Postpartum massage can help the body completely release the placenta, a natural and more comfortable way of taking care of a task that can be unpleasant.

Massage can also help ward off postpartum depression–or at least ease its symptoms. And on a comforting note, postpartum massage, a very intimate procedure, can be performed by the mother on herself if she prefers.

Here are just a few more benefits of massage for new moms:

Easing Pain: Depending on the pregnancy and birth, new moms often suffer a lot of pain. Whether under intense or mild pain, postpartum massage can help provide relief–especially for maladies like headaches, stress, muscle tension, backaches and fatigue.

Uterine Involution: Many people already know that breastfeeding can help the uterus shrink back to its normal size following pregnancy. But did you know that postpartum massage can have the same effect? It can also help the abdominal muscles return back to their normal condition.

Weight Loss: Who isn’t eager to lose those post-pregnancy pounds? Massage can help the body return to its pre-pregnancy weight, as well as tone stretched areas of the skin.

Emotional Support: Experts say that it can take about a year to have your hormones return to normal following a pregnancy, and many mothers can get very emotional following birth and beyond. While it’s normal to get emotional over your new edition (even twenty years later!), massage can help provide relaxation and emotional support, making mom feel cherished and better about herself.