Post Natal Problems For the Mother

Taking Care of Mum

You have a new baby - life is great, exhilarating even, but exhausting, as everything is focussed on the new addition and his/her needs. And exhausting it is too, as looking after a young family is unrelenting 24/7, 365 days a year. And what about mum? All too often we forget that a mother's body is going through some major changes as it recovers from the effects of the pregnancy and birth. Too often little thought is given to the mum after delivery.

In order for Mum to be able to look after the new addition her health has to be in good shape. Many problems both short and long term can be helped with appropriate osteopathic treatment. Here are some of them, which often occur within the postnatal period.

Pelvic strain, which can be caused in three ways:
During delivery the hip, pelvic and abdominal musculature undergoes maximum physical strain with stress on the back, pelvic and sacroiliac ligaments. This coupled with an increase in intra abdominal pressure can place an intolerable strain on the mother's body. Even with the pelvic outlet increasing by up to 25%in size it is still a tight fit for the baby's head as it travels through the pelvis and the head can move any part of the pelvis out of alignment thus straining any ligaments attached to them.

Secondly the position the mother adopts whilst resting during the birth can cause problems. This position is usually the "the semi-reclining" position which puts pressure on the sacrum. Whilst resting the uterus is still contracting and as the baby descends pressure is put on the sacrum possibly moving it out of its normal, position. The trouble is that the mother can't feel this with the pain relief that she is taking (especially an epidural) and so does not move to dispel the pressure.

Thirdly strains can arise from when the mother is put into the Lithotomy (stirrups) position. Whilst this position is being used less and less these days in childbirth it is still occasionally used for repairs to the perineum. The pelvic ligaments are very vulnerable and in a weakened state at this time and the strain on these ligaments can mean that the stability and position of the sacrum and pelvis can be altered. If this is not corrected then this can affect the working of the lumbar spine and so lead onto low back pain at a later stage.

Other problems that mothers suffer include general aches and pains from muscles used in childbirth. These will usually settle down after a few days unless a strain or imbalance has occurred. Common sites of problems are firstly the diaphragm and the muscles between the ribs (intercostal muscles), which tighten up so leading to breathing difficulties and sometimes circulatory problems as the return of the blood to the heart through the veins becomes impeded and congested.

The abdominal muscles, which have had to lengthen during the pregnancy, are often tender. These will recover but as they provide support to the spine it means that new mothers are predisposed to either overstrain these muscles or their back. This happens easily when lifting and carrying a baby around. Occasionally abdominal discomfort is experienced which can be due to the ligaments, which support the uterus being overstrained, and allowing the uterus to return back to an abnormal position.

The muscles between the shoulder blades often cause discomfort, again in part due to the extra lifting/putting down of the baby but also as a result of a poor feeding position adopted by the mum.

It is always a good idea to see an osteopath after the birth of the baby, as this can help you and your tissues get back to normal as quickly as possible. Osteopaths aim to correct any excessive muscular tension, resolve any ligamentous imbalances and remove any malpositioning of the sacrum within the pelvis. Any areas of restriction within the diaphragm or rib cage would be mobilised. Osteopathy is concerned with strengthening the musculoskeletal system by preventing back problems, strengthening the weakened abdominal muscles, improving diminished respiratory function and stasis of the venous circulation. Finally advice will be given as to how to prevent back strain and on postnatal exercise. I would advise any mum who has just had a baby to visit an osteopath in order to have a check up. You do not have to wait until you have had your eight-week check up with your GP.