Massage During Labor – Care and Touch

What is Tactile Massage?

Tactile massage is a gentle, light touch that’s safe during pregnancy and labor. It boosts blood circulation, enhances focus, and can lessen pain perception. By stroking the skin slowly with the whole hand, the body can relax, stress decreases, and oxytocin – the “feel-good” hormone – is released, creating calm and comfort.

How Massage Can Help During the Latent Phase

The latent phase is the early opening stage of labor, when the body is preparing for active contractions. You may feel tired, distracted, or impatient, and the contractions can feel long and painful. Tactile massage can:

• Calm and relax the body
• Provide positive distraction from pain
• Help the body enter active labor
• In some cases, make contractions feel shorter and less painful

The massage involves gentle strokes and can be done for 20–30 minutes at a time, if possible.

The Partner’s Role – How You Can Help

If you’re a partner or support person, you can make a big difference:

• Always ask if massage is welcome and respect if it’s not.
• Dim the lights and keep the room quiet.
• Use a vegetable-based oil and stroke slowly with the whole hand over the back, hands, or feet – areas with the most sensory receptors.
• Continue massaging throughout labor if it feels right.

It’s a good idea to practice together during pregnancy to find the techniques and pressure that work best.

Massage Benefits Both Body and Mind

Research shows that touch during labor not only relieves pain but also releases oxytocin, promoting calm and a sense of security. Feeling seen and cared for can make a big difference throughout the birth experience.