Caring for Baby and Yourself, once Baby Arrives

Caring for Baby and Yourself, once Baby Arrives

by | Feb 1, 2018 | Pregnancy

In our last blog article, we discussed the various changes your body undergoes during pregnancy and
how an Osteopath can support you through this exciting period.
In this article, we look at post natal care and recovery following the birth of your baby.

Changes that take place after childbirth
The rapid changes that occur after childbirth include the sudden loss of significant weight and the
resulting movement in the organs, muscles and joints.
Hormonal changes include falling levels of progesterone and estrogen, which can cause noticeable
physical and emotional issues.
In addition, the suddenly now excess (pregnancy induced) blood supply, as well as the changes in the
breasts to allow for breastfeeding, can all cause varied and sudden changes in the mother’s body.

Osteopathy as part of your recovery plan
Post-partum, the focus is twofold: the health of the baby and support for the mother.
For the baby, it’s important to ensure the baby is thriving and developing comfortably, addressing any challenges with suckling, bonding and reflux.
For the mother, providing support and guidance to help you function comfortably is of great importance, along with assistance with feeding and the lack of sleep that may occur.
Your Osteopath can provide you with exercises to assist in the strengthening and support of your pelvic floor and lower back to reduce the risk of incontinence and lower back pain.
They can also assist with ways to improve posture and muscle tension during feeding to reduce the risk of upper back, neck and shoulder pain, and assist with correct baby attachment and suckling.
Techniques can also be applied to assist with improving your lymphatic drainage to minimise the risk of mastitis.
In addition, treatment and exercises may help you to minimise general body stresses so that you can
better cope with the stress of motherhood and the interrupted sleep and fatigue that is likely to incur.

Guiding you along your wellbeing journey
At BlossomingMe, our experienced Osteopaths can support you on your journey towards optimal health and wellbeing during pregnancy and following childbirth.
We’ll work with you to discover what’s important to you and then create a personalised plan to help you achieve results.
Contact us today to learn more or to book your appointment.

Supporting a healthy pregnancy with Osteopathy

Supporting a healthy pregnancy with Osteopathy

by | Dec 13, 2017 | Healthcare & Wellbeing Tips, Pregnancy

During pregnancy, your body undergoes many changes, some visible, many not. These changes impact every part of the female body.
From back and joint pain through to high blood pressure and fatigue, pregnancy can bring with it a myriad of discomforts.
But what causes this to happen and what can you do to better support your body through this exciting (and sometimes challenging) time?
Accommodating new life
As soon as the foetus begins growing, the uterus and abdomen start to increase in size to accommodate.
This results in the displacement of internal organs and an altered centre of gravity, putting extra pressure on the back, ribs and lungs, as well as the abdominal and pelvic organs.
There is also a much larger requirement for nutrients and blood supply during pregnancy, leading to more effort from the cardiovascular system to oxygenate and pump the extra blood around.
Such an increase in load on the body in a relatively short space of time can lead to issues such as back and joint pain, shortness of breath, swelling (especially in the legs), high blood pressure, dizziness, fatigue and insomnia.
Osteopathy for a healthy pregnancy
Cranial Osteopathy is believed to be a gentle and effective form of treatment able to reduce pain and discomfort, increase mobility and aid the body’s physiology in order for the mother and foetus to achieve optimal wellness.
Our Osteopathic approach aims to remove physical blockages, improve circulation and nerve conduction, assist with removing any emotional blockages, and provide a realistic exercise and nutrition plan along with ongoing advice and guidance.
An Osteopath can also help you with specific pelvic floor exercises that can maximise support for your pelvic organs and their function through the entire pregnancy, the birthing process and the recovery.
Further, an Osteopath may also be able to assist in the likelihood of a natural delivery of your baby by helping your mind and body to be both strong, relaxed and confident.
By helping you deal with the emotional stresses of pregnancy and the impending delivery, your body will be more likely to naturally go with the birthing process, reducing the risk of an extended labour, pain and complications.
Guiding you along your wellbeing journey
At BlossomingMe, our experienced Osteopaths can support you on your journey towards optimal health and wellbeing throughout your pregnancy and beyond.
We work with you to discover what’s important to you and then create a personalised plan to help you achieve the results you want.
Want a personalised strategic plan and support process, to get you feeling calm and confident?
Contact us today to learn more or to book your free strategic phone session.