What is Fundal Massage?
Fundal Massage
Introduction
You’ve just given birth, and you’re resting with your new baby. A nurse or midwife comes by to check on you, and say they’re going to give you a fundal massage. A massage sounds great! But, it’s probably not what you think.
Most people haven’t heard about fundal massage until it’s performed on them. That’s okay! Let me tell you about it.
What is it?
Fundal massage is a technique used to help the uterus shrink and expel blood clots after labor. It is performed by a doula, midwife, nurse, doctor or other professional and involves rubbing the mother's fundus (the top of the uterus) vigorously.
After the placenta is delivered, the uterine wall is left bleeding from the place where the two previously connected. The blood needs to be pushed out of the uterus, otherwise it can lead to complications. The goal of fundal massage is to help expel bloodclots and prevent postpartum hemorrhaging.
When would you use fundal massage?
Fundal massage can be done in a hospital, birth center, or at a home birth, after the delivery of the placenta. Your provider is feeling for your uterus to become firm, and be at or below the bellybutton. Typically fundal massages will be given until your provider is satisfied that your uterus feels firm. The amount of time varies, but they can be given as often as every 10 minutes for several hours. In hospital settings it’s done less often, as hospitals will usually give you a small dose of pitocin (synthetic oxytocin) after birth to prevent hemorrhaging instead. Oxytocin can also be stimulated by breastfeeding, so breastfeeding immediately after birth can also help reduce the risk of hemorrhage in combination with fundal massage.
What does it feel like?
Fundal massages have very little in common with typical massages! This massage is essentially simulating a contraction in order to release any blood still in the uterus. Fundal massages can be done externally, with firm pressure on the top of the uterus. They can also be done with one hand inside the vagina, massaging from the inside. The massage can feel pretty uncomfortable, but it usually isn’t painful.
Conclusion
Fundal massage is a totally normal part of most births, even though it’s not often talked about! It’s just a small part of what happens during the birthing process. If you have any further questions, please ask your doctor, midwife, or doula.
