Osteopathy during Pregnancy, for New Mothers & Babies

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If you are currently trying to conceive, are pregnant or have recently given birth, then you may want to consider visiting an osteopath. Osteopaths will be able to give you advice on ways to minimise any discomfort that you might develop during your pregnancy as well as treating any current pain that you may have. Osteopathy is thought to give a number of benefits to babies due to the holistic nature of the treatment as well as its relaxing affect.

What Osteopathy can treat in Pregnant Women, New Mothers and Babies?

If you are pregnant you may find that your posture has changed in a way that puts additional strain on your back. This is very common and can lead to the development of lower back pain. Osteopathic treatment could reduce this discomfort in your back caused by your change in posture as well as helping you to relax. If you currently suffer from morning sickness then you might also find that osteopathic treatment could work to reduce your feelings of nausea.

If you have just given birth (even if your birth was perfect) it will still have been a very traumatic experience both for you and your baby (or babies). Your osteopath can work to enhance your natural healing process to speed up the wound closure of any tearing that occurred during your birth as well as reducing any discomfort that you are feeling due to the stretching that occurs during birth. The massage technique used by osteopaths will sooth your tired and aching muscles and helps you to relax. This same relaxation is beneficial for your new baby who will also be tired from the birth. Stressful deliveries can produce areas of strain on your baby’s neck and skull and osteopathy can be used to alleviate these strained areas and help settle your baby. Visiting your osteopath together (as a mother and baby) is another opportunity for you to bond with the new member of your family in an environment that promotes relaxation, health and well being.

Osteopathic Treatment for Pregnant Women, New Mothers and Babies

The gentle nature of osteopathic treatment means that osteopaths can safely (and effectively) treat both pregnant women and very young babies with minimal risk. Gentle massage and soft tissue palpitation will increase your blood flow and nerve supply to all the tissues of your body which will enhance your body’s ability to heal. This helps babies developing both inside and outside the womb (pre and post birth) and also helps mothers to heal after the birth.  

Rotation and movement of the joints helps to loosen any stiffness that you may have if you have a reduced exercise regime due to your pregnancy (or due to your newborn). This will allow you to get back to your old self quickly after your pregnancy and increase your feeling of well being. This treatment will also help babies to develop healthy joints and your osteopath will be able to ensure that their soft tissues and bones are developing in a balanced manner.

You osteopathic visits should not be used as a replacement for your regular GP checkups with your new born baby, but they should be seen as an additional source of progress checking.

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