Labour Preparation and Post-Natal Care

Preparing for Labor and Caring for Yourself Post-Natally: How Physiotherapy and Osteopathy Can Help

Bringing a new life into the world is one of the most profound experiences a woman can have, but it also comes with its own set of challenges, both before and after birth. At PhysioActive, we understand that preparing for labor and recovering post-natally are crucial times that require specialized care. Our approach combines physiotherapy and osteopathy to support you in achieving a healthy, empowered birth experience and a smooth recovery afterward.

Labor Preparation: Supporting Your Body for a Healthy Birth

Preparing your body for labor involves more than just physical readiness; it’s about ensuring that your entire system is balanced and functioning optimally. Our comprehensive approach focuses on key areas that can make a significant difference in your labor experience.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Regulation: Labor is a physically and emotionally intense experience, and regulating your ANS can help you manage stress and anxiety. By promoting a state of calm and relaxation, we help you prepare mentally and physically for the demands of labor. Techniques like breathing exercises, relaxation practices, and gentle manual therapy can balance your nervous system, making labor more manageable.
Asymmetrical Pelvic Joint Mobility: The mobility of your pelvis, including the pubic symphysis, sacroiliac joints (SIJ), and lower back, is crucial for a smooth labor. Ensuring that these joints are moving well and are aligned properly helps create the space needed for your baby to move through the birth canal. Our osteopaths and physiotherapists work to optimize pelvic mobility, reducing the risk of complications during labor.
Pelvic Floor Strengthening, Control, and Relaxation: A strong, yet flexible pelvic floor is essential for labor. Our pelvic health specialists guide you in strengthening these muscles while also teaching you how to relax them during labor—a balance that can ease the birthing process and reduce the risk of tearing. This preparation may include internal work from our pelvic therapists, depending on your comfort and needs.

Post-Natal Care: Healing and Recovery After Birth

The post-natal period is a time of immense change, and while your focus may naturally be on your newborn, it’s important to remember that your body needs care too. Childbirth can be physically demanding, and addressing any issues that arise can help you recover more quickly and avoid long-term consequences.

Addressing Pelvic and Abdominal Trauma: Birthing, whether vaginally or via C-section, can be traumatic to the pelvis and abdomen. Correcting any restrictions, especially if there is scarring, is crucial for your recovery. Our team will work to restore mobility, reduce pain, and prevent complications that could affect your health down the line.
Scar Tissue Management: If you have experienced a C-section, perineal tearing, or any other birth-related scarring, managing scar tissue is essential. Scar tissue can create restrictions that affect movement and cause discomfort. Through gentle manual therapy, we help soften and mobilize scar tissue, promoting better healing and reducing the risk of long-term issues.
Supporting Overall Recovery: Our goal is to help you return to your daily activities with strength and confidence. Post-natal physiotherapy and osteopathy can improve your posture, address any back or pelvic pain, and help you regain core strength—all of which are important for carrying, feeding, and caring for your baby.

Taking Care of Yourself for Your Newborn

We know that as a new mom, your primary concern is often your baby’s well-being, but it’s essential to care for yourself too. By investing in your own health, you’re not only supporting your recovery but also ensuring that you can be the best version of yourself for your baby.

At PhysioActive, we’re here to support you through every stage of your journey—before, during, and after birth. Contact us today to learn more about how our specialized care can help you prepare for labor and recover smoothly afterward. Taking care of yourself is the first step in taking care of your new little one, and we’re here to help you do just that.

Frequently Asked Questions: Labor Preparation with Physiotherapy and Osteopathy

1. Who should come for a labor preparation assessment from a physiotherapist or osteopath?

Everyone who is planning on giving birth can benefit from a labor preparation assessment. Whether it’s your first pregnancy or you’ve given birth before, preparing your body for labor can make a significant difference in your experience. We recommend an assessment for all expecting mothers to ensure that your body is in the best possible condition for a safe and smooth labor.
2. How early should I start labor preparation?

It’s never too early to start preparing your body for labor. Ideally, you should begin around the second trimester, but even if you’re further along, there are still many benefits to be gained. Starting early allows time to address any issues and strengthen key areas, ensuring that your body is ready when the time comes.
3. What does a labor preparation session involve?

A labor preparation session involves a comprehensive assessment of your body, focusing on areas that are crucial for childbirth, such as the pelvis, lower back, and pelvic floor. We’ll guide you through exercises to strengthen and relax your pelvic floor, ensure that your pelvic joints are mobile and aligned, and teach you techniques to regulate your autonomic nervous system, helping you manage stress and pain during labor.
4. How can labor preparation help reduce the risk of complications?

By ensuring that your body is well-prepared for labor, you can reduce the risk of common complications such as prolonged labor, tearing, or the need for medical interventions. Strengthening the pelvic floor, improving joint mobility, and regulating the nervous system all contribute to a more efficient and less stressful labor process.
5. Will labor preparation also help with post-natal recovery?

Yes, labor preparation not only sets you up for a smoother birth but also supports your post-natal recovery. By addressing areas like pelvic floor strength and pelvic joint mobility before birth, you’re better equipped to recover quickly and avoid long-term issues such as pelvic pain, incontinence, or abdominal separation. The work you do in preparation for labor can make a significant difference in how you feel after giving birth.