Why consult an osteopath after giving birth?
Pregnancy and labour can take its toll on your body. Your posture has gradually adapted for several months to pregnancy, and, suddenly it must be readapted to the absence of the baby in the womb.
Pregnancy hormones also continue to affect your muscles and ligaments for around 6 months after birth, making them more lax, which places pressure and increased risks of injury on the joints, ligaments and discs of the lower back and other parts of your body.
Finally, new activities such as feeding and carrying your baby will put additional strain on your body.
How can osteopathy help?
Osteopathic treatment is an effective way to address these concerns, promote optimum recovery and help prevent future problems due to unresolved issues.
Besides, by relieving postural strains resulting from long hours spent carrying and feeding your baby as well as repetitive movements such as lifting your baby, osteopathy will make the day-to-day demands of motherhood much easier for you.
Finally, it can harmonize your nervous system, improve sleep and help hormonal balance.
How soon can I consult an Osteopath after giving birth?
If you had a difficult delivery, It is recommended to consult an osteopath the earliest to speed recovery and prevent future problems.
For example, the use of instruments, such as ventouse and forceps, can leave strains in pelvic tissues and alter the position of the uterus and bladder.
The sooner you will be treated, the fewer tensions can set in, and the less pain will appear.
Even if you had an uncomplicated delivery, a post-check-up four to six weeks is highly recommended to assess your alignment and make sure everything is back in the normal position and moving well.
My advice, consult without delay, but once you are ready.
It is important to take care of yourself. Because if you are well, this can only be beneficial for your baby.
Caesarean section, episiotomy, should I wait to see an osteopath?
In case of caesarean section, you can consult even if your scar is "fresh".
Your osteopath will not work on the scar directly but promotes proper healing by working the tissues around.
They will also make sure that your scar does not cause any tension. Which will help prevent pain in the future.
Caesarean sections cause scar tissue on the uterus and pelvic tissues. Releasing adhesions and mobilising the scar tissue can alleviate low back and pelvic pain. This work is also essential for future reproductive health, fertility and successful vaginal births.
In the case of an episiotomy,
All techniques are external and extremely gentle. They aim to release all accumulated tension and help to heal.
Written by Sabrina Peyandane Osteopath and Cranial Osteopath