Parenting is a tough job with a diverse set of challenges. Just when you think you have all the answers, your kids grow and surprise you in new and interesting ways.
We’ve teamed up with our friends at Winnie, an app that helps parents through every age and stage of their parenting journey, to learn about the common challenges parents face that can be solved with a simple massage. Yes, you heard us right. Add massage to your parenting toolkit and you’ll be ready to tackle these parenting challenges in no time.
6 times when massage is great for moms and dads
1. Pregnancy
For moms-to-be, a good massage can help relieve many of the common aches and pains associated with pregnancy. It’s especially helpful during the second and third trimesters. Just make sure you get a therapist who is well-versed in prenatal massage and therefore knows the correct technique, like avoiding certain pressure points that may induce labor.
2. Postpartum Recovery
After the baby arrives, massage can help you start feeling like yourself again. It can speed up the healing process and help drain excess fluid that can accumulate during pregnancy. Massage may also help you with some of the hormonal changes that come after birth and is a great form of stress relief, which any new parent needs!
3. De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
This injury, common among parents of young ones, is a swelling of the tendons that can develop from lifting a baby frequently. Because healing this injury by not using your hands is often impractical for parents, your doctor may recommend massage or physical therapy to the hand and wrist, often paired with a brace, to relieve the pain and reduce swelling.
4. Stress
Being a parent is one of the toughest jobs in the world and can come with high levels of stress. You are at your best as a part when you take care of yourself, so it’s really important for moms and dads to get the time they need to rest and recharge. Massages can be a great way to get instant stress relief. With Zeel, you can squeeze a massage in during nap time or after your kids hit the sack – there’s really no excuse!
5. Back Injuries
Between carrying children, carrying all their gear, and serving as a human jungle gym, it’s no wonder so many parents have trouble with their backs. The good news is that massage can treat many forms of back pain. Better yet, regular massage can help improve flexibility and circulation and therefore prevent injuries in the first place.
6. Children’s Bedtime
A massage can be the perfect addition to a bedtime routine, even for infants! For babies, there’s a special technique, and once you learn how to do it you can start seeing the benefits of improved sleep, reduced crying, and a calmer baby. Make sure to check with your child’s pediatrician to get the green light before attempting massage, but in most cases, it’s a safe and effective way to ensure a restful night’s sleep.
Related: Pregnant Women, Avoid This Massage Mistake
