Mom Massage Services

BENEFITS OF LACTATION MASSAGE BEFORE BREASTFEEDING

Massaging before breastfeeding will assist opening the ducts, helping lactation and easing it for your baby. The massage will also loosen any clumps or hardened areas, reducing the possibilities of mastitis or other breast problems.

“”* Mom Massage offers Lactation, Pre-natal and Post-natal Massage Services. For pre-natal massage, we accept appointments for women who are in their 6th month or are further along.

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MOMMY MASSAGES CAN EASE LABOR PAINS & IMPROVE THE FLOW OF BREASTMILK
Special massages can ease labor pains and improve the flow of breastmilk
by Chris Cruz (from an article featured in the August 2007 issue of Working Mom)

When Justine Tajonera told her pediatrician that she wanted to breastfeed her newborn, she found little support. “You’re a working mom,” she was told, “You’ll just stop after you go back to the office.”

Anxious, tired, insecure – all of the feelings that new moms experience -Justine was almost ready to believe her. Then she met Lita Nery, a breastfeeding counselor who also provided massage therapy for pregnant and nursing mothers. There she found emotional support, and an easy way to encourage milk flow: mommy massages that opened the milk ducts and pumping almost effortless.

Now, Justine is still breastfeeding her son, six months after returning to her marketing job. She’s one of the few who persevere. According to a UNICEF report, only 16% of Filipino mothers breastfeed exclusively, despite the known benefits of mother’s milk: best for babies and absolutely free. “It’s symptomatic of a national health emergency, says Justine – and now she wants to do her part in changing that.

An advocacy and a business
Lita Nery was a “lifesaver” to Justine and her husband, Vier, who are now staunch breastfeeding advocates. But they knew there was only one of her, and thousands of moms who desperately needed breastfeeding support. She couldn’t possibly help all of them.

That’s why the two set up Mom Massage, which offers home-service massages for pregnant and lactating mothers. “It really started as an advocacy that became an opportunity to put up a business,” says Justine.

Justine and Vier’s massage therapist was not only trained by Lita Nery herself, but has a certificate in pre-natal, post-natal and lactation massage. She has been practicing for more than three years.

Lactation massages
Many moms quit breastfeeding because they think they don’t have enough milk. But they do – the body will produce it according to the baby’s demand. They just have to survive the first weeks when milk production is “spotty” and the newborn hasn’t figured out how to suckle.
That’s where lactation massages can help. These open the milk ducts for better milk flow and loosen any clumps or hardened areas in the breasts, reducing the possibilities of mastitis or other breast problems. Many moms swear they work: “My entire breast was drenched with milk.”

Pregnancy massages
Massage during pregnancy differs from a regular massage in a couple of ways. The therapist must be specially trained to understand the woman’s body – what position she’d be most comfortable in, the parts to avoid so as not to endanger the baby, and the muscles that need particular attention because of the weight and strain they undergo everyday.

Pregnancy massage also:
- Relieves muscle cramps, spasms, and myofascial pain, especially in the lower back, neck hips, and legs;
- Increases blood and lymph circulation, which can reduce swelling;
- Reduces stress on weight bearing joints
- Improves outcome of labor and eases labor pains;
- Enhances the pliability of skin and underlying tissues.

Massage done during the first trimester is generally up to the therapist, the woman and her practitioner. Massage was never been associated with an increased risk of miscarriage. Usually, a written notice from the doctor or midwife is required by the therapist before she does pregnancy massage.

Postpartum massage
Post partum massage helps restore the body to its pre-pregnancy condition. It also addresses the stress of carrying and caring for a newborn. It can speed the recovery by bringing the relief to sore muscles and help the mother relax more easily. Abdominal massage helps shrink the uterus and relieve subcutaneous scar tissue. It may be given as early as 24 hours after delivery but only with written permission from your doctor or midwife.

The power of touch
Justine says that the massages have a powerful effect not only on the flow of breast milk, but the mom’s well-being. “Most people enjoy human touch. A touch can convey comfort, love, awareness and many other sensations. It can also help alleviate aches and pains. All of these are of benefit, especially when you are pregnant.”

She and Vier hope to share this benefit with as many people as possible. They want to hire more therapists, and bring prenatal, postnatal and lactation massage beyond Metro Manila. They may also look into the possibility of putting up a training center.
“More than this, we plan to continue our breastfeeding advocacy by giving our support to breastfeeding support groups such as La Leche League, Best Friends for Breastfeeding and UNICEF,” adds Justine. “Our vision is to see a revival of the breastfeeding culture here in the Philippines.”

Mom Massage Services is open from 10 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. daily. For reservations and appointments, call 391-8599. You may also visit their websites: mommassageph.com and mommassage.multiply.com or e-mail them at mommassage.ph@gmail.com.

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