Postpartum

What happens in the body after the birth?

After the birth, the body gradually readjusts: the uterus returns to its size, the pelvis and abdominal muscles regain tone, posture changes again. This takes time, often several months.

Add short nights, breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, and carrying your baby: the neck, shoulders and back are under a lot of strain. Back or pelvic pain is common during this period.

How can osteopathy help?

Pregnancy and birth change the body profoundly: the pelvis has opened, the abdominal muscles have stretched, posture has shifted for months. Then come short nights, feeds and carrying. The body has to reorganise, and pain often appears during this period.

What I look at

• the pelvis, sacrum and coccyx, often under strain during the birth;
• the lower back and abdominal wall;
• the neck, shoulders and upper back, heavily used for feeding and carrying;
• breathing and the diaphragm.

What I work on

With gentle techniques, I work on the mobility of the pelvis and back, releasing the neck and shoulders, and breathing. I always respect healing time, especially after a caesarean or an episiotomy.

What you can expect

The aim is to relieve pain in your back, pelvis and neck, and help you find more comfortable posture and movement. I also give you advice on carrying, feeding and resting while protecting your back. If you wish, your baby can be seen during the same visit.

What medical follow-up is there after the birth?

The French National Authority for Health recommends that a named professional follows you after you leave the maternity unit: a midwife, GP or obstetrician. A visit is planned in the days after you get home, then a postnatal consultation a few weeks later.

This follow-up helps spot complications, check healing and talk about how you are feeling. The “baby blues” in the first days is common; sadness that lasts, however, should be mentioned.

What can I do day to day?

A few simple pointers:

• rest whenever you can, and accept help from those around you;
• vary feeding positions, using cushions to ease your back;
• carry your baby close to you, keeping your back straight;
• gradually return to gentle physical activity, with the agreement of your midwife or doctor.