Our principal osteopath, Claire Forrester, often treats new mums who are keen to get back on track with life after childbirth. Every new mum goes through a period of adjustment as their body adapts to new demands of life with a small baby. And if you’ve had a Caesarian section, you will need additional recovery time. Claire explains why she recommends osteopathy and a Mummy MOT assessment after childbirth, and how it can help if you’re recovering from a C-section.
Postnatal osteopathy
Pregnancy and birth are rightly celebrated as a magical time, yet what is often unsaid is that, for the new mum, the weeks after childbirth can bring tough challenges. If you have recently given birth, your body will be recovering from pregnancy and birth, while at the same time coping with lack of sleep and the new strains of lifting, carrying and feeding your newborn.
While pregnant, your posture adapts as your baby’s weight grows and shifts. After birth, suddenly this weight disappears, and a new adjustment must be made. Up to 6 months after birth, hormones from your pregnancy continue to affect your muscles, lengthening and loosening them. This puts pressure on your lower back and hips as you lift and carry your baby.
Osteopathic treatment is a safe and effective way to get relief from postnatal aches and pains. Regular sessions speed recovery from childbirth and can help to prevent pain and other problems developing in the future.
What are the benefits of a Mummy MOT?
The Mummy MOT is a specialist postnatal examination to identify and treat the causes of pain and discomfort after birth. All Mummy MOT practitioners have completed additional qualifications.
A Mummy MOT can help with any of the following conditions:
- Leaking or incontinence of bladder or bowels
- Pelvic floor pain
- Overactive bladder syndrome
- Gap in your tummy, or pendular abdomen
- Postnatal constipation
- Struggling to get back to normal exercise routine
- Prolapse or seeing a bulge in pelvic floor
- Sexual dysfunction and discomfort
Can I have a Mummy MOT after a C section?
Yes! If you’ve experienced a Caesarean birth and would like support to fully recover and enjoy your baby’s first months, pain-free, reach out to Claire for a Mummy MOT.
Claire will work gently and sensitively around the C-section scar, seeking to speed healing of the surrounding tissue. Caesarian sections can create scar tissue around the uterus and pelvic tissues; Claire will work to release adhesions and mobilise scar tissue. This in turn will relieve lower back and pelvic pain.
A Mummy MOT after Caesarian will also help prevent future reproductive problems and support a potential future vaginal birth.
Make an appointment with Claire Forrester for a Mummy MOT in our Cambridgeshire clinic today, if you are a new mum. It’s never too early to get a check-up and see if a programme of treatment can help you really enjoy life with your new baby, pain-free.