WORDS | Vanessa Fisher Osteopath
What is the Perinatal Period?
The perinatal period refers to the time surrounding pregnancy and childbirth, typically defined as beginning from the 20th week of gestation and lasting until one year after childbirth. This period encompasses not only the physical aspects of pregnancy and childbirth but also a significant emotional and psychological transition for new mothers. For many women, it is marked by profound changes, challenges, and adjustments to their physical, hormonal, and emotional states. These can sometimes contribute to mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and stress.
During this time, the emotional and physical well-being of the mother is deeply interconnected. As such, supporting new mums through both physical care and mental health interventions is crucial. Osteopathy offers a holistic approach to addressing both physical discomfort and mental wellness, providing a complementary way to manage the challenges of the perinatal period.
How Osteopathy Supports Mental Health During the Perinatal Period
Osteopathy is a manual therapy focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing health problems by moving, stretching, and massaging a person’s muscles and joints. It is a holistic approach that considers the interconnectedness of the body’s systems and its influence on overall health and well-being. In the context of perinatal mental health, osteopathy can be a beneficial complementary treatment, by relieving physical tension, reducing stress, and promoting relaxation; all of which can help new mothers manage symptoms of stress and anxiety.
1. Relieving Physical Tension and Discomfort
Pregnancy and childbirth can place significant strain on the body, leading to muscle tension, joint discomfort, and postural imbalances. These physical stresses are not only physically taxing but can also affect a mother’s emotional state. Chronic physical discomfort can exacerbate stress and feelings of frustration, contributing to anxiety or mood swings.
Osteopathic treatment focuses on alleviating this physical tension. Techniques like soft tissue massage, myofascial release, and gentle joint manipulation can help reduce pain and tension in the neck, shoulders, lower back, and hips; common problem areas for new mothers. Reducing physical discomfort can make a mother feel more comfortable in her own body, which can in turn reduce stress and improve mood.
2. Reducing Stress and Promoting Relaxation
Osteopathic techniques also promote relaxation by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s “rest and digest” response. When the body is in a state of tension, the stress response (fight or flight) dominates, increasing cortisol levels and contributing to feelings of anxiety or overwhelm.
Osteopathy encourages a state of deep relaxation, which helps lower cortisol levels and activates the parasympathetic nervous system. This can lead to improved sleep, reduced anxiety, and a calmer emotional state. Additionally, by addressing musculoskeletal imbalances, osteopathy can help relieve tension that may have accumulated in the body during pregnancy or after childbirth, contributing to a greater sense of physical and mental well-being.
3. Improving Circulation and Reducing Inflammation
After childbirth, some women experience swelling, particularly in the legs, feet, and pelvic area. Osteopathic techniques help improve circulation and lymphatic drainage, which can reduce swelling and inflammation. Improved circulation also means that oxygen and nutrients are more effectively delivered to tissues, promoting healing and recovery.
For mothers dealing with postpartum depression or anxiety, improving circulation and reducing physical discomfort can contribute to a greater sense of well-being. Additionally, reducing physical inflammation may also have a direct impact on reducing feelings of irritability and emotional distress.
Benefits of Osteopathic Care for Mental and Physical Health
Osteopathy offers several key benefits for new mothers looking to support both their mental and physical health:
• Holistic Approach: Osteopathy considers the whole person — both mind and body. By addressing physical imbalances and promoting overall health, it also indirectly supports emotional and mental well-being.
• Improved Sleep: By relieving physical discomfort and stress, osteopathy can promote better sleep, which is crucial for mental health and recovery.
• Increased Mobility and Function: Many women experience reduced mobility postpartum due to muscle stiffness or joint pain. Osteopathic treatment can help restore movement, making it easier to engage in daily activities and feel more energised.
• Personalised Care: Osteopaths assess each patient individually and tailor treatments based on specific needs, making it a personalised form of care that addresses both physical and emotional health.
• Reduced Need for Medication: For mothers wary of relying on medications for pain or mental health support, osteopathy provides a natural, non-invasive alternative to managing both physical and emotional health.
Tips for New Mums Considering Osteopathy
- Start Early: If you are experiencing significant physical discomfort or emotional stress after childbirth, consider seeing an osteopath within the first few weeks postpartum. Early intervention can help prevent chronic pain or ongoing stress.
- Talk to Your Healthcare Provider: Before starting any new treatment, discuss osteopathy with your GP or midwife to ensure it’s a safe and appropriate option for your individual needs.
- Look for Specialised Care: Some osteopaths specialise in perinatal and postpartum care. Finding a practitioner with experience in treating new mothers can help ensure you receive targeted care.
- Combine with Other Support: Osteopathy can complement other mental health treatments, such as therapy or support groups. A holistic approach, combining physical and emotional support, is often the most effective way to manage mental health during the perinatal period.
This approach aligns with research indicating that physical therapies and relaxation interventions during pregnancy and postpartum can have positive impacts. These include both improved maternal mental health and physiological outcomes and, potentially, even benefiting newborns by improving birth outcomes.
Osteopathy offers an effective and holistic approach to supporting the physical and mental well-being of new mothers during the perinatal period. By relieving physical tension, reducing stress, and promoting relaxation, osteopathy can help improve mood, enhance recovery, and foster emotional stability. As part of a broader wellness strategy, it provides a natural way for new mums to care for their bodies and minds during this transformative and often challenging time.
If you would like more information on perinatal mental health week please read more.