Postnatal Massage
Release the tension your body has been carrying since birth. Our postnatal massage eases soreness, supports healing and helps you feel lighter, calmer and more like yourself.
No more wincing every time you lift your baby. No more stiff shoulders from midnight feeds. No more pushing through the aches because everyone else comes first. Postnatal massage is your permission to finally slow down and take care of yourself.
At Atma, our postnatal sessions use gentle but purposeful techniques to ease tension across your shoulders, lower back, hips and legs while supporting healthy circulation.
After birth, your body is working hard to find a new kind of balance. Hormonal shifts, broken sleep, repetitive feeding positions and the physical toll of labour can leave you feeling stiff, swollen or disconnected from how you used to feel. Our therapists understand these changes intimately. Each session is shaped around what your body needs on the day, whether that means releasing tight shoulders from holding your baby, soothing swollen legs or giving your nervous system permission to rest.
Every postnatal massage at Atma is a space to slow down, breathe and begin feeling like yourself again. This is not a luxury. It is care your body has truly earned.
Nurturing relief for new mothers, when you need it most.
Atma Wellbeing has supported new mothers through postpartum recovery since 2008. Founded by physiotherapist Saura Rates, our approach blends clinical knowledge with genuine warmth. We understand the postpartum body through thousands of hours spent helping mothers navigate those early weeks and months. Our therapists listen, adapt and create a space where you can truly let go.
Why new mothers choose Postnatal Massage at Atma?
Whether you gave birth days ago or months ago, your body carries the imprint of that experience. Most of our postnatal clients come looking for relief from persistent tightness, fatigue or heaviness.
Postnatal massage supports recovery across many fronts. If you are dealing with aching shoulders from feeding and carrying your baby, we can help. If your lower back never quite recovered from pregnancy, targeted techniques ease that ongoing tension. Mothers experiencing swollen legs or fluid retention benefit from gentle methods that encourage natural drainage. And for those navigating the emotional weight of new motherhood, simply lying down in a quiet room and being cared for can shift something deep.
Muscle Relief
Ease the persistent tightness in your neck, shoulders and lower back that builds from feeding, carrying and the constant physical demands of caring for a newborn every single day.
Less Swelling
Gentle, rhythmic techniques encourage your body to move excess fluid naturally, helping to ease the puffiness and heaviness that many new mothers experience in those early weeks.
Deeper Sleep
Even when sleep is broken, postnatal massage helps your nervous system calm down and reset. Many of our clients tell us they sleep more soundly and feel more rested after sessions.
Emotional Care
Motherhood is beautiful and overwhelming in equal measure. A quiet hour where someone cares for you, without needing anything in return, can be one of the most restorative gifts.
Body Recovery
Purposeful techniques support circulation and tissue repair, helping your body process the physical changes of pregnancy and birth so you feel stronger and more mobile each week.
Posture Support
Hours of feeding, rocking and leaning over a bassinet strain your posture. Postnatal massage addresses the tension patterns that pull your shoulders forward and tighten your back.
Experience soothing care. Postnatal massage: sessions & prices
A $75 deposit is required to secure your appointment. The remaining balance is due on the day of your service. Package options are perfect for regular support throughout your pregnancy. Contact us for additional packages.
Postnatal massage is not something we added to round out a menu. It is a dedicated part of our practice, shaped through years of helping mothers recover, rebuild and reconnect with their bodies after birth.
Postnatal massage at Atma is not a fixed routine. Every session begins with a conversation about how you are feeling, what has shifted since your last visit and where your body needs attention. From there, your therapist adapts everything to match you.
Our therapists draw on a blend of remedial techniques, gentle lymphatic support and deep relaxation to create sessions that address the full picture of postpartum recovery. We work through layers of tension that build from repetitive movements like feeding, lifting and settling your baby. We support your circulatory and lymphatic systems to help with swelling and fluid retention. And we give careful attention to your lower back, hips, upper body and the areas that carry the most strain after birth.
This approach reflects the philosophy Saura Rates built Atma around since 2008. Every technique we use has been refined through years of working with postpartum bodies, understanding how they hold tension, how they heal and what they respond to best. Our therapists bring both skill and sensitivity to every single session.
You leave feeling lighter, looser and more connected to yourself. That is the kind of recovery that makes a real difference for you and for your family.
Our frequently asked questions
When can I start postnatal massage after giving birth?
Most mothers can begin within the first few weeks after a vaginal birth, once they feel comfortable. If you had a caesarean section, we generally recommend waiting until your wound has healed and your doctor gives you the go-ahead, which is usually around six weeks. Every recovery is different, so if you are unsure about timing, we are happy to have a chat before you book. There is no pressure to start before you are ready.
Is postnatal massage safe while breastfeeding?
Yes, completely. Postnatal massage is safe during breastfeeding, and many mothers find that the relaxation actually helps with milk flow. We use positioning that keeps you comfortable throughout the session. We also avoid any products that could be irritating for you or your baby. If you need to feed during the appointment, that is absolutely fine too.
What areas of the body does postnatal massage focus on?
We focus on the areas that carry the most tension after birth. For most new mothers, that includes the neck, shoulders, lower back and hips. We also work on the legs if you are experiencing swelling, and we can give attention to your upper body if feeding positions are causing tightness or discomfort. Every session is shaped around what your body needs on that particular day, so no two appointments are exactly the same.
Can I bring my baby to the appointment?
Absolutely. We understand that leaving a newborn is not always possible, especially in those early weeks. Our therapists are completely comfortable working around feeds, settling and the occasional interruption. Your baby can rest beside you in their pram or capsule during your session. Many of our postnatal clients bring their little ones along and it works beautifully.
How is postnatal massage different from a regular massage?
Postnatal massage is specifically designed for the postpartum body. Your therapist understands the hormonal, structural and muscular changes that happen after birth and adjusts the session accordingly. This includes positioning, pressure, focus areas and technique selection. It is a more targeted and thoughtful approach than a standard relaxation session, because your body has been through something significant and deserves care that reflects that.
How often should I book postnatal massage?
This depends on how you are feeling and what your body needs. Many new mothers benefit from weekly sessions in the early weeks, then move to fortnightly or monthly visits as they recover and settle into a rhythm. Your therapist can suggest a frequency that works for your situation and budget. Even occasional sessions make a noticeable difference in how you feel.
Will postnatal massage help after a caesarean birth?
Yes, once your wound has healed and your doctor has given you clearance. Postnatal massage can support your caesarean recovery by easing tension around the scar area, reducing swelling and helping your body release the compensatory tightness that often develops after surgery. We approach this work gently and always respect your comfort levels. Many of our postnatal clients have had caesarean births and find these sessions incredibly helpful.
Can postnatal massage support my emotional wellbeing?
While massage is not a replacement for professional mental health support, many mothers find that postnatal massage helps them feel calmer, more grounded and more connected to their body. The quiet, nurturing environment and the physical release of tension can offer a meaningful lift during a time that often feels overwhelming. If you are struggling, we always encourage you to speak with your GP or a qualified professional alongside your massage care.