In honour of Mother’s Day we sat down last week and talked about the pregnancy and post-natal massage services on offer at Wellbeing Thai Massage.

“We see different attitudes between the western and eastern cultures around these special massage services,” says Anne. “Asian women are generally more nervous about pregnancy massage whereas those who come from a western background enjoy it to get release from pregnancy aches. Asian women use post-natal massage a lot more and western women are generally more uncertain.”

“In Asian cultures,” Orn adds, “there is more knowledge and acceptance of massage to help with problems after birth. Particularly with breast-feeding. When lactation is difficult you need to get intervention soon or there are complications and the milk dries up.”

Post-natal massage has been a traditional practice in Thai massage for a long time and there is a recent technique from Japan, Oketani, that is used in breast-feeding support which has gained increasing profile. Studies at Mahidol and Songkla universities in Thailand have explored the effectiveness of different techniques: all properly applied massage is beneficial with some providing relief more quickly and with greater milk production.**

“It’s something we need to talk about,” Orn says. “It can really help mothers who are distressed about being unable to feed their baby and also can help stop the onset of infections from clogged ducts and mastitis. As mothers ourselves, we know the value of these techniques to help at this very sensitive time.”

Orn and Anne can apply and coach mums in traditional Thai techniques. Some of their clients have sought assistance after each pregnancy.* 

Whether you are yet to have your first baby or onto your 6th, our pregnancy massage can improve circulation, reduce swelling and lower stress and anxiety. We recommend post-natal massage for toning, relaxation and pain reduction starting 2-3 weeks after giving birth (unless you need breast-feeding support and need to see us sooner).

Of course, bring baby for your post-natal massage. Baby massage is free with your treatment! Ready to book?

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*If you already have an infection (fever, severe pain and discharge) you should seek medical attention. 

**References 

• Integrated breast massage versus traditional breast massage for treatment of plugged milk duct in lactating women: a randomized controlled trial: Nutchanat Munsittikul, Supannee Tantaobharse, Pitiporn Siripattanapipong, Punnanee Wutthigate, Sopapan Ngerncham & Buranee Yangthara (June 2022)
• Effects of Southern Thai Traditional Massage with Warm Compression on Lactation and Breast Engorgement: A Randomized Controlled Trial: Chudanut Khoonphet, Sopen Chunuan, Sasitorn Phumdoung (May 2022)
• The Effect of Oketani Breast Massage on Successful Breastfeeding, Mothers’ Need for Breastfeeding Support, and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy: an Experimental Study: Maryam Mahdizadeh-Shahri,Manijeh Nourian, Maryam Varzeshnejad, Maliheh Nasiri (September 2021)
• Effectiveness of Different Massage Techniques for Breastfeeding Mothers to Increase Milk Production: A Systematic Review: Sasitara Nuampa, Sudaporn Payakkaraung (December 2020)