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Health and Wellness

Postpartum Massage & Natural Postpartum Depression Treatments

Feb 02, 2023

Depression, both during pregnancy and postpartum, is a common and serious condition that can have devastating consequences. If you’re experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression, the important thing to know is you’re not alone. Postpartum depression is extremely common and there are a variety of natural postpartum depression treatments you can discuss with your doctor to help you treat it.


Today, we’re taking a look at postpartum massage and other natural treatments for postpartum depression you might consider. Consult your doctor to see if these might be beneficial for you and get started on your self-care journey.

What Is Postpartum Depression?


Postpartum depression (also called PPD) is a medical condition that many women experience after having a baby. It can take many forms and manifest in a wide variety of severities ranging from the commonly-referred to as the “baby blues” to more severe circumstances. It is the most common complication after giving birth, affecting nearly 1 in 7 women. The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone and to seek guidance from your doctor.


PPD often manifests as strong feelings of sadness, anxiety (worry) and tiredness that could last for a long time after giving birth. It’s possible you may experience excessive crying episodes or find yourself withdrawing from friends, family, or other social situations. Other symptoms of postpartum depression may include such experiences as:


  • Challenges bonding with your baby
  • Mood swings
  • A lack of energy
  • Irritability or anger
  • Difficulty making decisions
  • Feelings of anxiety or panic attacks

These feelings and emotions can make it difficult for you to take care of yourself and your baby. Learning how to help postpartum depression is crucial to alleviate the symptoms you’re experiencing and protect your mental health.

Natural Postpartum Depression Treatments


The importance of self-care for new mothers is crucial for supporting mental and physical health after having a baby. You can complement your health routine and provide body pain relief during pregnancy and after your baby is born with activities such as postpartum massage and other natural treatments for postpartum depression.


Some of the most common natural postpartum depression treatments women turn to help alleviate symptoms they are experiencing include:


  • Following a healthy diet to support postpartum depression relief
  • Staying active to take care of your body
  • Talking about your feelings
  • Getting a postpartum massage
  • Setting aside time for yourself
  • Joining a community for new moms
  • Sleeping when you can, in order to heal

Healthy Diet for Postpartum Depression Treatment


It will come as no surprise that one of the best postpartum depression treatments is following a healthy diet. Having a new baby may cause you not to eat correctly, and an imbalanced diet such as one with too many simple carbohydrates can make mood swings worsen. Studies have shown the potential positive effects of omega-3 fatty acids and other benefits of a well-rounded diet of whole foods. A healthy diet not only helps your body heal, but aids in improving mental health and clarity.

Staying Active Postpartum


Exercise has been shown to have a positive impact against depression and may be the ideal activity to pair with postpartum depression treatments. Getting outside and exercising boosts your production of endorphins and other natural hormones that alleviate pain and stress, and elevate your mood. It’s also good to take time away from the hustle and bustle of having a new baby to clear your mind.


For women who may not be ready to take on more rigorous activity, consider low-impact exercises like yoga or tai chi. There are plenty of variations for each that will fit whatever your condition allows. Studies have pointed towards a greater reduction in stress, anxiety, and other symptoms of postpartum depression, with over 78% of women involved showing clinically significant change. 

Talking About Your Feelings


Continuing along our list of natural postpartum depression treatments, we’ve come to talking about your feelings and getting your thoughts out. While it may not sound like much, expressing any postpartum depression feelings you’re having to a professional, a friend, or even in a private journal can have a profound effect on how to help postpartum depression. You’ll want to avoid isolating yourself or keeping your feelings bottled up inside, as that can make symptoms worsen over time.


Note: Talking with your partner, a friend, or a family member is often enough to help with your experience, but if you feel symptoms of postpartum depression worsening, please seek professional medical assistance right away.

Getting a Postpartum Massage


You may have had a prenatal massage routine that worked for alleviating pain or stress during your pregnancy, but have you considered the benefits of postpartum massage and their effectiveness as natural treatments for postpartum depression? The American Pregnancy Association states that postpartum massage is an effective and holistic approach for the many adjustments to motherhood.


Having a baby results in many changes physically, mentally, and emotionally. Getting a postpartum massage may help with a variety of ailments such as:


  • Stress relief from the new challenges you’re experiencing
  • Relaxation to help you recover during any downtime
  • Pain relief from residual birth pains or bleeding
  • Hormone regulation post-pregnancy
  • Swelling and inflammation reduction to rebalance bodily fluids
  • Breastfeeding help, improving circulation and increasing milk production

Instead of having to fit traditional massage therapy appointments into a hectic schedule with a newborn, many women have turned to full body massage chairs, instead. One of the biggest benefits of owning a massage chair is being able to use it when you want from the privacy of your own home. No need to worry about whether your massage therapist is familiar with how to handle postpartum massage or adjust to your needs, your massage chair provides a variety of different types of massage and intensities at the touch of a button. 


Additional massage chair features like zero gravity reclining capabilities and heat therapy may deepen your relaxation, enhance how the body heals itself, and improve your overall postpartum massage experience, as well. You can use your massage chair to create a sort of home spa for your self-care routine.


Massage has also been shown to reduce feelings of anxiety, which often accompany postpartum depression. These incredible luxury massage chairs also help with how to treat postpartum depression by reducing feelings of anxiety, stress, and panic. Not only are they useful as postpartum depression treatments, but they continue their benefits to your overall health long after.

Setting Aside Time for Yourself


Having a new baby is a major life adjustment. Whether it’s your first child or a new addition to expand your family further, it’s important for you to take time for yourself, too. Make a date to visit a friend. Go shopping just for fun. Set aside time to meditate somewhere quiet. The important thing is that you give yourself time away from everything to do what you’d like to do to bolster your mental and physical well-being.

Joining a Community for New Moms


You may not have considered them as natural treatments for postpartum depression before, but communities for new moms are a great place to talk to others in your same circumstances and share feelings, tips, and ideas. Not only will you find support from these groups, but you may also learn techniques for making your life easier as a new parent! Whether it’s a group meetup at the local coffee shop or an online group on social media, there’s something for everyone.

Sleeping When You Can


Last, but not least, on our list of natural postpartum depression treatments is to sleep when you can. You’ve likely heard the saying, “when the baby sleeps, you sleep,” and it’s true! You may think you need to spend that time getting chores done around the house or making up for any downtime you have taking care of your baby, but nothing will help you heal faster and serve how to help postpartum depression than getting enough sleep when you’re able.


Postpartum depression is a common experience among new mothers. You’re not alone! Follow this guide and try postpartum massage and other natural postpartum depression treatments to see what works best for you. As always, consult your doctor for guidance and help along the way. Welcome to motherhood!


Luxury massage chairs are useful during and after pregnancy. Check out the Ogawa Active L 3D Massage Chair and experience an incredible postpartum massage for yourself.
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