sitting on or kneeling on the floor while leaning over a birth ball or leaning forward with your arms or hands resting on a table. Then, Dad can try a few of these techniques:
•Neck and shoulder massage – simply do it, Dad, and follow Mom’s cues as to how much pressure you can use.
•Back massage – lower backache is the most common pregnancy complaint, and it responds well to firm circular massage with the heel of your hand (see Photo 1), as well as the special technique shown in Photo 2.
•Hip massage – rub firmly in a circular motion over her hip while Mom lies on her side.
•Abdominal touch – two tried and tested techniques are clockwise, very gentle massage of the whole belly (see Photo 3) and running finger “raindrops” all over her abdomen.
•Hand and foot massage – “walk” your thumb or index finger along every section of her hands and feet, not lingering long on sensitive areas. Gently stretch and wiggle her toes and fingers. End off by gently stroking her hands and feet towards the tips of her fingers and toes.
PHOTO 1: Rub firmly over the sacrum in circles with the heel of your hand.
PHOTO 2: Press your fist firmly over the sacrum or painful area while Mom pushes back against you.
PHOTO 3: Rub gently in a clockwise motion.
Special touch tip
If your pregnancy is weighing heavily in your pelvis and it feels as if a nerve is being pinched, try this: Lean against your partner’s abdomen and rest your head against his shoulder. Your partner should then cup your “bump” with his hands (taking care to not interlace his fingers too tightly or dig into your abdomen with his fingertips) and then slightly lift it up. You’ll experience instant relief.
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