The first months with a new baby are full of love, and just as tiring. Broken sleep, feeding positions, carrying the baby and almost no personal time… In this article we explain how to make returning to the spa after birth safe and enjoyable.
Medical Approval First
After birth the body is healing. The right time for massage, hammam and heat areas varies with the type of birth (vaginal or caesarean), your health and how quickly you recover. So always consult your doctor and get approval before returning to the spa. After a caesarean, follow your doctor's advice especially regarding the abdomen and wound healing.
What's Happening in the Body?
- Shoulders, neck and upper back: Feeding and carrying positions load this area.
- Arms and wrists: Lifting and carrying the baby tires the forearms.
- Lower back: Posture changes during pregnancy and the load after birth affect the lower back.
- Sleep and mind: Broken sleep, mental fatigue and the need for rest.
Suitable Options
After medical approval, starting with gentle, calming treatments is usually recommended:
- Back Massage: A short break for fatigue in the shoulders, neck and upper back; practical if you don't want to be away from your baby for long.
- Indian Head Massage: A gentle treatment for the head, neck and shoulders that can be done seated; ideal for mental fatigue.
- Reflexology: A comfortable foot-focused option that doesn't require lying face down.
- Aromatherapy Massage: If you're breastfeeding, be sure to tell your therapist so the oils and scents can be chosen accordingly; a simple, unscented oil can be used.
For Comfort
- Position: Lying face down may be uncomfortable because of breast tenderness; side-lying or support cushions can be used.
- Timing: Plan your appointment around feeding times, allowing for the session length and travel.
- Heat areas: Get separate medical approval for the sauna, steam room and hammam.
- Fluids: If you're breastfeeding, drink plenty of water before and after your session.
Making Time for Yourself Isn't Selfish
One of the feelings new mothers mention most is guilt about taking time for themselves. Yet a rested mother can care for her baby better too. A few hours' break can help you feel like "yourself" again after long weeks. If you feel intense sadness, anxiety or burnout after birth, it's very important to talk to a health professional.
A Gift for New Mothers
If someone close to you has just become a mother, our gift packages, valid for a year, offer a break she can use whenever she needs it. The Complete Rest Package is a lovely choice. For information about pregnancy, see this article.
Once you have your doctor's approval, contact us to plan a suitable session. O'SPA Sky is open every day from 09:00 to 23:00, with free indoor parking.
