Besides helping a new mom or mommy-to-be relax and reduce her stress level–and what new mother couldn’t use more calm in her life?–massage–known as one of the oldest healing arts on earth–has many health benefits.

You may have known that fatigue, backaches, headaches and leg cramps can all be helped by massage. But did you know that it can also help combat and relieve morning sickness, heartburn, breast soreness, stretch marks and a plethora of other pregnancy symptoms?

In fact, there are a variety of massages designed just for mothers. While a traditional–but gentle–full body massage can be beneficial, other forms of mother massage include birthing and labor preparation massage, postpartum massage, and nursing massage.

According to Mother Massage, a guide written by licensed massage therapist Elaine Stillerman, massage can help mothers by…

Making Delivery Easier: Self-perineum massage can help increase the elasticity of the area, possibly even warding off tears during birth.

Lessening Edema: If you’ve ever had your legs swell during pregnancy, you know that it can be quite troublesome. Massage can help reduce this uncomfortable swelling.

Stimulating Glandular Levels: Massage can help stabilize those pesky pregnancy hormones.

Increasing Red Blood Cell Count: This can help with anemia as well as fatigue.

Increasing Muscle Tone: This will help with flexibility during labor as well as taming knots and other uncomfortable body spasms or aches.

Increasing Nutrition to Baby: Apparently because massage increases your circulation, it also brings nutrition through your body more efficiently. Who knew?