Pregnancy & Postpartum Care
Care and support through all stages of pregnancy
Our osteopaths are passionate about supporting women through all stages of their pregnancy (and post-pregnancy!)
Our aim is to support your body through the natural changes that occur during pregnancy, birth and after. Whilst natural, many of these changes can place significant pressure on the muscles, joints, nerves and ligaments of your spine, pelvis, hips, ribs and upper back. Our women’s health focused osteopaths work with your body to release tight muscles, maintain strength, flexibility and range of motion and help prepare your body for labour.
Not only is every birth unique, so is every women’s recovery. Recovery times are dependant on many different factors including:
- Vaginal delivery
- Planned caesarian delivery
- Emergency caesarian delivery
- Interventions (induction methods, episiotomy, epidural, forceps, suction)
- Complications (haemorrhaging, retained placenta)
- Position of baby (breech, posterior)
- Number of pregnancies
- Abdominal separation
- Birth injuries (perineal tearing, pelvic pain, lower back pain, fractured or dislocated coccyx)
Whilst some women start feeling back to normal 6-8 weeks post birth it’s not uncommon for many women to still be recovering many months after giving birth.
Some signs that your body isn’t fully recovered from the birthing process include:
- Persistent lower back pain, pelvic pain or hip pain
- Hemorrhoids
- Incontinence
- Constipation
- Prolapse (often first felt as a downward dragging through the pelvis)
- Absominal separation
- Continued swelling in the lower limbs
- Headaches
- Difficulty Sleeping
- Feeling disconnected from your new baby and family
Jewel Finnigan
Osteopath
Tanja McKenzie
Osteopath