Osteopathy has, I believe, an important role in helping you to achieve a natural birth. Regular treatment in pregnancy, even if there are no apparent problems, is a good choice.

Pregnancy is a time when the body's physiology is "supercharged" and open to rapid change. It is a great time to receive treatment. Often pre-existing as well as new symptoms respond to treatment well during this period.

It is a time when muscles and ligaments soften. Hormonal changes (the action of relaxin and oestrogen) increase fluid uptake in collagen fibres, making the spine and pelvis more flexible. Sometimes symptoms or aches are simply an expression of the body adapting to these changes and can be released effectively.

In the second half of pregnancy, postural changes accommodate the weight of the bump and breasts. The lumbar spine, hips and pelvis must all be free to move, in order to allow the postural adaptations to occur easily. The tail bone (coccyx) must also have free movement as it is an important point of attachment of the pelvic floor bowl of muscles.

Pelvic Girdle Pain formerly known as SPD (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction) is common but not "normal". The degree, location and type of pain varies. Some women experience mild discomfort, others can have severe pain, sleep disruption and difficulty with daily tasks. The degree of pain may be related to the degree of pelvic instability and the width of the pubic symphysis. Negotiating stairs, squatting or turning over in bed can all aggravate pubic pain. Osteopathic help can reduce the reliance on painkillers (which could harm the baby if relied on too heavily). NSAID (non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs) should be avoided. I use both Osteopathy and Acupuncture tailored to the individual and their presenting symptoms.

The circulatory and lymphatic systems are all challenged in pregnancy. Carpal tunnel syndrome is common as are "piles" and constipation. Natural treatments, including Ostepathy, help the circulation of both blood and body fluids and therefore may ease conditions like these.



Birth

A woman's body is "designed" for birth. However, birth can also be momentous and great forces are brought to bear on mother and baby whether he/she arrives via the birth canal , or comes "out of the sunroof" by caesarean.

Both the mother and baby's body can be assisted to unravel the stresses and strains caused by birth, which could otherwise contribute to postnatal and early life issues. It is a common misconception that cranial osteopathy is just for babies - both mum and baby usually find treatment calming and comforting.

Assisted delivery

Instrumental (forceps or ventouse) delivery is an indication for prompt healing. Forceps involve additional sideways pressure on the head and can affect the jaw. They can damage nerves 7 and 5 which affect mouth and jaw sensation and movement, or can cause asymmetry of the face.
Ventouse involves suction and traction. A baby's head is better designed to accommodate compression and rotation but traction can cause tension in the head membranes, which reflect throughout the body's connective tissues, often drawing the diaphragm up.
Cranial can help the body resolve strain patterns safely and effectively.
The beneficial effects of this both immediately and in terms of later development and growth have yet to be proven or demonstrated by extensive research studies. No claims are made in this regard on this website or any other promotional material. Please feel free to read the anecdotal statements, based on feedback from mothers (see testimonials )


C section

This also often involves a degree of traction of the baby's neck from the head. Babies who "come out of the sunroof" may experience difficulty breastfeeding. Suction and intubation are often needed to remove mucous which would otherwise be "squeezed out" during a vaginal birth, but can in turn, damage the throat and cause reflex tongue movements and muscle memories unhelpful in breastfeeding. Associated tension patterns in the throat and muscles under the tongue can be gently, quickly and effectively resolved with cranial treatment. For the mother, treatment can help her restore her energy and promote healing and recovery.
A Caesarean belt may also help her protect the scar and make breastfeeding easier. www.naturalbabyshower.co.uk

Broadly, I support the movement away from the over medicalisation of birth (which has viewed pregnancy as an illness) towards empowering and educating women to welcome their experience as a natural "rite of passage" which can be enjoyed and not feared. Birth is a natural expression of sexuality and pregnancy is not an illness. Birth can transform a woman and the love that can surround it makes her radiant, beautiful and bold. Osteopathy and natural medicine during pregnany can greatly help mum to discover the immense ability and power of her body.

Please see www.hypnobirthinglondonclasses.co.uk and www.breathetoabetterbirth.co.uk for the work my partner, Karen Mander, is doing to help women to achieve gentle and calm births by overcoming the fear that creates tension and pain