- Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Morane, I'm 32 years old, I was born in Arcachon, and I've lived in Paris for twelve years. After studying hospitality and specializing in marketing, I worked in the gastronomy sector as a marketing manager, before making a career change more than two years ago. I had this great need to deepen my thoughts on fulfillment, well-being, and better living on a daily basis. Like many, I wanted to feel useful and find meaning in what I was doing. Massage was a real revelation for me.
- How did this desire to take care of women after giving birth come about?
I was fortunate enough to live in Hong Kong for a year and a half after my studies. These years there allowed me to discover different cultures and connect with these communities. I was able to observe how well-being is particularly developed and advanced there. Massage culture is an integral part of their lives.
I met a lot of people there, especially mothers who didn't hesitate to share their "postpartum recovery" on social media. In Asia, the postpartum period is a sacred time where the mother is the center of attention. The family does everything to make her feel good with her baby to regain her strength. Massages, bandages, herbal infusions... and this from the day after giving birth. We're a long way from all that in France!
Deep down I have always had this desire to take care of others, and following my first massage training I felt a deep conviction, that of supporting women in their quest for balance and well-being, and even more so during this often complex and difficult postpartum period.
- What are the benefits of a postnatal massage?
The benefits are multiple, both physical and psychological.
Postnatal massage is above all a moment that we take for ourselves, to feel good and regain the energy to move forward!
After giving birth, my clients often need comfort and a feeling of being wrapped around themselves. There's also the need to reconnect with their bodies! Massage will help them regain confidence in themselves and their bodies.
Our bodies are different before pregnancy than they are after childbirth, and this can be unsettling for many mothers. Massage helps to detoxify and refine the body. They experience a real sense of lightness and well-being.
Obviously the goal is also to relax and let go, not think about anything and enjoy the present moment. The baby will also feel the emotions of his mother, during and after the massage (a soothed mother = a soothed baby) and the effects of this letting go will persist for several days after the massage.
- What advice would you give to women preparing for their postpartum period?
Get informed and don't limit yourself to books on pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding! Luckily, there are now many books on postpartum, podcasts, and Instagram accounts to follow. I try to regularly share this information on my social media.
Communicate thoroughly, keep nothing to yourself!
Prepare for this period with your partner and loved ones, and above all, don't hesitate to ask for help when the time comes! Don't feel guilty, for example, for those who are hesitating between bottle-feeding or breastfeeding. Or the duration of breastfeeding: one week, one month, six months... you do what you can!
Eat a hot meal to warm up your body and regain energy quickly. Freeze plenty of good meals and broths before the baby arrives.
Trust yourself!
Take time for yourself and just for yourself. It may seem difficult at first, but massage is the best way to feel better and move forward in this new life as a mother and woman.
- Who are the people who inspire you on a daily basis?
I naturally think of all the wonderful mothers I meet every day. They inspire me a lot! Some are very courageous, fighters who do everything to make sure their baby is well. I also admire women and mother entrepreneurs, who work every day and seek a balance between their professional and personal lives; it's a real challenge! Then there's Audrey Hepburn, an incredible and fascinating woman thanks to her films and her commitments!
- What are your upcoming projects?
I would like to expand elsewhere than in Paris, I must admit that at the moment I dream of a sweeter and more peaceful life near the sea, far from the Parisian traffic. I love traveling to people's homes and I will always continue to do so, but I would also like to have a studio of my own, to welcome all the mothers and women who need to take time for themselves. Offer workshops around well-being and care with the entire Alaena range :)
Then the most beautiful project remains to come, that of being a mother!
Thank you to Morane for raising awareness about the well-being of postpartum women and helping them find balance.
Article written by Margaux, February 19, 2021