Since time immemorial, new moms have been encouraged to get a full body massage after childbirth for at least two weeks. That’s because therapeutic massage comes with multiple benefits. Be it reducing pain, managing inflammation, or improving body functionality, a good massage can provide all. So, here we will discuss some tips to hire a Maalishwali (masseuse) after delivery so you can get the best therapeutic massage at home.
This post-childbirth massage is especially beneficial for the mother, as it promotes the speedy recovery of the mother’s body. It is best done by a professional masseuse, japa maid or maalishwali (मालिशवाली). In many cultures, the massage is given to the new mother for the first 40 days daily, where the frequency is generally once a day. Here are some more details about post-natal massage by Maalishwalis that you need to know.
In This Article
- Who Is A Maalishwali?
- What Is The Role Of A Maalishwaali After Delivery?
- Benefits Of Hiring A Maashwalli For Post-Pregnancy Massage
- Disadvantages Of Hiring A Maashwaali
- Top Tips to Hire Maalishwaali After Delivery?
- Can I Use The Same Maalishwaali For My Baby too?
- FAQs
Who Is A Maalishwali?
A Maalishwali, or japa maid, is a professionally trained masseuse specializing in giving postnatal or after-delivery massages to new moms and newborn massages to babies. If you are a new mom, you might have heard your elderly saying that maalish or regular massage brings endless benefits to the mom and the baby. It helps in the overall growth and development of the growing baby. When it comes to the mother, it helps prepare her body to perform maternal duties more efficiently, such as breastfeeding and caring.
If done correctly by a professional Maalishwali, the massage may help develop the bones of the baby strong and correctly. Otherwise, the wrong massage may lead to crooked bones. Well, that’s what most mothers believe in India. Further, research suggests that massage may lead to negative outcomes, such as swelling or muscle pain in the baby, if done incorrectly (1). Hence, hiring a professional Maalishwali will be a good idea.
What Is The Role Of A Maalishwaali After Delivery?
Hiring a’maalishwali’ has been quite popular in the Indian subcontinent. Some of them will visit your house every day, while others may stay in with you for at least 40 days. They also sometimes help with other chores for the baby.
A professional ‘Maalishwali’ or ‘daayi’ is well-versed in the traditional technique of giving post-delivery massages to moms. The provided therapeutic massage helps increase blood circulation and lymphatic drainage to soothe swelling, pain, and discomfort. The massage releases stress and tension to give you maximum comfort (2).
Hiring the services of a masseuse is the right thing to do if you wish to relish the therapeutic and comforting benefits of massage at home.
Try to find an experienced ‘maalishwali’ who knows how to give a proper massage. You can even do a little research while hiring her. Ask your neighbors, friends, relatives, or elders about the most suitable masseuse.
Benefits Of Hiring A Maalishwali For Post-pregnancy Massage
As mentioned earlier, hiring a professional Maalishwali for a post-pregnancy massage can help fetch maximum benefits while reducing the risk of an injury. Here’s how a Maalishwali can help.
- An experienced Maaishwali knows the work well and performs the massage in the right way to reduce body tension.
- A professional masseuse can create a massage therapy plan as per your needs so you can get the most out of it.
- The right postnatal massage reduces sore spots and relaxes muscles to boost recovery (3).
- A pro masseuse knows how much pressure (to be applied) is appropriate for the baby and the mum to avoid body stress and pain.
- During postnatal massage, no one position works. Your Maalishwali can let you know the correct position acquired in each technique to minimize discomfort.
Disadvantages Of Hiring A Maalishwaali
A seasoned Maalishwaali can provide customized massage therapies to you and your baby. Hiring the best Maalishwali can be a good decision. However, you must also be aware of the disadvantages of hiring the wrong Maalishwali.
- A masseuse lacking knowledge and experience may perform the massage incorrectly, which may lead to several negative outcomes.
- Wrong massage may damage nerves, muscles, and tissues, causing swelling or bruising (4).
- It can aggravate existing health conditions.
- In some cases, the wrong massage may cause nausea, vomiting, skin irritation, anxiety, stress, etc (5).
10 Tips To Hire Maalishwali (Masseuse) After Delivery
Getting the right ‘maalishwali’ is a painstaking task but a very important one. To simplify the process, keep the following points in mind while hiring a masseuse:
1. Verify Security Information
Make a thorough inquiry about the authenticity of her address and then only permit her to enter your home. Remember, your security is of utmost importance. Take her ID proof, it, and get it verified by the nearby police station. This is an important point that most women usually neglect.
2. Look for Her Experience and Training
Find out about her experience and training because the majority of ‘Maalishwalis’ or masseuses learn the art of massaging either from their elders in the family or the establishment where they usually work. An untrained masseuse will be of no benefit to you.
3. Talk About Hygiene Standards
Maintaining proper hygiene is a very important aspect of massage. It is good to talk to your masseuse about personal hygiene, its significance, and what can happen in its absence. Tell her the following:
- Wash her hands properly before giving you a massage.
- Trim her nails to avoid transferring the infection to you while massaging.
- Wear clean and neat clothes.
- Use only the oil that you give her.
- Use a clean cloth or towel.
- Give her a hand sanitizer and ask her to use it often.
4. Check Availability
Another important point to keep in consideration while hiring a Maalishwali is her availability at your convenience. Ask your masseuse to come to your desired time when you are free or ready to take the massage.
5. Be Clear
Talk to your Maalishwaali about what you expect from her and her massage services. It is always better to discuss everything in advance, for example, what are her charges, for how long will she give you the massage every day, etc.
6. Avoid Talkative Ones
Make sure your masseuse is not verbose; otherwise, she is likely to waste most of her time talking about irrelevant things. Hire the one who knows her job.
7. Share Your Expectation
Before you hire a maalishwali, it is best to explain what you expect from her and the massage. Tell her about your condition or how you are feeling to understand if you are ready for a massage.
8. Family Background
While hiring a Maalishwali, inquire about her family—her husband, her children, etc. Do not hire her if she has a small child, as it would be difficult for her to concentrate on you while her child is with her.
9. Illness
Health is also an important point to look for while hiring a masseuse. Ask her whether she or anyone in her household has had any long-term illnesses, such as coughs or breathing problems, in the past. If yes, avoid hiring her, as she could be a potential carrier of TB or asthma.
10. Agency
If you are hiring a masseuse from a beauty parlor or agency, inquire about the authenticity of the agency.
Can I Use The Same Maalishwaali For My Baby too?
You may consider the same Maalishwali for your baby if she’s trained in giving baby massages. Your loved one’s skin is delicate, so it’s crucial to ensure the baby is comfortable with the massage given. Typically, a soft massage is enough for a baby, performed with mild to moderate pressure. However, you might have encountered some Maalishwalis saying a strong massage with high pressure is essential for the baby’s growth. But this may not be true. This can do more harm than good. In such a case, it’s better to talk to your doctor. Your healthcare professional can clear up your confusion and suggest the best solution.
After delivery, new moms may be in the dilemma of hiring a Maalishwali for them and their babies. Knowing some tips to hire Maalishwali (Masseuse) after delivery can avoid this confusion. Although trained Maalishwalis know the massage techniques, all may not know the science behind them. To be on the safer side, it’s good to consult your doctor for advice.
FAQs
1. Is Body Massage Necessary After Delivery?
Post-partum massage is a great therapy for realigning and relaxing your body after delivery. It can relieve stress, tension, and fatigue while promoting the overall health and fitness of the mother and the baby.
2. Will I Benefit From Hiring A Maalishwaali After Delivery?
A professional Maalishwaali who knows the how-to’s of massage can give you a soothing massage experience. A perfect massage prepares you to handle the challenges of motherhood with ease.
3. For How Many Days Massage Is Required After Normal Delivery?
Each pregnancy is different, so the time required for massage varies from mother to mother. Some women prefer taking a massage after 7 to 10 days of post-delivery, while others prefer waiting for a month. The best way is to ask your doctor to avoid confusion.
Read Also: Top 5 Massage Oils To Help You Heal Post-Delivery
References
- The Effectiveness of Baby Massage in Increasing Infant’s Body Weight – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9309640/]
- Massage During Pregnancy and Postpartum – [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34323238/]
- Australian massage therapists’ views and practices related to preconception, pregnancy, and the early postpartum period – [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1744388120303704]
- The side effects and mother or child-related physical harm from massage during pregnancy and the postpartum period: An observational study – [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328726542]
- Effects, Side Effects and Contraindications of Relaxation Massage during Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8396946/]
