Postnatal Massage
Postnatal Massage in Warrington
You have just been through one of the most physically demanding things a human body can do. Growing a baby, giving birth, and then keeping that baby alive on broken sleep means your body has been working harder than it ever has. And yet postnatal recovery is the part that gets the least attention.
After birth, your body does not simply bounce back. Muscles that stretched and shifted over nine months need time and support to recover. Feeding, carrying and rocking your baby puts new strain on your neck, shoulders and back. The hormone relaxin, which softened your ligaments during pregnancy, can remain in your system for months, leaving joints feeling unstable and achy. These are not things you just have to put up with. Postnatal massage directly addresses the root causes of how you are feeling, not just the symptoms.
Every session begins with a short assessment so nothing is guesswork. You will leave feeling lighter, less tense, and genuinely cared for.
We can help with:
Benefits of Postnatal Massage
😴 Better sleep
Sleep deprivation is one of the hardest parts of new motherhood. Massage increases serotonin and dopamine levels and has been shown to increase delta brain wave activity, associated with deep, restorative sleep. Research supports its use specifically for postnatal sleep improvement.
💆 Reduced anxiety and low mood
The postnatal period can be emotionally overwhelming. A randomised controlled trial found massage therapy in the early postnatal period significantly reduced negative mood states and emotional distress while simultaneously improving positive emotions.
🤱 Pain relief
Lower back pain, neck and shoulder tension from feeding, and pelvic girdle pain are among the most common postnatal complaints. Research found significant improvements in pain and range of motion in postnatal women receiving massage, both immediately after treatment and at one week follow up.
🤸 Faster physical recovery
Your body has been through an enormous physical event. Massage improves circulation, reduces inflammation, helps release tension held in muscles that worked hard during labour, and supports the gradual realignment of your posture as your body adjusts after birth.
🍼 Supports breastfeeding
Studies show massage increases prolactin levels, a key lactation hormone. Relaxation of the chest and shoulder muscles through massage also opens the shoulders and can improve milk flow, making feeding more comfortable for both you and your baby.
🧘 Time that is just for you
New motherhood means your needs often come last. A postnatal massage is an hour that is entirely yours. Not for the baby, not for anyone else. The mental and emotional benefit of being properly looked after, in a calm and quiet space, should not be underestimated.
What to Expect
Every treatment begins with a thorough consultation, so Ema understands exactly where you are in your recovery, how your birth went, and what you need most on the day. No two postnatal bodies are the same, and no two treatments are the same.
⏱ Durations
60 or 90 minutes. Choose what suits you best. 90 minutes is recommended if you have multiple areas to address or have not had any treatment since giving birth.
🛏 Position and comfort
Positioning is adapted to suit your body and your recovery. You may be on your side, on your back, or face down, depending on how you are feeling and what stage you are at. You are always well covered and your modesty maintained throughout.
👗 What to wear
Loose, comfortable clothing works best. If you are breastfeeding, wear something easy to adjust. If wearing a bra, make sure it is easily removable should you wish to remove it during the treatment.
🌿 The environment
Our clinic sits on the edge of a woodland park, with natural bird song. A calm, quiet space that is entirely yours for the duration of your treatment. You can also choose to have music played digitally during your session.
📋 After your treatment
Your care does not end when you leave. You will receive personalised advice on feeding posture, self-massage techniques, gentle exercises and anything else relevant to your recovery at this stage.
🚗 Parking and facilities
We advise you to avoid a heavy meal and use the toilet before you arrive. Toilet facilities are available on site. If you have any special requirements, including bringing your baby, please get in touch, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
⚠️ C-section clients: General postnatal massage can usually begin from around 2 to 3 weeks after a C-section. Scar tissue work begins once the wound has fully closed, usually from around 6 to 8 weeks, and requires GP clearance. If you are unsure whether you are ready, please get in touch before booking, and Ema will talk it through with you.
When Can You Start?
Postnatal massage is safe and beneficial from just a couple of weeks after birth. Ema has over 25 years of experience and has treated clients at every stage of postnatal recovery. Every client is assessed individually and Ema will always advise honestly if she feels the timing is not right.
Vaginal birth
Postnatal massage can usually begin from around 2 weeks after a vaginal birth, once any immediate soreness has settled. Ema will assess you on the day and adapt the treatment to exactly where you are in your recovery.
C-section
General postnatal massage can usually begin from around 2 to 3 weeks after a C-section. Scar tissue work begins once the wound has fully closed, usually from 6 to 8 weeks, and requires GP clearance. Not sure if you are ready? Just get in touch.
Weeks 6 to 12
A popular time to start as the initial recovery period has passed but the body is still adjusting. Back pain, shoulder tension from feeding and pelvic instability are all common at this stage and respond well to treatment.
Beyond 3 months
It is never too late. Many clients come in months after birth still carrying tension, pain and exhaustion from the demands of new motherhood. Wherever you are in your postnatal journey, Ema can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after birth can I have a postnatal massage?
Ema has treated clients from just a couple of weeks after birth. For vaginal births this is usually from around 2 weeks once any immediate soreness has settled. For C-sections, general massage can begin from around 2 to 3 weeks, with scar tissue work from 6 to 8 weeks with GP clearance. If you are unsure, just get in touch before booking and Ema will talk it through with you.
What position will I be in during the massage?
This depends on where you are in your recovery. You may be on your side, on your back, or face down. Ema will assess you at the start of your appointment and choose the most comfortable and appropriate position for you on that day. You will always be well covered and your modesty maintained throughout.
Can you treat C-section scars?
Yes. Once your scar has fully closed, usually around 6 to 8 weeks, Ema can work on the scar tissue to help with tightness, numbness and adhesions. You will need GP clearance before this work begins. If you are unsure whether you are ready, please get in touch before booking.
I am breastfeeding. Is postnatal massage safe?
Yes, absolutely. Postnatal massage is completely safe while breastfeeding. Research even suggests it can support milk production by increasing prolactin levels and relaxing the chest and shoulder muscles, which can make feeding more comfortable.
How often should I have a postnatal massage?
This depends on your individual needs and how you are feeling. Many clients come once or twice in the first couple of months and then monthly as part of their ongoing wellbeing. Ema will advise you on the best schedule for your situation at your first appointment.
Can I bring my baby to the appointment?
Please get in touch before booking if you need to bring your baby and we will do our best to accommodate you. We want this to be a relaxing experience for you and will always try to make it work.
"Visited during pregnancy for pelvic pain and general pregnancy aches, and again at 6 weeks postpartum. Would highly recommend and will be going back for regular massages. Very knowledgeable and took time to understand what I was struggling with. Friendly and welcoming."
Prab Kaur Pregnancy & Postnatal Massage"I did a course of pregnancy treatments with Ema and after every treatment I was left feeling relaxed and pain free. Ema gave me an extra treatment to help me relax and prepare for labour. I never needed an induction after all, labour began naturally and quickly. I would not go with anyone else."
Ashleigh O'Neill Pregnancy & Postnatal Massage"Had an amazing clinical massage with Ema after a busy and stressful few weeks. She is super knowledgeable and gave me loads of advice about my posture and water intake. Her technique is lovely and my long term niggly neck and lower back issues felt much looser when she had finished. Will definitely be back."
Laura Thiele Clinical Massage
Meet Your Therapist
Ema Gregory-Scott has over 25 years of hands-on clinical experience and is one of Warrington’s most experienced postnatal massage therapists.
Ema holds a Level 6 Clinical & Sports Massage Degree and is qualified in IIHHT and ACMT, giving her a deep clinical understanding of the female body during pregnancy, labour and the postnatal period.
Having experienced pregnancy herself, Ema understands what you are going through, not just clinically but personally. You are in safe, expert hands.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rated 5 out of 5 by our clients
Read our reviews →Flexible Booking — No Risk to You
We completely understand that life with a new baby is unpredictable. If you feel unwell, your baby needs you, or you need to reschedule for any reason, we will always rearrange your appointment or provide a full refund with no quibbles and no fuss.
Just give us as much notice as you can and we will take care of the rest. Your comfort and peace of mind matter to us as much as your treatment.