Journal Tag: massage

Postpartum Recovery Through Massage After Birth

massage after birth

Bringing a child into this world is a profound, transformative experience. While the joy and love that accompany motherhood are immeasurable, the toll it can take on a human body is undeniable. This is where postnatal massage – specifically our signature Mother Roasting Massage, comes into play. Let’s delve into the world of massage after birth, exploring its benefits, techniques, and why every new mother should consider incorporating it into their post-birth recovery plan.

What is Mother Roasting Massage, and Why Does it Matter After Birth?

After the incredible feat of childbirth, how ever your baby arrived to this world, a mother’s body goes through a whirlwind of changes. Mother Roasting Massage, an ancient practice rooted in various cultures around the world, aims to provide relief and healing during the postpartum period. This gentle, soothing massage therapy is designed to help mothers recover from the toll of childbirth.

The journey of motherhood begins at birth, and the postpartum period is equally transformative. Postnatal massage plays a pivotal role in helping women recover physically and emotionally, offering a holistic approach to healing. It aids in addressing the physical discomfort and emotional challenges that mothers may face in the postpartum period.

The Benefits of Postnatal Massage / Mother Roasting Massage After Birth

  1. Pain relief and relaxation post-birth. Many women experience a range of physical discomforts, from sore muscles to lingering pain from childbirth. Mother Roasting Massage can provide much-needed pain relief and relaxation, helping new mothers feel more at ease during their recovery.
  2. Mood regulation and hormonal imbalances are common after childbirth, leading to mood swings, anxiety, and even postpartum depression. Massage after birth can help to soothe your nervous system, promoting emotional well-being and reducing the risk of postpartum mood disorders with the healing power of touch.
  3. Improved circulation facilitates faster healing of the body’s tissues and organs. This can be particularly beneficial for mothers who have birth by cesarean section or experienced tearing or episiotomy during vaginal births.
  4. Breast feeding milk flow can be supported with massage as it helps to relieved tension commonly associated with feeding, carrying and holding your baby. Promoting circulation and lymph around the breasts, under the arms and neck can help to encourage flow and reduce blockages.
  5. Scar tissue reduction. Massaging the abdomen and other areas with scar tissue can help reduce its appearance and improve overall comfort. This is especially important for mothers who have had surgery during childbirth. Massage can help when the would is completely healed.

The Techniques of Mother Roasting Massage

Relaxation and Stress Reduction – Mother Roasting Massage is a deeply relaxing experience, with techniques aimed at reducing stress and promoting emotional healing. It’s a vital component of the postpartum recovery process.

Posture and Body Realignment – Pregnancy can significantly impact a woman’s posture and it’s common to experience aches and pains in your body after birth. Postnatal massage includes techniques that help realign the body and improve posture, aiding in overall comfort and well-being.

Moxibustion – Our massage therapists have been trained to use this incredibly nourishing therapy, applying direct heat to specific traditional Chinese points along meridians to boost energy  and aid recovery. Adding Moxa to your treatment is a special part of Mother Roasting that women LOVE.

Warm Wheat Bags, applied to the body, help to soothe sore muscles, increase blood flow, and promote relaxation.

Why Choose Professional Postnatal Massage Services

  1. Expertise Matters. Professional postnatal massage services, like those offered at Fertile Ground, come with the advantage of expertise. Trained massage practitioners with years of experience supporting pregnant and birthing mothers understand the unique needs of the postpartum phase, ensuring a safe and effective experience.
  2. Customisation. Every mother’s postpartum journey is unique. Our professional massage therapists will tailor Mother Roasting Massage to address individual concerns and preferences, offering a personalised healing experience.
  3. Safe Environment. Our postnatal massage services provide a safe, clean, and comfortable environment, with a day spa feel, creating the ideal setting for relaxation and healing.
  4. Supportive Postpartum Care. In addition to the massage itself, postnatal massage services often provide valuable advice and support, helping mothers navigate the challenges of the postpartum period.

Embrace Postnatal Massage for a Healing Postpartum Experience

Embracing Mother Roasting Massage as part of your postpartum recovery plan is a decision that can significantly impact your well-being and overall experience as a new mother. The benefits are numerous, from pain relief and relaxation to hormone regulation and emotional healing. The techniques used in postnatal massage are carefully designed to address the unique needs of postpartum women, promoting physical and emotional recovery.

Whether you’ve just welcomed your first child or you’re an experienced mother, consider incorporating professional postnatal massage into your postpartum journey. If you’re a partner or loved one of someone who has given birth, a Mother Roasting Massage is a fantastic gift of support and celebration that the person receiving it will love!!

Book mother roasting postpartum massage  Buy a gift voucher for someone special

Experience the healing power of Mother Roasting Massage

At Fertile Ground, we offer expert postnatal massage services in Melbourne, providing personalised care and support during your postpartum recovery. Contact us today on (03) 9419 9988 / reception@fertileground.com.au or book your session online and embark on a journey of healing, relaxation, and emotional well-being. Take a step towards a more comfortable and fulfilling postpartum experience.

Remember, your body and mind deserve the utmost care and attention during this transformative time. Postnatal massage after birth is a beautiful way to honour and nurture yourself as you embrace the incredible journey of motherhood.

More resources for the post-partum period

Our naturopaths have created an incredible resource for you in the post-partum phase with lots of supportive ideas, podcasts, our favorite books and practitioners to support you for what ever you need.  Download now – A free Ebook for the 4th Trimester – Caring for you and baby. 

Self Care for Autumn Changes

Autumn Changes with Reina Hanaoka from Fertile Ground Health Group

How to look after yourself in Autumn

According to Eastern medicine, Autumn is the driest season. What can you do to support yourself during this transitional time and the impacts that this shift has on your system?

You might notice that your skin can start to feel dry and itchy, your mind unsettled and distracted, and some discomfort in your joints and muscles. This can occur because as Summer bends slowly into the cold and windy days of Winter, the dryness in our bodies can mirror the inherent dryness of the Autumn weather shaping the environment around us (like the leaves browning and falling crisp to the ground).

Our lungs and large intestines are more vulnerable in Autumn, which can lead to constipation and/or bloating. Asthma and/or a dry cough are also common in this season.  It is important to look after yourself now so that your body can get ready for the cold Winter season without any trouble.

How to prevent dryness in the body.

Keep warm and moist

Swap out your shower for a warm bath with Epsom salts. This can provide both warmth and moisture at the same time to your body. Adding some oil into the bath in addition to the Epsom salts helps to keep your skin moist even after the bath. You can add warming essential oils like Cinnamon or Ginger to your bath to really bring the warmth to your body. 

Eat warm food

To support good digestion, avoid any cold foods from Summer (eg. Salad, cold drinks, smoothies etc.) Eating cooked, warm vegetables with warming spices can help to reduce any bloating and constipation that you might be experiencing.

Get an oil massage

As previously mentioned, oil is amazing for adding moisture to the body and massage helps to bring heat and warmth by increasing your circulation. Not only do oil massages relax your body and mind, they also help to prevent some of the conditions associated with the Autumn season. 

When you get an oil massage, on top of great outcome of the body releasing tension, the skin also absorbs all the benefits from oil itself. As a result, the skin is moisturised, movement in your joints and digestive system are soothed and busy minds start to calm down. You can add simple self-oil massage as a small routine at home with warming essential oils. Or if you don’t know how to do self massage, you can even just rub oil into your body to access the benefits.

Tips for self-oil massage at home
  1. Warm the oil before use (but not too hot!) and optionally – you can add essential oils
  2. Apply oil all over the body (don’t forget your head, ears and back of feet)
  3. Gently massage the body. Use circular movements (don’t worry about technique too much)
  4. Apply extra oil into the part of body you feel any discomfort (stomach, joints, skin or chest area)
  5. Keep oil on the skin 5-10 min
  6. Have a warm shower or bath

It’s a great idea to adjust your lifestyle to be in rhythm with the seasons and not against them. Understanding the seasons can give you an idea of what adjustments you can make to optimise your health. I believe that making these small, habitual changes to everyday life are the most beneficial way to achieve a healthier body and mind.

Written by Massage Therapist, Reina Hanaoka, who is also expanding her knowledge and and completing a course in Ayurvedic lifestyle consultancy. Book in a Massage with Reina to help you enhance your health this Autumn.

Pain in Pregnancy

Pain in pregnancy
Pain in pregnancy

Pregnancy can be an amazing and rewarding experience for many women. It’s an experience that is often accompanied by varying degrees of pain, but how you look at pain and how much you understand it can drastically alter your perception of it.

Pain is a misunderstood beast

It is perhaps one of the most important survival systems your body has.

It used to be believed that pain was a reaction to tissue damage, but we now know that pain is predictive, it functions more like a warning of potential damage either real or imagined, and the most interesting part is that it is an adaptive system.

This might seem obvious to anyone who understands that the body is a living, learning and constantly changing organism, but unfortunately many medical professionals fall into the trap of seeing the body as a machine with simple mechanisms and unintelligent parts.

It’s too often from this view point that many medical professionals discuss healthcare with their patients. Modern science is at odds with a mechanistic view, the more we learn about pain the more we see a highly complex system capable of completely remodelling itself.

The pain we feel is influenced by many aspects our life and physiology. The unique make up of our bodies, how we move, what we eat, as well as our thoughts and beliefs are just some of things that contribute to our experience of pain.

Knowing this we can take a different approach to treatment by understanding that pain can help navigate us towards what our bodies need.

During pregnancy the body transforms dramatically and its needs can change daily, so interpreting what it’s trying to tell us becomes even more important.

Pain is multi-faceted, and so should your treatment be

As many healthcare professionals specialise in particular areas, the best care is often delivered by a team who work together to provide you with an individualised and multifaceted care plan. Your team should collaborate with you to ensure you are receiving the appropriate treatment, guidance and advice that reflects your wishes, goals and intentions. That is the philosophy of multimodal and patient centred care.

If you are experiencing pain, it is often a good idea to see a healthcare professional who specialises in musculoskeletal pain and associated conditions such as a Clinical Myotherapist.

What to expect when you see your Clinical Myotherapist

During your consultation your Clinical Myotherapist will take the time to have a detailed discussion about all possible aspects of your life that may contribute to your health.

Then with your consent they may assess any areas of pain to help gain a better understanding of your musculoskeletal health. Using all the information collected they will then work with you to draw up a healthcare plan that can be used as a roadmap to achieve your health goals.

Your healthcare plan is tailored to your specific needs and may incorporate things such as manual therapies (massage, PNF stretching, dry needling), pain education (understanding how pain works in the body), and exercise prescription, as well as referral to other practitioners that may be better suited to different areas of care.

Your Clinical Myotherapist can be an important part of your healthcare team.

Written by Zach Hannan

Zach is a Clinical Myotherapist at Fertile Ground Health Group. He is available for in person consultations to support you through pain, through your pregnancy, through COVID and beyond. Learn more more about Zach here.

Getting to know your practitioner – Michelle Lowe, Massage Therapist & Doula

with Michelle Lowe, FGHG pregnancy and fertility massage therapist and doula

What do you love about your work as a remedial, pregnancy and fertility massage therapist?

There’s so much that I love about what I do as a massage therapist, I feel I am very fortunate and lucky to be able to do work that I am deeply passionate about. I love being able to see the transition patients make from when I first see them to when they leave the treatment like a whole new person and then seeing the progress they make with each treatment. I love being a part of the journey with women to falling pregnant and helping them to switch off and just receive. Hearing my patients’ good news that they’ve fallen pregnant, or the relief they feel after a pregnancy massage is really rewarding for me as I love to help.

What initially inspired you to add womb massage to your skill set?

So I used to suffer from really bad period pains, with no real understanding as to why I was suffering from them. I tried many different things to help, but for me they weren’t overly successful or not well suited for my lifestyle. It was definitely more of a personal journey for me initially to train in fertility/ womb massage. I remember sitting in circle on the first day and all my symptoms were explained so clearly to me as to why I was experiencing period pains. With this experience I learnt so much about my body that I wanted to help others who experience the same.

What types of benefits do you commonly see in your patients doing regular womb massage?

Everyone can be vastly different as all cases are unique. The main benefits I will see in almost everyone is that they are more relaxed and grounded. Almost everyone reports a lighter feeling in their abdomen, better bowel movement, reduction in period pain and feeling less stress and anxiety.

In your work you support many women on their journey to becoming pregnant. Do you recommend they continue to see you after becoming pregnant? What benefits does massage have to offer women in pregnancy?

Absolutely, massage is really beneficial to have throughout pregnancy. It’s great for relaxation, especially during first trimester or if any stage of pregnancy is causing some stress and/ or anxiety. It’s also great for relieving any aches and pains associated with pregnancy or pre-existing aches and pains that may be exacerbated by pregnancy. Beyond that, its beneficial for sleep and circulation, especially during third trimester when everything is starting to feel compromised. I like to think massage gives you a boost mentally and physically to help you feel more comfortable and relaxed.

You are also a doula (also known as a birth attendant). What inspired you to become a doula?

This has always been a tricky question to answer as there are many reasons why I decided to become a doula/ birth attendant. I think one of the biggest reasons why I wanted to become a doula was to support women and be with women during a time that can make you feel very vulnerable. I’ve been treating pregnant women for many years and I’ve heard lots of stories from women who hadn’t felt well supported during their births and many other stories when women haven’t been aware of their choices and options during pregnancy and labour, maybe wanting to have done it differently. If you look at the statistics and the possible causes of medical intervention, having a support person, particularly a doula, has shown positive research results. I’d love to help women have better birthing experiences.

What sorts of things do you do to support women in your work as a doula?

As a doula I am an emotional and physical support person during the pregnancy and labour of a mum to be. I support the mother in helping her through the pregnancy in the lead up to the labour, really getting to know her and her partner and what’s important to them during their labour experience. I personally like to go over any fears and try our best to work with them so that a couple can have a positive birth experience.

We go over a birth plan and their options as to what they might like to experience and how they usually cope with pain. I am currently working on a plan to try and determine tools that couples can use to help women cope with pain. This will allow partners to have a better idea of what they can do and possibly what role the mother wants from them – whether that’s eye contact, movement, massage, pressure points, music, rebozo work, there are sooo many things we can use to help create a safe space that is working with pain (if that’s what a mother’s goal is). Having said that I obviously bring in my own tools to work with pain and that’s massage, rebozo techniques (using a shawl) and pressure points, which are also great at boosting oxytocin for labour. I can use and teach these tools to partners so that we can support each other in supporting the mother to be.

After the birth I also like to meet up with the new family and see how they are going and offer any support that I can during this transitional phase too.

Can you share a moment from your work that you will never forget?

I will never forget that magical moment of seeing a baby born for the first time. I was so in awe of the mother’s strength and perseverance, it’s a magnificent journey to witness and be a part of, words cannot describe the feeling in the room once that baby is born. There are ups and downs, but you’re working as a team to support the mother and father along the way. That first birth taught me soo much, and I think it will forever affect my approach to being a birth attendant.

Your patients are often seeing acupuncturists and naturopaths as well. What type of benefits do you see in these types of shared care?

I find the women and couples who are seeing an acupuncturist and or a naturopath are very well supported through all aspects of health. We’re all looking at different angles of the individuals’ health and I find these clients tend to have better overall health and reach their health goals quicker, generally speaking.

What other modalities do you find your clients get benefit from?

Meditation and yoga, and when necessary counselling.

When I see patients who have a lot of mind chatter and trouble switching off I like to advise meditation to calm the monkey brain.

I also hear lots of good feedback from clients who have seen a counsellor, whether it’s to put things into perspective or have someone with an unbiased opinion to talk to.

I am also a yoga enthusiast and will often advise patients to do certain yoga poses to help stretch and strengthen muscles for better alignment, but if people can get to a class that’s even better.

 

Learn more about Michelle Lowe, remedial massage therapist at Fertile Ground Health Group or make an appointment to have one of her fabulous massage treatments. Online Booking

Opportunity at FGHG for Remedial Massage / Myotherapist to join the team

Massage_1.jpg

We are seeking a Remedial Massage or Myotherapist experienced in pre and post natal massage.

Fertile Ground Health Group (FGHG) is a busy, multidisciplinary natural medicine practice specialising in preconception, infertility, pregnancy and family health.

Your experience, motivation and passion for working with pregnant women, as well as your professional approach will secure this role.  To be considered you must have:

  • At least 3 years experience in massage
  • Health Fund Provider numbers, insurance and professional association membership
  • Availability to work 2-3 sessions per week, including evenings until 7pm.
  • Excellent communication skills, a desire to be the best in your profession and actively seek opportunities to raise your profile in the industry.

If you are seeking full reception support, relevant resources and additional training with professional development opportunities, this is an extraordinary opportunity to work with a vibrant, experienced team. Set in a beautiful work environment with excellent prospects for career, business and professional practice development, your desire to be the best in your profession will be supported by opportunities to collaborate with some of the most respected practitioners in the industry.

To apply email a covering letter and resume to Monique Bevan management@fertileground.com.au. Applications close Friday 7th June 2019.

Getting to know your practitioner – Nicole McCowan, FGHG massage therapist

What do you love about your work as a remedial and pregnancy massage therapist?

I love being able to give women relief from any aches, pains or discomfort they have. I also absolutely adore when women lie down on the table and 9 times out of 10 there is an instant “Ähhhhhhhh” moment as they allow themselves to relax, knowing that the next 60-90 minutes is all about them and nurturing their bodies. Being a remedial and pregnancy massage therapist it’s my job be as caring, kind, compassionate and knowledgeable about the body as I can possibly be. Considering these are my favourite things to be in life, I truly think I have one of the best jobs in the world!

As well as being an aromatherapist and reiki practitioner, you teach feminine embodiment yoga. Would you like to tell us a bit about that?

Love to, it’s a massive passion of mine. Feminine Embodiment Yoga (FEY) is a specialised yoga practice uniquely celebrating the female form and flow. The practice allows you to strengthen your body through a combination of hatha yoga poses and rhythmic movements. It also has a strong focus on breath, balancing active and restorative poses and meditation. I love being a woman and learning about how unique our minds, emotions and bodies are, so when I discovered a yoga style specifically developed for women I couldn’t get enough and I enjoy sharing this practice with all women.

As a Practitioner, layering treatments with several modalities brings incredible results. For example, in a birth preparation massage the physical massage will work on an anatomical level, with the essential oils in the massage oil penetrating to a physiological level, add some reiki to reach the energetic level and once the massage is complete we the discuss home care and simple yoga postures and stretches that can work wonders to continue the birth preparation process.

Do you think women could benefit from feminine embodiment yoga during their fertility journey? How?

Definitely, Feminine Embodiment Yoga (FEY) focuses on relaxing the nervous system by releasing physical and emotional tension from the body. When the nervous system is relaxed your body goes from being in the ‘fight or flight’ mode (sympathetic nervous system) to “rest and digest”mode (parasympathetic nervous system) allowing your body to heal and restore itself.  The practice also targets specific areas of women’s bodies for greater engagement and toning. For example, in today’s society we do a lot of sitting at desks, in front of the TV, in the car, on transport etc. So FEY focuses on building strength in your legs, bottom and core, as well as stretching out the hips and pelvis, as these areas can become tight and locked. This is especially beneficial for fertility as it creates space and increases blood flow and nutrients to the area.

You support many women with massage on their journey through pregnancy and also post birth. What are some of the biggest challenges you see women going through physically and emotionally during these times?

It is an amazing privilege to be able to support women through this time of great transition as their bodies adapt and change to accommodate the next generation they are growing inside them. Exhaustion and fatigue are common challenges I see women facing during pregnancy and post birth. We live in a fast pace society and being the matriarch of the family comes with a never ending to do list, which you have just added “grow human” and/or “raise child” to the list! It’s important to get enough rest so your body and the baby has the best chance to grow and thrive. Getting a massage is amazing for this and I’m delighted when women come in to see me, having placed importance on putting themselves and their babies on top of their priority list. A massage helps relieve tension, headaches, body aches and pains, and cramping, to name a few. Massage for birth preparation is crucial to be in the most relaxed, rested and healthy state for the labour.

Post birth massage is essential to relieve the stress your body has gone through in labour and accelerate the healing process by releasing tense muscles which aids in moving lymph, fresh blood and nutrients around the body. It can be a challenge to find the time with a newborn to make it into the clinic so we recommend timing it just after a feed and then your gorgeous baby can sleep peacefully in their pram in the room while you receive a much needed massage. If they wake and cry it wouldn’t be the first time the awesome team on reception coo them back to sleep (it’s literally a pleasure and cuteness overload). If leaving the house still seems too hard (which it totally can be trying to time feed and sleep cycles) we offer home visit massages, we recommend you have someone at home with you to watch over baby so you can fully relax in the massage and receive as much nurturing as you give your bundle of joy.

How else can men and women benefit from massage?

Massage can benefit men and women in so many ways by increasing circulation, assisting detoxification, relieving tension and pain, reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep, and boosting your immune system, just to name a few.

Massage also counteracts all the sitting we do which is an awesome benefit considering how many of us have office jobs equating to prolonged periods of sitting. All this sitting leads postural stress which most times manifests in the shoulders and neck. More advanced postural stress can show up as pain or weakness in the lower back and gluteals. More often than not after a massage I will have patients comment how they didn’t realise how tense they were or how tight a specific area was until it was massaged. It’s highly beneficial to have a regular massage, even just once a month, to check in with your body before any aches or pains become acute or chronic.

What part of your work has ever brought you to tears?

As much as I try, I can’t help the rush of emotion when I hear about the birth, see pictures of, or meet a baby of a mother I have been massaging during her pregnancy. Its humbling and special to be able to share the joys of watching their belly grow and feeling the baby move when they receive a massage in Mum’s tum. Knowing that I have been able to support the mother through massage, which may have helped them have a more relaxed and enjoyable pregnancy is just wonderful.

Learn more about Nicole McCowan, remedial massage therapist at Fertile Ground Health Group or make an appointment to have one of her fabulous massage treatments. Online Booking

Could massage really help you conceive?

By Consuella Garreffa, FGHG Remedial Massage Therapist

So you’ve had the chat and decided that having children is on your agenda. There’s a new found freedom as many years trying not to conceive has finally turned tables. Contraception has been thrown out the window and the fun has begun!

Unfortunately it may not be that easy. In Australia only 3 out of 5 couples will conceive within 6 months of trying and 1 in 4 will take anywhere up to a year, with the rest of us taking even longer. All this often leads to a physical and emotionally demanding journey. What can begin as quite an adventure, can lead to stress and fatigue with cortisol (the body’s main stress hormone) often grabbing the reins and taking over.

This is exactly what you don’t need. Cortisol’s intention in the body is to help us deal with stress, it peaks as a reaction from the sympathetic nervous system and was originally intended for our flight or fight response; like that instant a thousand years ago where we were being chased by the wandering beast and needed a little more than the average power of our legs to get out of there.  Now-a-days there are many reasons why cortisol spikes and adapted threatening like situations still trigger its hefty rise – that deadline to have the paper in by Friday, the forty-six car build up you’re banked up in, or even a disturbing news headline, not to mention the waiting for ovulation or waiting for pregnancy results.

When trying to conceive, even sex can become stressful as pressure mounts to “get it right” and timing, position, to orgasm or not to… all comes under question and can lead to feelings of pressure. It may be reason to sky rocket your body’s stress response, launching these hormones, in particular – cortisol.

Our bodies are pretty fabulous; they want to nurture a little human to the best of their ability and chemically they are aware that a time of increased stress is not the ideal time to conceive. Instead, in stressful times our reproductive functioning is not on the main agenda, often resulting in hormone imbalance and trouble conceiving. The altered hormones can sometimes lead to altered menstrual cycle in women with anovulation and for men, high cortisol may lead to a low sperm count and decreased sperm motility.

‘Should we quit work and go on a baby making holiday?’ you may be asking. Whilst it’s not such a bad idea, we need to be a little realistic. What your body may be screaming for is to be nurtured and find relaxation closer to home on a more regular basis. A therapeutic massage will do just that.

Massage has been found to decrease cortisol levels by a huge 30% while simultaneously increasing the feel good hormones serotonin and dopamine – at an average of 28% and 31% respectively. Serotonin, the power molecule for mood stabilisation has the capacity to increase focus and calm, and decrease anxiety. Serotonin is also responsible for the production of melatonin – the sleep hormone. By optimising melatonin the body is able to recharge by having a restful sleep when the lights are switched off at the end of the day.

By adding therapeutic massage into your weekly baby making routine it will encourage your hormones to re-balance; lowering excess cortisol, increasing serotonin, dopamine and melatonin and enhancing your body’s ability to nurture a new little human.

Consuella_Garreffa colourBy Consuella Garreffa, Remedial Massage Therapist

Consuella Garreffa is a Remedial Massage therapist with years of valuable experience. Since birth Consuella has been immersed in natural living principles, growing up on a vineyard in Mildura where traditional methods were opted to prevent disease and treat any health complaints. For the past two years Consuella has been treating in Brisbane and has relocated to Melbourne to join Fertile Ground Health Group.

 

What is Fertility Massage?

Written by Michelle Lowe, FGHG Massage Therapist

Fertility Massage is a deeply relaxing and nurturing massage that combines various techniques to help realign your sacral energies and physical body. It is a gentle, natural and non-invasive massage that is suitable for people who are trying to fall pregnant, who suffer from menstrual conditions causing pain and discomfort or have a menstrual condition that may be affecting the outcome for fertility.

Fertility massage aims to release tension within the abdominal muscles, soft tissue and pelvic area that may be impinging on the function of your reproductive system. Through massage and other gentle techniques, we can improve circulatory, digestive, lymphatic, nervous and immune system function, decrease tension within the area and aim to create a more harmonious environment that can help to enable a healthy pregnancy.

Fertility massage helps to improve the flow of circulation as well as break down any scar tissue within and around the reproductive and digestive systems, allowing for more blood flow to nourish the area. With increased circulation comes increased nutrient delivery and removal of metabolic waste. This means that the ovaries and the eggs produced are healthier and makes for a more favourable uterine environment for fertilisation and implantation to occur.

What to expect during a Fertility Massage

A typical fertility massage will consist of massage to the gluteal (buttock) muscles, lower back and abdomen from the pubic bone up to the bottom of the rib cage. Depending on what your goals are, where you are within your cycle, and if you are undergoing any IVF or fertility treatment, the uterine area may be avoided.

Pulsing (gentle and rhythmical rocking) may also be applied during a massage, releasing emotional tension and dissipating body armouring. It also gently encourages fascia in the body, which wraps around every muscle and organ, to release and relax. This allows a misaligned uterus to ‘shimmy’ back into her rightful place.

To complete each session, a ceremonial rebozo wrapping takes place to help bring your whole self back into your body, helping you to feel more centered and grounded. It’s a wonderful experience being wrapped up as you feel supported and free to let go of all your troubles.

After a treatment, most women will report that they feel deeply relaxed, centered, light and good within their body. It’s a sensation that many women experience differently, but find hard to express. However, most women will likely feel more relaxed, calm and better physically and emotionally. It is important to acknowledge that as we shift the energies we hold within us, we may experience emotional and/ or physical releases after a treatment – this is just one of the ways the body gets rid of what no longer serves us.

Best time to have a treatment

You can receive fertility massage at any stage of your menstrual cycle or IVF cycle, however at certain times and depending on your fertility journey. individual circumstances or symptoms, we may avoid treatment around the womb. We will discuss this along with any other considerations before each massage treatment to ensure best outcomes for you.

The best time to come in is after the last day of your bleed and before you ovulate (the follicular phase of your cycle), allowing your practitioner to treat all areas.

 

Michelle-Lowe-clr

Michelle Lowe, Remedial, Fertility & Pregnancy Massage Therapist

Michelle utilises all her knowledge, skills and past experiences to determine the best treatment for all patients. She understands that everyone has different influences and demands in their life and finds that not all techniques and advice work for everyone, which is why she develops a treatment plan that best suits an individual’s needs. There’s nothing that makes Michelle happier than knowing that she has helped someone to achieve their desired outcome for their health and wellbeing.

 

 

 

Post natal care at Fertile Ground Health Group

At Fertile Ground Health Group (FGHG) we love caring for you throughout your fertility and pregnancy journey and when the baby comes the care does not end there! We offer a range of approaches to help support mums as they navigate the often challenging first months with a new babe.

If you have been a patient of FGHG throughout your pregnancy why not take advantage of Osteopathic baby check to make sure bub has bounced back from the stresses and pressures of being born.  And of course, we strongly believe babies need well rested, healthy mums and our “mother roasting treatment”, a regenerative massage treatment is ideal any time after you give birth – say any time in the next 12 years!

Below you will find information on how each of our modalities can help you and your family once your bundle of joy has arrived.  We are here to support you through any hiccups you might encounter or just to support wellness, enhance health and prevent future health issues for both mother and baby.  Prevention is key, but if either you or your baby are struggling in any way, one of our highly experienced practitioners will know how to guide you.

Naturopathic care can assist with energy and nutritional requirements needed for mothers post birth to ensure sufficient milk for breastfeeding.  It also offers a range of solutions for milk supply & mastitis, low mood, fatigue, baby colic or eczema, feeding, sleeping and developmental issues.  Advice on weaning, introducing solids, vaccination support and fever management is also available.  Naturopathic care also provides essential support and solutions for any mum or baby struggling with digestive or immune issues.

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine can treat many conditions including feeding problems (insufficient lactation, oversupply, mastitis, engorgement, pain, etc.), urinary incontinence, hormonal balancing, abdominal pain, back pain, post natal fatigue, mother and /or baby sleep issues, stress anxiety and depression. This ancient and traditional medicine deeply nourishes your energy like nothing else.  And the Melbourne Acupuncture Multi-bed Project makes appointments super accessible – in and out in 45 minutes!

Osteopathic care is highly beneficial for both mother and baby.  For mothers: helping the pelvis, spine and whole body return to the optimal position and function after the changes induced by pregnancy, labour and birth. For babies: gently releasing any tension in the head or body resulting from  labour and birth can relieve or avoid reflux, colic, unexplained pain responses, altered head and neck position/development or just generally support and relax unsettled babies.

Our Massage therapists offer mums “Mother roasting” for an enriching massage and moxibustion treatment using warming and nourishing essential oils and heat pack application.  This massage incorporates the use of specific acupressure points that have rejuvenating and regenerative properties for new mothers post birth. This makes it the perfect treatment to re balance new mums, increase body energy and relieve any muscular pain and tension.  Appropriate for all mums, no matter how you have given birth or how long ago!

Counselling. Pregnancy and birth involve significant change in a myriad of ways, with different and often unexpected feelings surfacing. Counselling during pregnancy and / or post birth can enrich your parenting experience and ensure challenges are unpacked and moved through for personal growth and a feeling of confidence and freedom. Preparing for labour & birth or debriefing your birth experience through our specialist counselling service is an essential part of this transformative life stage as you birth yourselves as parents.

Call or email reception to book in:

(03) 9419 9988
reception@fertileground.com.au

Gift vouchers are also available if you’ve got someone in mind that would benefit from some post natal care treatments at Fertile Ground.