Best Oils for Postpartum Massage

What is better than having a full-body massage after you return home with your newborn? There are numerous benefits of postpartum massages. The postpartum massage also has a slimming effect on your body.

You might have noticed that most mothers don't take enough care of themselves after delivery. They turn their focus to their baby and neglect their health.

No doubt, a mother should take care of her baby but her body and mind also need her attention and care during postpartum.

One of the best ways to heal postpartum is to use massage oils and warm baths. These oils help your body and mind to relax after delivery. Massage oils can also help increase breast milk production

Essential massage oils help you to regain the strength that you lost during delivery.

Here we have created a list of some very useful oils for massaging. But first, when you start massage after delivery?

When You Can Start Postnatal Massages?

If you have had a normal delivery, you can begin postnatal massage 7 days after birth. For c–section, you may need to give yourself some time for your wound to heal. While this can be after 3 weeks, it’s important to consult with your gynecologist or therapist first.

To enjoy the maximum benefits of the massage, you need to do this for at least 30 days.

Best Massage Oils After Delivery

Oil massages relax your muscles, enhance blood circulation and ease the recovery period of postpartum. When choosing massage oils, you might want to consider the benefits of the ingredients to your body and skin. Other factors depending on your preference could be things like texture, consistency, absorption into the skin, and even the scent.

You can use any of the following massage oils after delivery depending on your preference and ease.

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Mustard Oil:

Pros of Mustard Oil

Mustard oil is popularly known for its warming characteristic. Heat is what a new mother needs to have a soothing effect on her tired body. It is an ideal massage oil during postpartum. The heat generated from the oil helps to speed up the healing process.

Mustard oil like other massage oils also increases blood circulation in addition to decreasing joint pain.

It is very cheap and can be easily bought from any local store.

Cons of Mustard Oil

Mustard oil is a very thick oil that makes it difficult to wash from clothes. It also has a very strong odor that can be irritating for you and your baby.

Sesame Oil:

Pros of Sesame Oil

This is another massage oil that is very relaxing for your body and mind. It is also helpful in reducing blood pressure and stress.

Cons of Sesame Oil

Unlike mustard oil, sesame oil is a cooling oil. Therefore consult with your health care provider before use. They might not want you to use it for postpartum massage.

Coconut Oil:

Pros of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is very popular in South India, for its cooling properties. It is commonly used for head massage but you can also use it for body massage.

It has a pleasing smell and a very light texture. It can be easily absorbed in your skin and has hydrating properties that make it a good moisturizer.

Cons of Coconut Oil

Its cooling properties might not be recommended by your doctor.

Almond Oil:

Pros of Almond Oil

Almond oil is also very light, moisturizing, and easily absorbable, with a very sweet smell.

It reduces stretch marks, muscle pains, and inflammation, and improves complexion.

Cons of Almond Oil

Almond oil is more expensive than other massage oils.

Ayurvedic or Herbal Oils:

Herbal oils or ayurvedic oils were used in India for postpartum recovery and this healing method is gaining popularity across the world.

These oils are helpful to strengthen joints, muscles, and ligaments and reduce pain. There are different types of oil to suit different body types, so you need to visit an Ayurvedic doctor to get the right prescription.

Lemongrass Oil:

Lemongrass oil is a natural oil that helps in the treatment of sores, tiredness, and muscle cramps.

Lemongrass has warming characteristics that make it an ideal postpartum massage oil.

Ginger Oil:

Ginger oil is another popular postpartum massage oil known for its soothing qualities. It is used for sore muscles and increases blood circulation.

Its spicy scent makes it suitable for topical application.

Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil is great for a massage after delivery. It helps to improve the skin’s elasticity and make it softer. Its light consistency and silky texture make it easily absorbed by your skin and it won’t leave a greasy feel on your skin.

You can pretty much use this oil whether you had a normal delivery or C-section. The only difference is that after C-Section, you might need to wait for a little while before starting your massage.

Other Oils:

Other than those mentioned above, many oils are famous in different parts of the world. Olive oil, sunflower oil, wheat germ oil, and grape seed oil are some other massage oils that can be used for postpartum recovery.

• You can also try lavender oil as it promotes a calming effect and will boost your mood instantly.
• When using the wheat germ oil, it is recommended to mix this oil with another oil as it is quite thick.
• Olive oil is also a good choice of use for a postnatal massage. Though it may be expensive in some parts of the world, it has a heating effect on the body to get rid of muscle and joint pains. It allows you to have a younger-looking skin too. Many people use olive oil for the postnatal massage

It is always recommended to consult with your health care provider before using any massage oil.

Which Oil is Good for Massage After a C-Section?

Your postnatal massage oil is not determined by your birth method. Every mother has her preference. We would recommend choosing an organic oil with benefits for your skin, and that feels comfortable for you as you will most likely be getting the massage on consecutive days.

Precautions During Oil Massages

For oil massages, you can contact postpartum care workers. They specialize in body massage for mothers and babies.

During postpartum, you cannot take complete care of yourself and your baby during your massage. So it is important to ask for help with your baby while massaging and bathing.

You need the support of a professional postpartum care worker because

• It is nearly impossible for you to massage your whole body.
• There are special massage techniques to reduce pain and only a professional and experienced person can help with that.

To get the best results from the massage, you need to:

• Pick the massage oil carefully, after consulting your healthcare provider.
• If you had a C-section, massage lightly and carefully around the wound area. You should also take care of this area even after your wound is healed because the stitches under your skin might not be fully healed.
• Avoid using oil on your breasts and nipple area, as it can irritate your baby's skin.
• Before using any oil, do a patch test on a small area of your skin.
• Avoid oil massages if you have skin rashes, hernia, or any other skin condition.
• Stop massaging if you have high blood pressure or if you are bleeding heavily.
• Herbal oils should not be used without diluting them to avoid irritation.
• Last but not least you should consider the weather conditions in your area of residence. Some oils have a warm nature and if you live in a place with hot weather conditions, you should opt for oils with cooling properties.

Conclusion

You can start using massage oils as soon as you go home from the hospital. But if you had a C-section, wait three to four weeks to your wound to heal.

It is highly recommended that you consult your doctor before you invest in and start using expensive massage oils.