After the miraculous journey of pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes significant changes that persist after childbirth. Both psychologically and physically, adaptations made during pregnancy to accommodate the growing baby must be readapted post-delivery. The postural shifts developed over months of carrying the baby and placed a demand for recalibration once the baby was born. Throughout pregnancy and labour, fluctuating levels of hormones orchestrate various bodily changes, which continue to impact a woman’s body post-delivery.
The hormonal balance established during pregnancy can linger, affecting muscles, ligaments, and pelvic tissues. These adaptations leave the body more susceptible to lower back injuries or strain on joints and ligaments. Osteopathy, a holistic healthcare approach centred on the musculoskeletal system, emerges as a recommended therapy by many doctors post-childbirth. Osteopathy’s gentle manipulative techniques aim to restore balance and alleviate discomfort, offering a natural avenue for healing after giving birth. In places like Dover, practitioners like
Osteopath Dover specialise in providing tailored osteopathic care to aid women in their postpartum recovery journey. Here are the reasons why doctors recommend osteopathy after childbirth.
Alleviates Postpartum Low Back Ache:
Following childbirth, the female body undergoes a gradual return to its pre-pregnancy state, further influenced by the demands of holding and feeding the baby. These activities often lead to postural changes, contributing to common complaints such as low back ache among new mothers. Seeking help from an Osteopath can offer relief from this discomfort. Osteopathic techniques play a pivotal role in releasing adhesions and mobilising scar tissue, effectively addressing low back and pelvic pain. Beyond immediate relief, this therapeutic approach holds significance in preserving future reproductive health and fertility and supporting successful vaginal births. With specialised care, Osteopaths assist new mothers in mitigating postpartum discomfort and ensuring optimal physical well-being.
Enhancing Alignment for Enhanced Healing:
It’s typical to encounter misalignment post-pregnancy and delivery, especially after certain interventions like episiotomies, tears, C-sections, or forceps deliveries. If left unaddressed, this misalignment triggers compensatory adjustments in other joints, leading to noticeable effects over time. It’s crucial to swiftly address and rectify any alignment issues to prevent potential long-term complications. By seeking timely assessment and correction, one can mitigate the repercussions of misalignment on the body. Osteopathic care, in particular, offers gentle techniques to realign the body, optimising the healing process after childbirth. Addressing alignment concerns promptly can significantly diminish the risk of future discomfort and enhance overall postpartum recovery.
Safeguarding Your Pelvic Floor:
After childbirth, changes in the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic cavities can impose excessive pressure on the pelvic floor and organs. While many believe that increased pelvic floor contractions are the solution, it’s not the sole answer. The key lies in reducing the downward pressure exerted by the organs on the pelvic floor. This involves enhancing the mobility of both the visceral (organ) and musculoskeletal systems while elongating specific muscles. Osteopathy plays a crucial role in postpartum care by addressing these factors. Osteopathic techniques aim to optimise the mobility of the visceral and musculoskeletal systems, aiding in reducing pressure on the pelvic floor. This holistic approach forms a pivotal part of postpartum treatment, contributing significantly to pelvic floor health and overall well-being after childbirth.
Assistance for Breastfeeding Mothers:
For mothers navigating the journey of breastfeeding, an Osteopath can offer invaluable support. Breastfeeding isn’t always instinctive, but an Osteopath can guide optimal positions for both mother and baby, ensuring a comfortable and effective breastfeeding experience. Additionally, they can offer nutritional recommendations to bolster a healthy breast milk supply, aiding in the overall well-being of both the mother and the baby. With tailored advice and expertise, Osteopaths play a role in empowering mothers to navigate and optimise their breastfeeding journey with confidence and ease.
Facilitating Psychological Recovery:
The whirlwind of emotions experienced by new mothers can be overwhelming. Osteopathy offers support for mental well-being by aligning the body and mind, potentially reducing stress and mitigating the risk or severity of postpartum depression. Through manual techniques, an osteopath aims to harmonise the body-mind connection, aiding in psychological healing after childbirth.
Moreover, an osteopath’s role extends beyond the mother’s well-being. They also address the mental wellness of the newborn, who undergoes significant stress during birth. Manual Osteopathy supports the baby’s healing process, potentially easing symptoms like breathing difficulties, colic, and plagiocephaly. Parents often observe positive changes in their baby’s temperament and physical development after osteopathic sessions, highlighting the profound impact on the infant’s well-being.
The recommendation of osteopathy after childbirth by healthcare professionals stems from its holistic approach to addressing the diverse physical and emotional needs of postpartum women. By focusing on restoring balance, alleviating discomfort, and supporting natural healing processes, osteopathy plays a valuable role in aiding the recovery of new mothers, contributing to their overall well-being as they navigate this transformative period in their lives. Visit
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