If there is ever a time for a massage, it's postpartum.  The sooner the better.  Mom is sore and stiff,  her bones are shifting.  She's sleep-deprived and hormones are racing through her life-giving body. Biologically, a mother is wired to be hyper-focused on the needs of her newborn.  It's easy to forget about self-care.  However, the better she feels, the better she's able to happily care for her family.  Massage therapy has been scientifically proven to speed up postpartum recovery time in a variety of ways: 

Pain Relief:
Whether it's residual discomfort from pregnancy, incredibly sore muscles from labor, or from the various contortions she finds herself in while caring for her newborn-- pain and physical discomfort is common postpartum.  Endless studies have shown, and regular massage recipients will attest, that massage can significantly reduce acute and chronic pain.  

Hormone Regulation:
One of the best aspects of  massage is the effect on our hormones and neurotransmitters.  It literally reduces cortisol levels and increases oxytocin, serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins .  The significance of this can not be overstated.  Good massages quite literally make people happier.     

Stress and Anxiety reduction:
One can feel overwhelmed, lonely, or sad when faced with the life-changing responsibility of caring for a newborn or infant.  Postpartum hormonal fluctuations can contribute to mental and emotional imbalances as well.  Fortunately, Ann Arbor is a community rich with caring families and health professionals who can help.  Massage therapy is a very useful tool for these types of symptoms and is strongly encouraged.  Acupuncture is also a great option.   Connecting with other moms of newborns, through a moms' group, can be tremendously helpful.  If symptoms are severe, please reach out to your health care provider for assistance.   

Americanpregnacy.org published a wonderful article on the benefits of postpartum massage.