In-Room Massages for New Moms Come to Swedish/Issaquah

For many of us, a massage is a reward we give ourselves after a stressful week or while on a dream vacation. However, what about a massage after one of life’s most physical – and often painful – events: childbirth.

Childbirth is always unpredictable, but postpartum recovery doesn’t have to be. A postnatal massage service (Postnatal Body Therapy™ by Bavia™) is now available at the Swedish/Issaquah campus.

Bavia converts the typical hospital stay into a “spa-spital” experience. But the goal isn’t about luxury — rather, it’s about creating a healing environment and providing health benefits for mom.

Soft candlelight, soothing music and aromatherapy combined with gentle massage, eucalyptus-steamed foot wraps and heated temple treatment immediately release pressure, may erase fatigue and decrease pain, while stimulating milk production for nursing confidence. Mom, Dad, partner or family and friends can pre-order services in advance of their delivery at Swedish/Issaquah.

“Most parents prepare extensively for the birth of their baby,” says Wendy Colgan, RNC-OB, MSN, Nurse Manager of OB & Pediatrics at Swedish/Issaquah. “They attend childbirth preparation classes, talk to family and friends, and develop comprehensive birth plans. Few focus on the immediate postpartum period and all of the associated challenges: breastfeeding difficulties, hormonal changes and sleep deprivation, just to name a few. The services provided by Bavia combine massage, imagery and aromatherapy to assist new moms with a successful transition to the postpartum period. Swedish/Issaquah is excited to be the first hospital in Washington to offer Bavia's services.”

For more information, visit www.swedish.org/baviaissaquah.