MATERNITY CARE
We really love treating pregnant women. We provide a range of treatments that allow us to support women during their pregnancies and after the birth, and also treat their babies and children as they grow older.
Pregnancy is a unique and powerful experience. Enormous physical, hormonal and emotional changes take place over a relatively short period of time. The body has to adapt to carrying up to 20lb of baby, waters and placenta, which can impose physical strain on all the organs and tissues.
Osteopathy & Pregnancy
Osteopathic treatment during and after pregnancy can be beneficial in a number of ways:
Easing some of the physical discomforts of pregnancy. Preparing for the demands of labour. Helping the mother to recover after delivery.
Very effective with structural pelvic imbalances that can come to the fore during pregnancy such as SPD (symphysis pubis dysfunction), sciatica and low back pain, sacro-iliac joint dysfunction and rib pain. Six weekly check-ups help maintain a good pelvic balance that increases the chance of a natural vaginal delivery with no complications.
Post-natally, it can help with ‘breastfeeding neck and shoulders’ that typically develop in the post-partum period and can help improve breastfeeding by improving the mother’s posture.
Pre & Post Natal Massage
This is a gentle holistic massage that takes the special needs of the pregnant woman into consideration. It is firm but also relaxing and can help ease the general aches and pains of pregnancy, improve circulation, sleep and reduced stress levels.
Maternity Reflexology
A specialised form of reflexology tailored towards the pregnant woman. This can help reduce stress, prepare the women for the birthing process and may even help induce term babies.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
A very slow and gentle type of massage that helps improve the flow of lymph. It can help to reduce fluid retention and swelling during pregnancy especially of the hands and feet during late or twin pregnancies. It is also effective during breastfeeding in the event of blocked ducts or mastitis.
Acupuncture during Pregnancy
Treatment can help many of the symptoms related to pregnancy which include morning sickness, symphysis pubis pain, back pain and sciatica. Pre-labour treatment may help turn breech presentations and may assist natural delivery by labour induction at term.
CRANIAL OSTEOPATHY FOR BABIES AND CHILDREN
It is a common belief that babies and children should have no structural stresses or strains in their bodies, because they are 'so young'. The reality is very different. Birth is one of the most stressful events of our lives. The baby is subjected to enormous forces, as the uterus pushes to expel the baby against the natural resistance of the birth canal and bony pelvis.
The baby's head has a remarkable ability to absorb these stresses in a normal delivery. In order to reduce the size of the head, the soft bones overlap, bend and warp as the baby descends. Many babies are born with odd shaped heads as a result. In the first few days, the head usually loses the extreme moulded shape, as the baby suckles, cries and yawns. However, this unmoulding process is often incomplete, especially if the birth has been difficult. As a result, the baby may have to live with some very uncomfortable stresses within its head and body.
Some babies cope extremely well with quite severe retained moulding and compression, and are contented and happy. For others it is a different story, and they can display a variety of problems. Osteopathic treatment using the cranial approach is gentle, safe and effective for babies and children. Very specific, skilled, light touch is applied where necessary to assist the natural ability of the body to release stresses and tensions.
Cranial osteopathy may help with:
Crying, screaming, irritability
Feeding difficulties
Sickness, colic and wind
Sleep disturbances
Cranial Osteopathy for older children.
Ear infection/Glue Ear
Sinus and dental problems
Behavioural problems, learning difficulties, and special needs
Asthma
For more info check our FAQ'S.