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

 

 

Time to Tackle that Pain!

If pain is interfering with your daily life it’s time to visit our skilled practitioners at our Stanford le Hope pain relief clinic. Pop in for a FREE assessment or call 01375 678877.

 

Kristy Hooper – Associate Osteopath

Kristy trained at the British College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating with a  BOst Med. She  also holds an MSc. Paed. Ost from the British School of Osteopathy and the Osteopathic Centre for Children in London. Although Kristy speciality is as a Paediatric Osteopath, she is also proficient in structural osteopathy and sports massage. She also holds a Diploma in Naturopathy and a certificate in Dry Needling.

Kristy is registered with the General Osteopathic Council and a member of the British Osteopathic Association and is recognised practitioner with most major insurance companies.

Away from her role as an osteopath, Kristy is also a talented dancer and some years ago gained an Associate Disco Freestyle Dance Teacher Award. She spends much of her free time teaching people of various ages at a renowned School of Dance. She has developed her range of dance skills into both Street and Hip Hop. This has led her to choreograph many different types of dances for her dance classes, covering all genres of dance that interest her.

Kristy is part of the Paediatric team at Cedar Hall Clinic Benfleet who offer a variety of services to mothers-to-be, mother & baby and young children.

http://www.cedarhallclinic.co.uk/