Gentle care for
mother & baby
Supporting you through pregnancy, birth and beyond with skilled, compassionate osteopathic care — helping your body adapt, recover and thrive.
families
since 2004
Registered Osteopath
Special interest in mother & baby
Experienced with infants & children
Gentle, non-invasive techniques
Supporting you at every stage
Osteopathic treatment can play a supportive role in easing some of the physical discomforts of pregnancy, preparing the body for labour, and helping both mother and baby recover after birth.
How your body changes — and how osteopathy can help
As the uterus grows, your posture changes and hormones soften ligaments throughout the body to prepare for birth. Pre-existing back, pelvic or neck issues can make these changes harder to adapt to, leading to aches and pains in many areas.
From around 20 weeks, the increased weight and size of the uterus often bring more noticeable back or neck pain, tension headaches, general aching and fatigue.
Ligament strain and abdominal discomfort
The uterus is suspended in the pelvis by ligaments, a little like a balloon held by strings. Everyday movements such as bending, lifting shopping or picking up another child can strain these ligaments and contribute to abdominal discomfort, groin pain or backache.
Symphysis pubis dysfunction
The two pubic bones meet at the front of the pelvis at the pubic symphysis, a joint held together by ligaments. In pregnancy, increased ligament laxity can sometimes lead to painful stretching or separation in this area, causing pain at the front of the pelvis, often worse with walking or by the end of the day.
Osteopathic treatment aims to ease tension and improve movement in the lower spine, sacrum and pelvis to reduce strain on the pubic region.
Digestive changes and the diaphragm
Some other discomforts of pregnancy, such as nausea and heartburn, relate to the uterus taking up more space and crowding the digestive organs. As the baby grows, the intestines are pushed upwards and the lower ribs flare outwards, changing the balance of tension in the diaphragm and affecting the position of organs such as the stomach, liver and lungs.
Because osteopathy views structure and function as closely linked, we are interested in how these postural and mechanical changes may influence breathing, digestion and general comfort.
Stress and emotional wellbeing
Pregnancy can be an emotionally demanding time. Elevated stress and anxiety may affect sleep, muscle tension and how a mother experiences pregnancy overall. While some stresses are unavoidable, anything that helps you feel calmer and more at ease is likely to be beneficial.
Gentle osteopathic treatment can support the body in releasing some of the physical effects of stress and may help mothers feel more comfortable and relaxed as pregnancy progresses.
Osteopathy during pregnancy focuses on helping the body adapt more easily to postural and mechanical changes, aiming to reduce pain and improve comfort. Treatment is always tailored to your stage of pregnancy and medical history, and I will advise you to seek medical review if anything requires further investigation.
— Gideon, Osteopath at Oak Clinic
Supporting labour readiness
In the later stages of pregnancy, osteopathic treatment may include checking how freely the pelvis, lower back and hips are moving, with the aim of supporting a balanced, mobile pelvic area.
The most favourable position for birth is usually head-down, facing backwards, with the baby’s spine aligned with the mother’s spine. Gentle techniques can sometimes help support mother and baby in working towards an optimal position, where this is appropriate.
Postural tips for pregnancy
- Stay as comfortably active as your health allows.
- “Walk tall” — imagine a string gently lengthening you upwards.
- Gently draw in your lower tummy to avoid excessive hollowing in the lower back.
- Avoid prolonged slouching in soft chairs; sit with your pelvis back in the chair and your lower back supported, or use a slight forward tilt or wedge if helpful.
Recovery for mothers
After birth, your body needs to recover from both pregnancy and labour. Many new mothers experience aches and pains, fatigue or a sense of being “out of sorts”.
The pelvis can be pulled out of balance by the passage of the baby, especially after a long or assisted labour. If your legs were supported in stirrups for delivery or stitching, this can place extra strain through the pelvis at a time when the ligaments are still soft and vulnerable.
Ongoing pelvic strain after childbirth may contribute to back pain, neck tension, headaches and general tiredness. Osteopathic treatment aims to help release these strains and support your body as you adjust to caring for your baby.
Caring for a rapidly growing baby is physically demanding, especially when your own body is still recovering. Feeding in awkward positions, lifting car seats, reaching over cots or carrying a child on one hip can all place extra strain on your back and shoulders.
Osteopaths can offer practical advice on posture, lifting, positioning for feeding and simple exercises to help you recover strength and mobility after pregnancy and birth. Skilfully applied treatment can support your physical recovery and help you feel more comfortable and at ease, making it easier to enjoy time with your baby.
Gentle osteopathy for babies
Osteopaths also consider the birth from the baby’s perspective. Every baby’s birth is unique — whether straightforward, very rapid, prolonged or via caesarean section. In any type of delivery, the baby may be compressed, pulled or rotated in different ways, and some babies may seem uncomfortable afterwards.
Feeding challenges
A baby who prefers to feed on one side, or who finds it hard to turn their head both ways, may be experiencing some restriction or tension in the neck or upper body.
Unsettled crying
In the early days, some babies cry more than expected. Gentle osteopathic assessment can identify areas of tension that may be contributing to your baby’s discomfort.
Sleep & digestive discomfort
Sleep disturbance and digestive discomfort are common in the early weeks. Light-touch treatment can help ease areas of tension and support your baby’s comfort.
Osteopathic treatment for babies is extremely gentle and uses light touch to assess and ease areas of tension. Research and large observational studies suggest that osteopathic treatment is associated with improvements in perceived symptoms such as crying, feeding and sleep, and that serious adverse effects are rare when care is provided by appropriately trained practitioners.
Gideon
I have a particular interest in working with babies and children and see many infants and young children each week. Treatment is always adapted to the needs of the individual child, and babies usually remain clothed and can be fed, held or comforted during sessions.
Osteopaths complete several years of training and use gentle, non-invasive techniques that are considered safe when delivered by a suitably qualified practitioner. If I feel that medical review or another form of support would be more appropriate, I will always discuss this with you and refer on where necessary.
Ready to feel supported?
Whether you’re pregnant, recovering after birth, or concerned about your baby, gentle osteopathic care could help. Get in touch to arrange a consultation.