Massage during labour and birth

Massage Massage during labour and birth? What is massage and why might it be helpful during labour and birth?

Massage involves one person touching the other to manipulate their body’s soft tissues. It is often used to help relax tense muscles and can also help people to relax.

There are different massage techniques which may benefit different people during labour. For example, some people may prefer intense massage over their lower back helpful. Others may find light effleurage[1], or soothing strokes more relaxing and helpful.

You can practice your massage techniques while you’re pregnant, which helps you relax during pregnancy, too! If you need some guidance and ideas for simple massage techniques, you can purchase my massage worksheets from my shop!

Alternatively, you could join one of my hypnobirthing classes or join my fully self-paced online course!

Research suggests that are different ways in which massage techniques may help during childbirth:

• Massage might work by decreasing stress hormones and increasing levels of serotonin[2] and dopamine[3] in your brain.
• Non-painful gentle massage may flood the body with pleasant sensations, so that the brain does not perceive the painful sensations as much.
• Deep, intense, or painful massage acts on something called the Diffuse Noxious Inhibitory Control method of pain relief. The idea is that this stimulates our brain to release our body’s own pain-killers called endorphins. The body is then flooded with endorphins which helps to perceive less pain from contractions.

Things to note if using massage (during labour and birth):

• Aromatherapy: Essential oils can be powerful substances and can interfere with contractions if used incorrectly. Before using / buying essential oils, consult an accredited aromatherapist and your healthcare professional. Always dilute essential oils. Your midwife may also be trained in aromatherapy and may be able to advise you directly.
• Communication: Communicate, whether the massage is helping you and how it could be made better i.e. firmer pressure, less pressure…
• Continued touch: During massage always keep at least one hand on the recipient’s body.
• Oils: Massage may be more comforting and soothing if non-scented massage oil is used. For example organic, cold-pressed sunflower oil. Do not use any oils on damaged skin.
• One-handed massage: If massaging with only one hand rest the other on the recipient’s body. So they know they have your full attention and know where your other hand is.
• Positions: The person being massaged may be kneeling, sitting, laying on their side or standing. Their birth partner needs to be comfortable too.
• Previous injuries: Don’t massage places which have been affected by previous injuries. Consult your health care professional first.
• Timing: Some women like massage during contractions; others prefer it in-between.

Further reading and sources:

• Bastard, Janet & Tiran, Denise. (2009). Reprint of: Aromatherapy and massage for antenatal anxiety: Its effect on the fetus. Complementary therapies in clinical practice. 15. 230-3. 10.1016/j.ctcp.2009.06.010.
• Evidence Based Birth. Massage for Pain Relief during labor by Rebecca Dekker (2018). Available at: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/massage-for-pain-relief-during-labor/ Accessed 10^th June 2019.
• Positive Health. Massage Techniques for Childbirth by Linda Kimber (1999). Available at: http://www.positivehealth.com/article/childbirth/massage-techniques-for-childbirth accessed on 10th June 2019.
• Smith, Caroline & Levett, Kate & Collins, Carmel & Jones, Leanne. (2012). Massage, reflexology and other manual methods for pain management in labour. Cochrane database of systematic reviews (Online). 2. CD009290. 10.1002/14651858.CD009290.pub2.
• Vital Touch. Step by Step Guide to Pregnancy and Labour Massage available from: https://vitaltouch.com/product/step-by-step-guide-to-pregnancy-massage/

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[1] Effleurage: a form of massage involving a repeated circular stroking movement made with the palm of the hand.

[2] Serotonin: a compound present in blood platelets and serum, which constricts the blood vessels and acts as a neurotransmitter.

[3] Dopamine: a compound present in the body as a neurotransmitter and a precursor of other substances including adrenaline.