A Guide To Post-Natal Massage During Confinement

Massage during confinement is a long-standing practice in Malay culture, and Minyak Tapil Cap Wanita has been well known among women in confinement for decades. This guide explains when and how it is typically used.

When can post-natal massage begin?

For an uncomplicated normal delivery, massage usually begins on the third to seventh day. For a caesarean delivery, massage of the abdomen may only begin once the wound has fully healed — usually after six weeks, and only with a doctor's approval.

Which areas are safe to massage?

• Back and waist — the areas that ache most after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Legs and calves — helps with swelling and heaviness in the legs.
• Shoulders and arms — sore from carrying and nursing the baby.
• Abdomen — with gentle pressure only, and only after a doctor or midwife approves.

How is Minyak Tapil used in this massage?

Apply a small amount to the palm, rub until warm, then apply to the area to be massaged. Massage with long, gentle strokes towards the heart. The warmth from Methyl Salicylate, Menthol and Camphor helps the muscle relax, but the pressure must be lighter than in an ordinary massage.

What should be avoided?

• Do not apply to a surgical wound or stitches that have not healed.
• Do not massage the abdomen with firm pressure in the early weeks.
• Wash your hands and clean the chest area before nursing — this oil is for external use only and must not be ingested by the baby.
• Stop if the skin becomes red, itchy or sore.

For the period before birth, warming massage oil is not recommended at all. The reasoning is set out in is warming massage oil safe during pregnancy.

When should you see a doctor?

Seek medical advice immediately if there is increased bleeding, fever, severe abdominal pain, or a surgical wound that is swollen or discharging. Massage cannot replace a post-natal check-up.