Pregnancy & Post-Pregnancy Massage in East Dulwich

Pregnancy and the weeks following birth bring profound physical and emotional changes. As your body adapts, it’s natural to experience muscular strain, fatigue and shifting patterns of tension.

At Life Massage in East Dulwich, treatment is carefully adapted to support you throughout pregnancy and into post-birth recovery, always tailored to your stage, comfort and individual needs.

Lower back ache • Hip tension • Shoulder discomfort • Post-birth recovery

Life Massage provides professional pregnancy massage treatments to support patients throughout the whole term, reducing aches and pain and promoting mobility.

Treatment may involve lymphatic drainage massage, soft tissue massage, acupressure and, when appropriate, the use of carefully selected essential oils in the correct dosage and safe for pregnancy.

There is a short consultation before each treatment to assess exactly what you need and tailor the session to the specific condition that requires attention — while also supporting muscular ease and overall emotional relaxation.

Specific acupressure points are used at different stages of pregnancy to support suppleness, emotional balance and the Qi of the body. Towards the end of term, appropriate points may also be used to gently support the body’s preparation for delivery.

This integrative approach allows the treatments to support both physical comfort and emotional balance during the wonderful but sometimes challenging journey, that pregnancy and motherhood is.

Treatment may help if you are experiencing:

• Lower back ache

• Hip and pelvic tension

• Shoulder and neck strain

• Sciatic-type discomfort

• Swelling in legs or feet

• Fatigue and muscular heaviness

• Upper back strain from feeding or carrying

• Post-birth muscular tension

After birth, new physical demands appear — feeding posture, carrying, lifting, reduced sleep and ongoing physical recovery.

Post-pregnancy treatment may help with:

• Upper back and shoulder strain from feeding

• Lower back tension from recurrent bending and lifting

• Pelvic and hip discomfort

• Muscular fatigue

• General physical recovery following birth

Sessions are adapted depending on recovery stage and type of delivery, always prioritising comfort and appropriate timing.

Each session begins with a short consultation to understand how you are feeling at that stage of pregnancy or recovery.

Positioning is carefully adapted using supportive cushions to ensure safety and comfort. Pressure is always adjusted appropriately, and communication remains open throughout.

Seeing the same therapist throughout your pregnancy and recovery allows for continuity of care and a consistent understanding of how your body is changing.

Many clients say they feel listened to, reassured and fully supported throughout the session.

Pregnancy and post-pregnancy massage is both supportive and practical.

Many clients report:

• Reduced back and hip discomfort

• Greater ease of movement

• Improved sleep comfort

• Less upper back and shoulder strain

• Feeling physically lighter and less tense

• A sense of emotional calm and reassurance

Clients often comment that sessions feel very thorough yet gentle, and appreciate that everything is clearly explained so they understand what is being worked on and why.

Some notice an immediate sense of relief in areas of tension, while others experience gradual improvement over a series of treatments as their body continues to change.

The aim is not only to reduce discomfort, but to help you feel supported, confident and more at ease in your body during pregnancy and recovery.

Life Massage provides one-to-one pregnancy and post-pregnancy massage in East Dulwich (SE22), offering a calm and professional setting where care is tailored to your individual stage and needs.

Is pregnancy massage safe?
Yes, when adapted appropriately for your stage of pregnancy and medical history.

When can I start post-pregnancy massage?

This depends on your delivery and recovery stage. Vigorous deep tissue massage is generally not recommended during the first three months postpartum, as the body, tendons and ligaments gradually return towards balance. However, gentler massage, lymphatic drainage massage, acupressure, meridian-based work and gentle soft tissue therapy to address upper and lower back discomfort can often be performed as soon as you feel ready and are able to carve out time for yourself. Sessions are always adapted to your comfort, healing stage and overall recovery.

Are essential oils safe during pregnancy?
Essential oils must be used with caution in pregnancy. With careful selection and safe dosage/dilution, they can be very supportive at different stages of the journey. I am a fully qualified holistic and clinical aromatherapist (IFPA member since 2000, with ongoing CPD).  You’re in safe hands.

Can acupressure be used safely during pregnancy?
Yes, specific points are selected carefully according to stage of pregnancy and individual presentation.

Can pregnancy massage help lower back pain?
Yes. As posture changes during pregnancy, the lower back often carries additional strain. Treatment focuses on easing muscular tension and improving comfort safely.