PMC Postpartum Massage Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which hormone is primarily responsible for uterine involution during the postpartum period?
- Estrogen
- Oxytocin (Correct answer)
- Prolactin
- Progesterone
Correct answer: Oxytocin
Oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions that cause the uterus to shrink back to its pre-pregnancy size after birth.
Question 2: A postpartum client who had a cesarean section is seeking massage 4 weeks after delivery. Which area requires the most caution?
- Upper back
- Abdominal incision site (Correct answer)
- Feet and ankles
- Neck and shoulders
Correct answer: Abdominal incision site
The cesarean incision site requires caution as it may still be healing, and direct massage over or near the scar should be avoided until fully healed.
Question 3: What is the recommended position for a postpartum client during abdominal massage if she is breastfeeding?
- Prone with a breast cutout cushion
- Semi-reclined at 30-45 degrees (Correct answer)
- Full supine with legs elevated
- Side-lying with a pillow between knees
Correct answer: Semi-reclined at 30-45 degrees
A semi-reclined position at 30-45 degrees is most comfortable for breastfeeding mothers as it avoids pressure on tender breasts while allowing abdominal access.
Question 4: Diastasis recti is a common postpartum condition. Which massage technique is contraindicated over a significant separation?
- Light effleurage
- Deep cross-fiber friction over the midline (Correct answer)
- Gentle petrissage on the flanks
- Passive range of motion of the hips
Correct answer: Deep cross-fiber friction over the midline
Deep cross-fiber friction directly over the linea alba can worsen diastasis recti by further stressing the already separated connective tissue.
Question 5: Which symptom in a postpartum client warrants immediate referral and cessation of massage?
- Mild lower back soreness
- Sudden unilateral leg swelling and calf pain (Correct answer)
- Mild breast engorgement
- Fatigue and emotional tearfulness
Correct answer: Sudden unilateral leg swelling and calf pain
Sudden unilateral leg swelling with calf pain are classic signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a medical emergency requiring immediate referral.
Question 6: How does relaxin affect massage practice in the early postpartum period?
- It increases muscle tension requiring deeper pressure
- It remains elevated, making joints hypermobile and vulnerable to overstretching (Correct answer)
- It causes dehydration requiring shorter sessions
- It decreases pain sensitivity so more pressure is needed
Correct answer: It remains elevated, making joints hypermobile and vulnerable to overstretching
Relaxin remains elevated during breastfeeding, keeping joints hypermobile and susceptible to strain, so stretching and joint mobilization should be applied gently.
Question 7: What is the primary therapeutic goal of perineal scar massage in postpartum care?
- To stimulate milk production
- To reduce scar tissue adhesions and restore tissue pliability (Correct answer)
- To prevent postpartum hemorrhage
- To speed up lochia discharge
Correct answer: To reduce scar tissue adhesions and restore tissue pliability
Perineal scar massage helps break down adhesions from episiotomy or tear repairs, restoring tissue flexibility and reducing pain during intercourse or pelvic floor activity.
PMC Postpartum Massage Techniques 2
Which hormone is primarily responsible for uterine involution during the postpartum period?