Treatment for Expectant Mothers
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. These changes may cause various musculoskeletal complaints including low back pain, pelvic girdle pain and hip pain.
Gentle treatment during and after pregnancy can be beneficial in a number of ways:
- Easing some of the physical discomforts of pregnancy which may include low back and pelvic pain, symphysis pubis pain, hip pain and rib pain.
- Preparing for the demands of labour by making sure the pelvis is balanced and ready to allow the passage of the baby
- Helping the mother to recover after birth. Un-resolved birth strain in the mother’s pelvis can lead to ongoing back problems, neck pain, general fatigue and headaches. This can be made worse by breast-feeding, lifting the baby and older children, and carrying car seats.
Cranial for Babies
Most of the time, babies adapt well to their new environment outside the womb, but occasionally the legacy of a difficult delivery, forceps or ventouse, rapid or prolonged labour can result in a fractious baby.
During birth the baby is subjected to enormous forces as he or she twists and turns to squeeze through the mother’s relatively narrow bony pelvis. A difficult birth can leave the baby with uncomfortable stresses in the head and/or body.
Symptoms of discomfort
A baby who is uncomfortable may draw attention to something being amiss by:
- Prolonged crying
- Being unhappy or irritable for long periods
- Having difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Showing signs of digestive discomfort
- Preferring to feed on one side.
Once all the usual causes of discomfort such as hunger, tiredness, bringing up wind etc have been dealt with, some babies still cannot settle which may be due to physical discomfort.
Cranial treatment for babies
The cranial approach is gentle, safe and effective for babies and children. Very specific, skilled, light pressure is applied where necessary to assist the natural ability of the body to release stresses and tensions. Because it is so gentle, cranial techniques are well suited to treating babies and children, and many health visitors and midwives recommend cranial treatment for babies.
I offer post-natal check-ups for mother and baby. Please contact me if you wish to discuss whether treatment is likely to help you and/or your child.