The months after having a baby are amazing, but this time can also be tough on your body. From carrying around extra weight to dealing with hormonal changes, pregnancy and childbirth can take their toll. That’s why many new mums turn to osteopathy after childbirth.
If you’ve recently given birth, your posture will be rapidly readapting to the absence of the weight of your baby in the womb. Your hormones continue to affect your muscles and ligaments, keeping them loose and lax till around 6 months after birth. New activities such as feeding and carrying your baby place new strains on your body and can result in postpartum back or hip pain as well as pelvic soreness.
Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy that focuses on the musculoskeletal system. It can be very beneficial for new mums dealing with back pain, neck pain, and other common issues after childbirth.
All osteopaths are trained to work with pregnant women and new mums. They understand the changes your body is going through and how to best treat you. Osteopathy is generally considered safe for pregnant women and new moms. It’s a low-risk treatment option that can be very effective in managing pain and other postnatal issues.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to osteopathy, but treatments often involve gentle manipulation of the joints and soft tissues. This can help to relieve pain, improve mobility, and promote healing.
How soon can I see an osteopath after giving birth?
We recommend consulting our osteopaths as soon as you can travel comfortably to one of our clinics, after the birth of your baby, for speedier recovery and prevention of future problems.
If you experienced a difficult childbirth, the use of instruments such as ventouse and forceps can affect pelvic tissues and alter the position of your womb and bladder.
Even if you had an uncomplicated delivery, a postnatal osteopathic check-up four to six weeks after childbirth is highly recommended, Your osteopath will assess your alignment and ensure everything is back in place, and working smoothly.
I've had a C-section, should I wait to see an osteopath?
After a Caesarian section, your osteopath can work to support your healing even when your scar is still fresh. She will not work on the scar directly, working on the tissues around your abdomen to release scar tissue and adhesions on your womb and pelvic tissues. This can alleviate lower back pain and hip pain after a C-section.
It’s also an important element in supporting future reproductive health and fertility.
All techniques are external and extremely gentle. They aim to release all accumulated tension and help to heal.
Osteopath Radhika Madahar specialises in postnatal care
If you’re experiencing back pain, neck pain, or other problems after childbirth, consider booking an appointment with Radhika Madahar, osteopath at our Staines clinic specialising in postnatal care. She can help you get back to feeling like yourself again.
Radhika says “I find in the clinic that all new mums typically forget to look after themselves after childbirth, as having a new baby can be very challenging and exhausting leaving no time for them. I love being able to provide them with easy tips and advice they can use to stop pain when breastfeeding and carrying their new baby, as well as hands-on treatment to help them have less soreness and feel better in themselves”
