Postpartum Recovery—Supporting Your Body After Birth

Giving birth is an incredible feat, but it also places a huge demand on your body. Many women continue to experience aches, pains, or stiffness well into the postpartum period.

Common postpartum issues:

• Pelvic discomfort or instability
  The pelvic joints and ligaments remain more flexible for a period after birth. This can lead to discomfort or a feeling of instability, particularly when walking, climbing stairs, or carrying your baby. Pelvic floor muscles may also need time and targeted rehabilitation to regain strength.

• Neck and shoulder pain from feeding or holding your baby
  Hours spent feeding, rocking, or carrying your baby can strain the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Poor posture or repetitive positions may lead to tension, stiffness, or even headaches.

• Ongoing weakness in the core and pelvic floor
  Pregnancy stretches and weakens the abdominal muscles and pelvic floor. Without proper support and rehabilitation, this can contribute to back pain, incontinence, or difficulty returning to pre-pregnancy activity levels. Strengthening and stabilising these areas is key for long-term recovery and function.
  
  

Why it happens

Hormonal changes, new movement patterns, and the physical demands of caring for a newborn all play a role.

How Woodend Osteo can support recovery

Adjusting to life after pregnancy can be challenging on your body, but osteopathy offers gentle, effective ways to help you recover, regain strength, and feel more comfortable in day-to-day life.

Gently restore mobility in stiff or sore joints
Pregnancy and birth can leave your spine, hips, and pelvis feeling stiff or out of alignment. Osteopaths use hands-on techniques to improve joint movement, reduce discomfort, and restore natural mobility so your body can function more efficiently.

Relieve muscular tension from feeding or carrying your baby
Long hours holding, feeding, or soothing your baby can lead to tightness in the neck, shoulders, and back. Osteopathic treatment focuses on releasing this tension, improving posture, and easing discomfort so you can move more freely.

Provide exercises to help rebuild strength and stability
Targeted exercises for the core, pelvic floor, and surrounding muscles help rebuild stability, support your joints, and improve posture. Your osteopath can tailor these exercises to your recovery stage, making them safe and effective for your body.

Support your transition back into exercise safely
Whether you want to return to walking, running, or strength training, osteopathy can guide your return to exercise. By addressing underlying tension, weakness, or joint restrictions, we help you prevent injury and make your comeback safer and more comfortable.

Why it matters

Caring for your baby is easier when you feel strong and comfortable in your own body. Supporting your musculoskeletal health after birth isn’t a luxury—it’s an important step for your long-term well-being.

Post-partum recovery looks different for everyone. At Woodend Osteo we  offer gentle, personalised support to help you move confidently and enjoy this new stage of life.