Breastfeeding and Massage

[Sandralynn]

I have today received a call from a lady who won a voucher from a raffle for a back swedish massage. I missed the call due to work but she happened to mention she was Breast feeding. I haven't heard of it being a contraindication but I wanted to double check.
I have never done post natal massage before so I am assuming I would need towels place under breasts. Would I have to do the massage on the side, or would it depend if she is comfortable or not.

Thanks

Vickie

 

[ledzepfan203]

If I am going to do massage on a breast feeding woman and she wants aromatherapy oils then I use half the dilution and check my notes to see which oils might be contraindicated.

For any massage on a breast feeding woman I check if she is comfortable lying on her front and if she needs a small towel under her breasts in case of leakage. If she is uncoomfortable on her front then I do the massage sidelying.

 

[Essie]

It might not be too bad if she has fed the baby or expressed prior to the massage, less chance of leakage.

With regards to aroma oils, apart from dilution and contra-indications, it is also worth asking if she actually wants the aroma oils as there are some who think that the oil smell interferes with the babies ability to smell mums smell and may put the baby off latching on as they don't recognise her smell as it is masked.

Best to ask mum

Patchouli

 

[aBluetteSpease63]

I've given swedish massage to breast feeding clients without any problems. It's very much as Essence99 describes, take in to account how your client feels, and make sure they're comfortable and give plenty of reassurance.

Myarka.

 

[mqemyubsibriukeny]

Have Spoke to the lady in question, she only gave Birth 2 and 1/2 weeks ago. I asked her to double check with the midwife to see if its ok, I did ask if there were any complications with the birth and see said no. She will find out from midwife if its ok, i said there prob won't be any problems but I would rather check, better to be safe than sorry.

I was only going to use a grapeseed oil or a wheatgerm and soya bean mix during the massage.

Thanks for the replies
Much appreciated
Vickie