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Pregnancy and Postnatal Care at Focus Osteopathy
Pregnancy and Postnatal Care, Adapted to Your Stage
Pregnancy asks a lot of your body in a short space of time, and the months after birth ask more. Pelvic and lower back discomfort, rib and upper back tension, and difficulty getting comfortable are all common symptoms, and many women are told to simply wait for them to dissipate in time.
Our osteopaths at our Murrumbeena and Mount Waverley clinics assess and treat musculoskeletal discomfort throughout pregnancy and beyond, with treatment adapted to each stage. We work alongside your midwife, obstetrician or GP rather than in place of them.
Are You Experiencing Any of the Following?
Discomfort during pregnancy and after birth shows up in different ways. Here are the symptoms we see most here at Focus Osteopathy.
How Osteopathy Approaches Pregnancy and Postnatal Discomfort
Your osteopath will start by understanding where you’re at in your pregnancy journey, what has been bothering you, what your days involve, and who else is involved in your care. Assessment covers how your pelvis, lower back, hips and upper back are moving and where load is concentrating.
Treatment is adapted to your stage of pregnancy (including how you are positioned on the table), and uses gentle techniques such as soft tissue work, stretching and mobilisation. Our osteopaths will also give you practical advice on movement, positioning for sleep and feeding, and exercises appropriate to your stage in the pregnancy journey.
Osteopathic treatment may help with musculoskeletal discomfort associated with pregnancy and recovery for some people, though responses vary and whether it suits you depends on your individual circumstances. Where something sits outside our scope, we will refer you back to your midwife, obstetrician or GP.
Things That Often Help
Four practical things worth trying alongside treatment.
Change Position Regularly
Sustained positions tend to aggravate pelvic and back discomfort, so shorter stretches in any one position usually feel better.
Set Up Your Feeding Position
Bringing the baby to you rather than leaning down to them removes a lot of load from the neck and upper back.
Keep Moving Within Comfort
Gentle regular movement is generally better tolerated than either complete rest or pushing through.
Ask Rather Than Guess
If you are unsure whether something is normal, ask your midwife, GP or osteopath straight away. Information is key during your pre and postnatal journey, and we are all here to help.
When to Contact Your Midwife or Doctor
Some symptoms need medical assessment rather than manual therapy, and promptly. Contact your midwife, obstetrician or GP if you experience vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, reduced fetal movement, severe or sudden headache, vision changes, swelling of the face or hands, fever, or any other symptom that concerns you. After birth, the same applies to heavy bleeding, fever, or severe abdominal pain. If in doubt, contact them rather than waiting for an osteopathy appointment.
Why Choose an Osteopath During Pregnancy and Afterwards?
Here are some of the reasons people choose osteopathy during pregnancy and after birth.
Treatment Adapted to Your Stage
Positioning and technique are adjusted as your pregnancy progresses and again after birth, so treatment stays appropriate throughout.
We Work Alongside Your Maternity Care
Osteopathic care complements the care of your midwife, obstetrician or GP, and we refer back to them where that is what your situation calls for.
A Natural Approach
This matters more than usual during pregnancy, when your options for managing discomfort are limited. Osteopathy provides a natural solution that supports the journey your body is going through pre and post birth.
Practical Advice for In Between Appointments
Positioning for sleep and feeding, movement and exercise, all specific to where you are rather than general pregnancy advice.
University Trained and Nationally Registered
Osteopaths complete a five year university qualification and are registered with the Osteopathy Board of Australia through AHPRA, and no referral is required.
Continuity Through Pregnancy and Beyond
Many patients see us through pregnancy and afterwards, allowing us to better understand your journey every step of the way.
The Focus Osteo Process in Murrumbeena & Mt Waverley
what to expect in your first visit
There’s a reason our patients don’t keep coming back for the same problem. We don’t just chase symptoms, we find what’s causing your pain and address the root cause of your discomfort.
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We listen & assess
We hear your story and assess thoroughly to find the true cause of your pain, not just where it hurts.
We explain it clearly
No jargon. We show you what's happening and why, so you feel confident in the plan ahead.
We treat the cause
Hands on osteopathy tailored to you, targeting the source of your discomfort to live & feel better.
We keep you moving
A simple strength and mobility plan stops the problem returning, so you stay active for the long run.
We can help you decide
Find Out if Osteopathy Is Right for You
Choosing an osteopath is an important decision. That’s why we offer a free, no-obligation discovery session, giving you the opportunity to meet our team, discuss your concerns, and ask any questions before deciding if we’re the right fit for you.
* Note: there is no treatment given at one of our free discovery session. It’s for you to ask us more questions and for us to confirm whether or not we think we can help you. Refer to the ‘Terms and Conditions‘ page for more detail.
Ready to book your appointment?
Online bookings are available for your convenience. Please note – if you can’t find a suitable appointment time, please contact our clinic and our team will be happy to help arrange a time that works for you.
focus Osteopathy Services
Osteopathy could Help You
Osteopathy may be appropriate for a range of musculoskeletal concerns. Explore some of the common conditions our osteopaths assess and manage below.
free resources
Download our Pregnancy & Postnatal information guide
Practical information from our osteopaths, covering common causes of natal back pain. Download our free guide for helpful information you can use at home.