Pregnancy – Conceiving Naturally

Following on from the previous post by Acupuncturist Laura Jones about the menstrual cycle she now talks about conceiving naturally.

“I think nowadays many of us believe falling pregnant is going to be easy… But unfortunately 1 in 7 couples are said to be struggling to conceive here in the UK (2013 NHS stats) that’s approximately 3.5 million people! Almost 30% of these cases are unexplained. For those going through that turbulent time of trying to conceive without success, the idea of there being “a problem” can be all consuming and scary. Often leaving either or both partners feeling guilty and helpless… Many emotions fluctuate and can cause anxiety, stress, depression… It’s unique to each person and that in turn can disrupt your insides!

There’s a very delicate balance of hormones required of both parties in order to fall pregnant let alone making sure you’re utlitisng the optimum time in the woman’s cycle! It’s amazing we conceive at all! 

Acupuncture can really help get things moving with natural Fertility, I’m very happy to say I’ve helped women fall pregnant without any of the synthetic drugs or invasive procedures many women immediately opt for. At the end of my series of posts surrounding this subject I will write an FAQ all about Acupuncture and Fertility. But if you want to find out more or get the ball rolling please call me to book a free consultation to meet me at either Cedar Hall Clinic in Stanford le Hope or Thundersley, Benfleet. You’re not alone”

 

Osteopathy & the Mum-to-Be

OSTEOPATHY & THE MUM-TO-BE

Being pregnant is a unique and powerful life experience. It is a time which you can, and should enjoy. During pregnancy your body undergoes immense physical, hormonal and emotional changes.

These changes occur over a relatively short space of time, and your body has to continually adapt to accommodate these changes. Up to 10 kilograms in weight of baby, placenta and fluids may be. carried, putting a fair amount of physical strain on the body. In order for you to adapt to all these changes you have to find new ways to sit, sleep & walk resulting in various aches, pains and discomfort.

Many pregnant women find osteopathy treatments very helpful throughout their pregnancy for pain reduction and preparation for labour. As well as helping to reduce back, hip or leg pain, neck and shoulder discomfort, osteopathy can also help the body prepare for labour and delivery. Many women suffer pain in the groin or lower abdomen with a feeling that ‘something is about to give’ is often diagnosed as Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) or Pelvic Girdle Dysfunction. This can make walking and even moving extremely difficult. SPD is often misdiagnosed in pregnancy and the majority of patients with these symptoms respond incredibly well to Osteopathy

Your osteopath can also:

• Give advice on exercises and stretches and breathing techniques you can do to maintain your health and wellbeing throughout your pregnancy
• Help prepare ‘the way’ for a more trouble free childbirth, by improving flexibility in the pelvis and abdomen
• Help the mother to recover after birth

After the birth you may want to have a mother and baby health check with your osteopath. For mum this will check and correct any remaining strains in the back & pelvis and also help you regain your strength and flexibility. For baby this will address any effects from the moulding process of birth.

If you would like more information our osteopaths will be happy to answer any questions. Call us on 01375 678877 or 01268 774249.

 

 

Looking After Mum

OSTEOPATHY – POST PREGNANCY

Why see an Osteopath after the birth of your child?

Pregnancy and birth places stress on a women’s body, stretching ligaments and joints. Treatment by an osteopath can help restore the body’s balance, removing tension and assisting new mothers cope with broken sleep and breastfeeding. By realigning the spine and pelvis, Osteopaths can also help restore circulation.  There is a growing trend for midwives to recommend a visit to an osteopath for both mum and new baby.

Common Post Natal complaints treated by Osteopaths are:

Coccyx and Sacro-illiac Joint pain is a result of changes in ligaments during childbirth. As the baby passes through the pelvis it causes warping and stretching of the coccyx and the sacro illiac joint which can damage the joint. This condition, if not treated, can deteriorate due to increased pressure on the joint when lifting and carrying baby post birth.

Pubic-symphisis joint pain occurs when the front of the pubic bone will open, or is stretched during childbirth. This causes sharp pain and if not treated may lead to an altered pelvis and pelvic mechanics, producing pain in the pelvis and lower back.

Back pain results from carrying heavy loads like baby capsules; and even your baby and the mandatory carry-all crammed with a child’s never ending list of  “accessories”.

Neck and shoulder pain may result from incorrect posture during breast feeding.

The sacrum, consisting of the lower vertebrae of the spine, needs to swing out of the way during the birth and may not return to a balanced position between the pelvic bones.  This may lead to lower back pain and sciatic pain, and alter the spinal curves of the upper back.

How can you help your body to recover?

• Sleep: If you are feeling tired and sleep deprived, sleep when your baby sleeps. This will assist in your recovery and ability to handle stress and remain calm.
• Drink lots of water and eat nutritious meals. This keeps your strength up, and increases the body’s ability to provide breast milk and cope with fatigue and lack of sleep.
• Do pelvic floor exercises. The sooner you do these after birth the better, as they rebalance the pelvis, and assist bladder control.
• Start light exercise. No matter how tired you feel, a little light exercise will make you feel better so push yourself to reap the benefits of movement. Try yoga, walking or swimming. These activities will improve general blood circulation, stretch the muscles and improve general well being.

ENJOY THOSE PRECIOUS MOMENTS WITH YOUR BABY

 

 

Caring for all the Family

Fixing your aches, pains and injuries is what we do best. Call us on 01268 774249 or 01375 678877 for a FREE assessment. Treatments are suitable for all the family from birth to well beyond retirement.