LONG before postpartum wellness became a growing trend, 49-year-old Anita Andriyani was already quietly helping new mothers navigate one of the most challenging periods of their lives.
For the past 22 years, the Kuching-based postnatal massage therapist has built her reputation almost entirely through word of mouth, becoming one of the city’s most sought-after specialists in pre- and-postnatal care. Today, referrals from former clients, confinement centres and online parenting communities continue to keep her appointment book full, without the need for advertising.
For Anita, however, massage is only one part of the healing journey.
“Every mother has a different story. Some struggle with breastfeeding, some experience pain, while others battle anxiety or postpartum blues. Sometimes what they need most is not just a massage, but someone who listens, comforts and reassures them,” she said.
Her approach combines therapeutic massage with practical guidance on breastfeeding, lactation, body recovery, posture correction and emotional support, helping mothers regain confidence during the crucial weeks after childbirth.
From Indonesia to Kuching
Anita’s journey into maternal wellness began in Jakarta, where she underwent six months of intensive training at the prestigious Mustika Ratu Academy, founded by Indonesia’s royal family.
Although the academy offered courses ranging from beauty therapy to facial treatments, Anita discovered her true calling in massage therapy.
“My teachers told me massage was my strength. They encouraged me to specialise in pre-and-postnatal care because my hands had the right technique and sensitivity,” said the mother of two.
She went on to master various international massage techniques, including Balinese, Javanese, Swedish, French, hot stone therapy, Brazilian lymphatic drainage, fertility massage and lactation massage, before integrating them with traditional Indonesian postpartum practices.
Treating more than just physical pain
Unlike conventional massage therapy, Anita begins every session with a detailed assessment.
Drawing on years of experience and what she describes as ‘body reading’, she evaluates each mother’s condition before tailoring every treatment to individual needs.
“No two mothers are the same. Some need help releasing muscle tension, others have blocked milk ducts, poor posture after pregnancy or emotional stress. Every treatment is personalised.”
Her two-hour sessions focus not only on physical recovery but also on restoring mobility, improving circulation, easing breastfeeding challenges and supporting emotional wellbeing.
One of her biggest priorities is lactation massage.
“I always encourage mothers, especially those who have undergone Caesarean delivery, to start treatment around the fifth day after birth. The first priority is helping them release colostrum and establish breastfeeding. Once the baby receives enough milk, the mother becomes much more confident,” she said.
A familiar face in Kuching’s confinement centres
What began as house calls nearly two decades ago has grown into Anita Holistic Postnatal Massage, a well-established postnatal care provider that has forged partnerships with almost every confinement centre in Kuching.
Today, many confinement packages include sessions with her, allowing mothers to receive professional postnatal therapy in a dedicated treatment room within the centres.
Depending on individual recovery, Anita recommends a minimum of six massage sessions, although some mothers continue treatment throughout their 100-day confinement period.
Compassion before commerce
Although she charges a competitive rate for her services, Anita says her greatest reward has always been helping mothers recover and regain their confidence after childbirth.
“I’ve been a wife and a mother myself. Sometimes mothers genuinely cannot afford treatment. If someone is really struggling financially, I’ll work something out because I believe kindness always comes back to us.”
She also offers discounted package rates to encourage mothers to complete their recovery programme instead of attending only a single session.
“I don’t ask for deposits months in advance. Life is unpredictable, especially after childbirth. I want everything to be flexible and stress-free,” she said.
More than massage
Throughout her career, Anita has become an informal counsellor to countless new mothers experiencing postpartum blues, self-doubt and emotional exhaustion.
She believes recovery is as much psychological as it is physical.
“Many young mothers cry because they think they’re not producing enough milk or they worry their bodies will never recover.
I remind them that what they’re experiencing is normal. Sometimes they simply need encouragement.”
She often shares practical advice on nutrition, confinement care, breastfeeding techniques and realistic expectations during postpartum recovery.
Building families through care
Anita also provides fertility massage for couples preparing to conceive, while continuing to expand her knowledge through international training and traditional herbal therapy.
Despite her growing reputation, she remains a one-woman practice, handling up to six clients a day by appointment.
She credits much of her success to unwavering support from her family.
“You cannot build this kind of business alone. My family has always supported me emotionally and practically. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Healing mothers, strengthening families
As awareness of maternal health continues to grow, Anita believes postnatal care should never be viewed as a luxury but as an important investment in the long-term wellbeing of mothers and their families.
“When a mother recovers well, she becomes healthier, happier and more confident. That doesn’t just benefit her, it benefits her baby, her husband and the whole family.”
After more than two decades of caring for mothers across Kuching, Anita says her greatest reward has never been recognition.
“It’s seeing a mother leave with a smile, holding her baby confidently. That’s when I know I’ve done my job,” she said.
For further information, Anita Holistic Postnatal Massage can be reached at 012-8830380 (Anita) or 012-8888722 (Leslie).
