Story by Cynthia Darling
Who doesn’t love a massage? A strong set of hands to work out stress-induced kinks and knots is pure bliss. In this economy, setting aside time and money to see a massage therapist may seem like a luxury. But, as several Baristaville massage therapists and parents testify, this is money well spent.
Darcy Doggett runs Darcy Doggett Massage and Bodywork in Montclair and specializes in prenatal rub downs. “It focuses on the areas of the body affected by pregnancy such as low back and hip pain, sciatica, upper back pain and neck strain. These are the places that are most affected as the body changes to carry the growing baby. Prenatal massage can help reduce swelling as well as labor pains.” A trained certified massage therapist can also attend the birth. “We can make labor easier.”
The strain on mothers’ bodies doesn’t end with childbirth. Doggett goes on to point out particular hotspots for new moms. “When moms are breastfeeding, their shoulders get tight from leaning over holding the baby during nursing. Working those muscles in the upper back and neck becomes really helpful in alleviating the stress upon the body caused by that forward position.”
Doggett says many moms try to use their bodies in the same way to carry infants as they do to carry toddlers. “It’s so easy to pick up your baby when she’s 10 pounds. But when she’s 40 pounds, it’s a bit harder! And yet your 2-year-old still wants to be held!” Doggett notes that moms often habitual postures such as continually carrying their child on the same hip. Massage helps balance these areas of overuse.
But massage benefits not only the muscles; it can boost immunity. Kelly Jump who co-owns Montclair Massage Therapy adds, “Moms come into contact with lots of germs especially when kids are in daycare or school. Massage helps to stimulate the lymph system which enhances immunity. Also, it helps reduce anxiety and decreases depression. It can also help with sleep quality.”
Cedar Grove mom Margaret Stringer is a fan. “It’s one hour of me time, and when I come home, my family sees the post-massage mom! I have more patience and feel fewer aches and pains in my arms, legs and back. I feel the benefits of massage for many days afterward.”
When’s the last time you got a massage? Check out our list of local offerings below.
Darcy Doggett Massage and Bodywork–2 locations
94 Valley Road
Suite 2A
Montclair, NJ 07042
973-744-1576
Darcy Doggett Massage and Bodywork
@South Orange Chiropractic
60 First Street
South Orange, NJ 07079
973-761-0022
Montclair Massage Therapy
427 Bloomfield Avenue
Suite 201
Montclair, NJ 07042
973-655-0707
Mother Birth Yoga
Shiatsu, Prenatal & Postpartum Massage and Reiki Treatments
Montclair, NJ, 07042.
973-655-9655
The Healing Touch
20 Church Street
Montclair, NJ 07042
973-746-7999
MountainWall Massage Works–2 locations
622-624 Valley Road, Suite 6C
Upper Montclair, NJ 07042
973-746-3838
MountainWall Massage Works
Optimum Orthopedics Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
One Greenwood Avenue
Montcalir, NJ 07042
973-746-3838
Montclair Backrub Massage & Bodywork
255 Bellevue Avenue
Montclair, NJ 07042-1317
973-655-8960
Susan Van Zoeren Massage
Montclair, NJ 07042
201-618-1370
M Murray LMT
460 Bloomfield Avenue
Montclair, NJ 07042
973-509-9702
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