WORDS: Vanessa Fisher – Osteopath
The delayed postpartum phase is characterised by ongoing recovery, adjustment, and increasing physical demands. As a result, many women continue to experience musculoskeletal discomfort, postural strain, and hormonal shifts, all of which can influence daily life.
Furthermore, the return to exercise, work, and social activities often requires a stable and resilient foundation. By addressing these concerns, osteopathic care supports overall recovery and promotes long-term health.
In addition, this approach helps ensure that both mother and baby continue adapting to their evolving needs. Ultimately, this phase plays a vital role in establishing long-term musculoskeletal health and reducing the risk of chronic issues.
Main Triggers & Issues
- Postural strain and muscle weakness often occur due to the ongoing physical demands of infant care, which places continuous stress on the spine and core muscles. As time passes, this strain can lead to fatigue, discomfort, and even poor posture if left unaddressed. Therefore, recognising these early signs is crucial to prevent long-term issues.
- Lingering pelvic instability may persist as ligaments, which loosen during pregnancy, take time to regain their strength and stability. Although this process is natural, it can cause discomfort and imbalance, especially when combined with the physical demands of lifting, feeding, and carrying a growing baby. For this reason, early intervention can make a significant difference in promoting stability.
- C-section and perineal scar adhesions may not only restrict movement over time but can also contribute to pelvic discomfort and imbalanced posture. Since scar tissue forms during healing, it’s essential to improve mobility early on to prevent restrictions from becoming more problematic in the future.
- Fatigue and emotional stress are common challenges during this phase, largely driven by sleep deprivation and hormonal changes. These factors are known to affect both mental and physical well-being, making it even harder for mothers to engage in self-care. As a result, addressing physical discomfort alongside emotional stress can support overall recovery and resilience.
- Baby’s cranial and feeding issues, such as persistent latching difficulties or discomfort, may continue beyond the early postpartum phase. This can further contribute to maternal stress and physical strain from prolonged, awkward feeding positions. Therefore, ensuring both mother and baby receive appropriate care can promote smoother feeding experiences and greater comfort. Peta Arthurson at Beaches Baby is a qualified IBCLC and is a wonderful advocate to support mums and bubs through their breastfeeding journey.
Osteopathic Support for Postpartum Phase
- Osteopathic care offers a variety of approaches to support mothers and babies during this phase. Postural corrections and ergonomic guidance are tailored to help mothers minimise strain while carrying or feeding their baby. As posture improves, physical discomfort is often reduced, allowing for better endurance throughout the day.
- Core strengthening and pelvic floor exercises are designed to restore stability and prevent dysfunction. By focusing on deep core muscles and pelvic support, mothers can gradually regain strength, which is essential for returning to exercise and daily activities with confidence.
- Scar tissue release techniques are carefully applied to improve mobility and reduce discomfort for women recovering from C-sections or perineal trauma. Over time, these techniques can help soften adhesions, allowing for more natural movement and reducing the likelihood of compensatory patterns that can lead to further pain.
- Cranial osteopathy for infants supports unresolved feeding, colic, or sleep challenges. By gently addressing tension or restrictions in the baby’s head and neck, this approach encourages better feeding patterns and improved comfort — which, in turn, supports a more relaxed and less strained mother.
- Breath work and relaxation methods are introduced to support emotional well-being, as physical recovery is often connected to mental health. As mothers learn to engage in deep, mindful breathing, stress levels may decrease, promoting a sense of calm and resilience.
Final Thoughts
By addressing these interconnected concerns, osteopathic care enhances the postpartum experience for both mother and baby. The combination of physical recovery techniques and emotional support strategies creates a more balanced, sustainable recovery. As a result, mothers are better equipped to manage the demands of this transformative period while promoting long-term health and wellbeing.
References
- Licciardone, J. C., Kearns, C. M., & Hodge, L. M. (2013). Osteopathic manipulative treatment for low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 113(6), 482-494.
- Cerritelli, F., Cardone, D., Gambi, F., & Barbato, C. (2020). Osteopathic manipulative treatment in neonates: A systematic review. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 52, 102515.
- Ghamkhar, L., Kahlaee, A. H., & Salavati, M. (2021). Effect of postpartum osteopathic care on pelvic floor dysfunction: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 25(2), 132-138.
- Tozzi, P. (2020). A narrative review of visceral osteopathy: Theoretical basis, clinical applications, and research status. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 24(1), 152-162.
- Hayden, J. A., van Tulder, M. W., Malmivaara, A., & Koes, B. W. (2005). Meta-analysis: Exercise therapy for treatment of non-specific low back pain. Annals of Internal Medicine, 142(9), 765-775.