Osteopathy & Post Partum Care

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The six week period following the birth of your baby is known as the post partum stage. Many changes happen to the mother during this period.

The placenta, producing the high levels of hormones that circulate through your body during pregnancy, is expelled from your womb following birth. The sudden cessation of the hormonal surge is a powerful physiological experience and ‘baby blues' may occur, usually experienced in the first week following birth. Accepting all the help that is offered can ease the strain, and try to make time for yourself as well as the baby.

Post-natal depression (PND) is different from baby blues. It tends to kick in later – several weeks or months after the birth. Poor sleep that does not coincide with night time feeds, loss of appetite and a feeling of ‘can't be bothered' should be taken seriously. Your partner or friends and family know you well and may be better able to spot behaviour that is ‘just not like you'. Your Health Visitor will know what to look for and what questions to ask, but only if you admit to feeling low. Osteopaths believe that altered positioning and function of the pelvis following birth contributes to PND.

The pelvis undergoes huge changes both during pregnancy and delivery. Usually your body corrects itself, but stretched abdominal muscles, a sore perineum, tears, the pressure on the pelvic floor from prolonged pushing and the changes to bladder and uterus in the weeks following birth can all hinder this process, leading to pain and a feeling of instability. Births by Caesarean Section, the use of ventouse or forceps, episiotomy and epidural or spinal block can all have an effect on the comfort of the mother. Gentle activity and the use of warmth and massage can help low back ache, but if you notice ongoing pain or aches into your back, hips, knees or feet or if you would like a check up then see your osteopath for assessment.

Breast-feeding is great for your baby and for you - the hormones released during breast feeding help your body to return to its pre-pregnancy state - but can be hard work. Poor positioning can lead to sore nipples and aching shoulders, neck or upper back. Sit in a supportive chair with your back resting on pillows if necessary and use pillows to support your baby. Sometimes feeding whilst lying down can be a comfortable option. Stretch after feeding, gently extending your arms, moving your neck and wriggling your upper back. If you are bottle feeding, try to swap hands for each feed. Changing positions can help relieve postural tension and prevent the build up of pain. Feeding with either hand alternately also helps to keep the baby's neck fully mobile to each side.

Your diet is important too. If you are breast-feeding the amount of food you eat may need to be larger than usual. You will need to keep your fluid intake high as well. Following the birth you may continue to lose blood for a few weeks. The body's iron stores reduce in the latter part of pregnancy, so overall you may become anaemic. You probably feel tired and lethargic anyway from caring for the baby, but ask your GP for a blood test if you are concerned. As with PND, your nearest and dearest may spot the signs before you do. Floradix or Spa Tone tonics are good sources of iron for the post partum period. Tea and coffee inhibit iron uptake, whereas ascorbic acid (e.g. orange juice) helps the body to absorb iron.

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If you require any further information or wish to discuss any problems you may have, please contact the Church Street Practice on 01225 868282, or book in for a free 15 minute consultation. We provide osteopathic servcies for the Bath, Bristol, Trowbridge, Frome, Warminster, and the Wiltshire and North East Somerset area in general.