Best Postpartum Massage Oils for Mothers: Benefits, Uses & How to Choose the Right One

It is important that after delivery, your body requires adequate time and relaxation in order to be able to recuperate. Painful muscles, dry skin or sensitive skin and overall tiredness are normal in the postpartum stage.

Postpartum massage can provide a relaxing experience when it comes to loosening up the tight muscles of the body. In addition, the type of oil to be used in the procedure will contribute towards the level of comfort you get from the massage. The appropriate oil makes it easy for the therapist’s hands to move on your body while moisturising and softening your skin.

Why is Oil Used During Postpartum Massage?

The massage oil helps reduce friction between the therapist’s hands and the skin surface. It will make the long massage movements more comfortable, and there will be no need to pull and irritate the skin.

Depending on the composition of the product, an oil can also:

• Moisturise the dry skin
• Make the massage more pleasant
• Make the skin softer and smoother
• Create a warming or cooling effect
• Bring a pleasant fragrance to the procedure

There are products that could be called pregnancy massage oil, which could also be used during the post-pregnancy period. Nonetheless, the mother should look at the composition since her skin sensitivity and recovery process may have changed after giving birth.

It is crucial to separate the effects of the massage itself and of the oil. The effects of relaxation and muscle relief will be provided by the massage procedure only, and the oil will help the massage be smoother.

Carrier Oils vs Essential Oils: What is the Difference?

There are two main types of postpartum massage oils.

The first type is called carrier oils, which are vegetable oils like grapeseed oil, coconut oil, almond oil, sesame oil, and olive oil. They can be used for larger parts of the body and represent the basis of the massage oil.

The second type is essential oils, which are highly concentrated aromatic compounds like lavender oil. They cannot be used undiluted on the skin as they might cause irritation or allergic reactions. 

Breastfeeding mothers should also avoid ingestion of these essential oils and using them in areas which could come into contact with the baby.

Commonly Used Postpartum Massage Oils

Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil is ideal for use in post-partum massages owing to its lightweight nature. It glides easily, it absorbs quickly and does not tend to leave the skin too oily.

It could suit mothers who:

• Like a light and non-greasy oil
• Do not like strong aromas
• Like oils that glide easily
• Have normal or oily skin

The best massage oil for pregnant women is one that is gentle, has a light aroma and can glide easily. These are some of the characteristics of grapeseed oil that would suit a number of postpartum mothers.

We utilise grapeseed oil in the post-natal massages, as it provides due to the fact that it is very slippery.

Sweet Almond Oil

The sweet almond oil is also thicker in nature and is used to moisturise dry skin. It has a decent amount of glide that makes it a good choice for a massage session.

It can be beneficial for those mothers who are suffering from dryness, itching, and tight skin post-pregnancy. The pleasant natural smell of the oil can make the session relaxing as well.

Nevertheless, if the mother is allergic to almonds or nuts, she should consult her doctor as well as her therapist prior to use.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is commonly used in body care items since it is known to moisturise the skin and make it soft. This is a readily available oil that can either be used on its own or blended to form the basis of massage oil.

It would be suitable for mothers who:

• Have dry or rough skin
• Prefer a more luxurious massage
• Want an easily available oil
• Do not have a sensitivity to coconut-based products

Those mothers who had attended prenatal massage in Singapore in the past may be familiar with coconut-based or blended massage oils. However, postpartum massage will differ in pressure, positioning, and areas treated compared to prenatal massage.

Coconut oil is much thicker compared to grapeseed oil, especially in the humid weather of Singapore. Mothers who prefer a lighter massage oil may go for fractionated coconut oil or blended massage oil.

Sesame Oil

Sesame oil has always been used in many Asian massage treatments. This oil has a thicker consistency and offers enough gliding ability for deep massages.

Some types of sesame oils contain a nutty smell, which makes them unsuitable for use by mothers who are sensitive to odours after delivery. Since sesame is an allergen too, mothers allergic to sesame must avoid using this oil.

Olive Oil

The product is moisturising, easily available, and has a rather thick consistency and an odour. The olive oil can be good for mothers with excessively dry skin; however, some may find the oil too thick to use for a body massage.

In case of choosing the massage oil for pregnant women or those who have just delivered a baby, you should focus on the simplicity of the formula. The products with a strong smell or various additives may not suit sensitive skin.

While applying the olive oil, you should start with a little bit to make sure that it doesn’t irritate the skin.

Mustard Oil

Mustard oil is commonly used in certain techniques for massaging after delivery as it provides warmth to the skin surface.

Nevertheless, mustard oil smells strongly and is irritating to sensitive skin. Thus, it should be used with caution as it is not always recommended for all mothers. It should be avoided when applied to damaged or irritated skin.

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender oil is usually included in massage blends because of its aroma and relaxation effect on aromatherapy users. It is not a carrier but an essential oil, and therefore, it should be used in moderation.

Knowing how to choose massage oil for pregnancy can be useful in making safe choices after giving birth. Dilution, fragrance sensitivity, allergies, and quality of the products are all important aspects to consider before and after the birth of the baby.

Lavender oil should never be used directly on the skin. Women who are nursing, asthmatic, sensitive to fragrances or allergic to essential oils should seek medical advice.

How to Choose the Right Postpartum Massage Oil

There is no single oil that is best for every mother. Consider the following factors when choosing one.

Your Skin Type

Oils that are lighter in texture, like grapeseed oil, can be more suitable for normal to oily skin types, while oils that are more enriched, such as coconut oil and olive oil, can suit very dry skin types.

Allergies and Sensitivities

Look at the list of all the ingredients in the oil, as oils that have almonds, sesame, scents, or essential oils may cause irritation or allergic reactions in some people, even though the ingredients are naturally occurring.

Texture and Absorption

There are mothers who like oils that easily absorb into the skin, while there are others who would like the oil to stay on their skin longer.

Scent

The olfactory senses can be enhanced after delivery. Go for an oil that is free of smell or one with a slight odour if you get headaches or feel nauseous with intense scents.

Ingredient Quality

The choice of oil should be easy to identify. Do not choose oils without clear ingredients, particularly those that have artificial smells, if your skin is now sensitive after delivery.

Safety Tips Before Using Postpartum Massage Oil

It is important that one should undertake a patch test on any new type of oil. Rubbing a little of the oil on the body part that is unblemished will be useful for checking any symptoms such as redness, itching, swelling, or stinging.

Do not use massage oil on:

• Unhealed scar from a Caesarean section
• Open wounds or injured areas
• Infected parts
• Swollen parts or inexplicable rashes
• Nipples before nursing

One should discontinue its usage if any kind of irritation occurs. Consulting your physician before a post-delivery massage if there were any complications during delivery, unhealed wounds, or any doubts concerning massages, would be helpful.

Choosing a Comfortable Postpartum Massage Experience

The correct oil will ensure a smoother post-partum massage, as well as be gentler to dry and sensitive skin. Grapeseed oil is one of the most viable options due to its lighter nature, whereas oils like coconut, almond, sesame and olive are richer choices for those who enjoy more moisturising effects.

However, more importantly, select an oil that is suitable for your skin type, potential allergies and smells. The post-partum massage should be conducted by a professional who understands post-partum recovery and knows how to work on certain areas of the body.

At PNSG, our post-partum massages at home are conducted by professionals who use massage oil chosen specifically for you.

FAQs

Which oil is best for postpartum massage?

Grapeseed oil is often used because it is lightweight and easy to spread without having a greasy feel. The choice, however, will depend on skin type, allergies, scent, and the type of oil you prefer.

Can I use the same massage oil after a vaginal delivery and a C-section?

There is no reason to change oil based on the mode of delivery. Mothers who had a cesarean should not apply oils or press on the unhealed surgical scar. Get a medical recommendation before starting the abdominal massage.

Can postpartum massage oil remove stretch marks?

Massaging helps moisturize the skin and keep it soft; however, it cannot promise to remove any stretch marks. Stretch marks will fade with time, but everyone has different results.

Are essential oils safe for breastfeeding mothers?

The essential oils are very strong products which need to be used carefully. You have to make sure that these products are diluted and that you don’t consume them. It is better to keep away from applying the essential oils onto your breasts or any part of your body which will come into contact with the child.

Should I patch-test a postpartum massage oil?

Yes. It is better to apply the oil in a smaller quantity to a smaller part of the body before the whole body massage, especially when the product has fragrances, essential oils, almond or sesame.

When can I start postpartum massage?

The time varies depending on the type of your delivery and your state of health. If you’ve had a C-section, tearing, or some other problem, you should get approval from your doctor to begin the massage.

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