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

 

 

Paediatric Osteopathy

Paediatrics

The gentlest and non manipulative of techniques commonly known as cranial osteopathy, is especially suitable for treating babies and younger children, including the new born. The paediatric/ cranial osteopath is trained to feel subtle movements that occur in the tissues, nerves and circulation system of the body.

 This form of osteopathy is often the treatment of choice for conditions in babies caused by difficult or traumatic birth. Our Paediatric team has gained a fine reputation for helping mothers & their babies deal with many common childhood conditions. If you would like more information one of our practitioners will be happy to speak to you by phone or in person at the clinic. Or why not book a FREE assessment?

http://www.cedarhallclinics.co.uk