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Complementary Therapies for Pregnancy & Beyond
Bub Hub E-Newsletter, March 2005, Issue 33 - Article 3
| Osteopathy - Pain free Pregnancy An Osteopath is a health practitioner with diagnostic, therapeutic and patient management skills that are becoming increasingly popular. Osteopaths treat the cause of musculoskeletal problems by assessing the entire body; and treating these problems using versatile, safe and highly effective techniques. |
Pregnancy requires a mother's body to change to accommodate the needs of the growing foetus. Some of the changes include:
- The body's centre of gravity changes which affects posture. Common problems include: back pain, hip and pelvic pain, sciatica, breathing difficulty, congestion.
- Circulating hormones result in weakened muscles and softening of supportive ligaments and tendons. This results in instability of joints and reduction of core strength.
Labour also stresses the mother's body! The mother's pelvis may be subject to lasting strains from the forces required to deliver a baby. Untreated, the stresses placed on a body can contribute to ongoing back problems, period pain, incontinence, constipation, headaches and post-natal depression. These stresses may be present whether the baby is born vaginally or by C-Section.
Osteopathy during pregnancy is gentle and safe. Osteopaths release the mechanical problems caused by pregnancy, improve circulation and aim to balance the pelvis to aid in an easier delivery.
After labour, Osteopathic treatment can assist the mother in returning to normal by releasing strains from both pregnancy and labour. Treatment will remove tension, help the mother cope with broken sleep, remove any new strains that occur due to breast feeding, nursing and lifting, and prevents future problems by realigning the spine and pelvis and treating the mechanical problems caused during pregnancy.
Article kindly supplied by
Dr Angela Mistri
Lonsdale Osteopathy & Massage
Queen Victoria Women's Centre, Lvl 1, 210 Lonsdale St Melbourne 3000
ph: 0422 541 871
| Naturopathy - Pregnancy the Natural Way! Some years ago much emphasis was placed on how not to fall pregnant - today the focus has shifted somewhat. Infertility is an obstacle that affects 1 in every 6 couples. Today there are many factors that contribute to infertility ?stress, obesity, immune system failure, poor diet and nutrition etc. Naturopathy ensures that any current health problems are treated and resolved prior to conception. |
Your naturopath will assess you and your partner's diet and health to implement a treatment plan to suit your lifestyle. To achieve optimal health for the parents and baby; recommendations for diet and supplementation (whether herbal or nutritional) are made.
In essence, the focus of naturopathy is to help couples create a healthy baby ?naturally! Preconceptual care provides all of the necessary nutrients required for the development of healthy eggs and sperm. It also ensures the presence of essential building blocks, creating a supportive environment for the baby to grow and develop in.
The preconceptual care program encompasses a fully guided regime of detoxification, nutritional and dietary implementation. This regime has been proven to reduce the incidence of miscarriage, stillbirth and congenital defects. Furthermore it acts as a preventative against the later risk of allergies, immune dysfunction and behavioural disorders.
Article kindly supplied by
Josie Ceniti BHSc (Naturopathy) ATMS
Vita Naturopathic Healthcare
Lvl 1, 210 Lonsdale St Melbourne 3000
ph: 9650 0734
| Traditional Chinese Medicine Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete medical system, which looks at the body on an energetic and holistic level. It teaches that health can be maintained and disease prevented by maintaining the body in a balanced state. Chinese Medicine Practitioners incorporate acupuncture, herbal formulas (raw herbs, pills, powders or tinctures), and diet therapy into their treatments. |
TCM is great at addressing fertility issues. It can be used independently and in conjunction with fertility treatments such as IVF. We focus on bringing the menstrual cycle into optimum condition and enhancing sperm quality, which will increase the chances of conception.
Once pregnant, both acupuncture and herbal treatments can prevent miscarriage and decrease symptoms such as morning sickness, backache and fatigue.
Towards delivery, acupuncture is used to prepare the body for labour, by opening the cervix, and relaxing the pelvic floor. Acupuncture is extremely successful in turning breech babies.
After labour, treatment focuses on stopping bleeding, increasing healing rate, building blood, promoting lactation, increasing energy and alleviating insomnia.
Chinese Diet therapy can be useful at all stages, especially during weaning to ensure that your child is not a fussy eater.
TCM has been used for thousands of years, in all stages of life, for all health needs. Acupuncture and many herbal remedies are safe before conception, during pregnancy and after labour. Please consult a qualified Chinese Medicine Practitioner.
Article kindly supplied by
Annalise Drok & Ceda Jarick
Traditional Chinese Medicine
1 / 405 Brunswick St, Fitzroy, Vic
ph: (mobile) 0423 974 134 or (mobile) 0400 151 140
For details of local therapists in your region, see our
services directory > pregnancy, fertility & postnatal complementary therapies, treatments & retreats page.
If you know of a therapist that you'd recommend who isn't listed on the site, please ask them to apply to us for a free listing on The Bub Hub site.
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