Mother & Baby

Osteopathy is a gentle treatment suitable for babies and children. Osteopaths are trained in therapeutic approaches that are suitable for a broad range of individuals for all ages, including pregnant women, children and babies. Osteopathic care is delivered through a range of interventions, which may include onward referral, health management advice, manual therapy, exercise advice, exercise therapy and others. Lucy often works alongside experienced IBCLC Lactation Consultants to give postural advice related to breastfeeding and improve baby's jaw and cranial mechanics to improve latch, suck and seal when breast, bottle or supplemental feeding.

At each initial Paediatric appointment Lucy assesses infants with neonatal medical examination, osteopathic examination for body tension and restrictions, and intraoral and cranial assessment including tongue tie screening. Neck and body tension may arise from a complex delivery: a very fast delivery or conversely a prolonged delivery, and whether forceps or ventouse or emergency caesarian were required for medical reasons. Osteopathy can be very helpful to aid relaxation for newborns. 

Osteopaths adapt their therapeutic approach depending on the individual needs of the patient and their presenting complaint. Manual therapy techniques employed may include articulation and gentle manipulation of joints and soft tissues.

Osteopaths are trained to screen for medical conditions and will tell you if you need to see another health professional such as your doctor, specialist, lactation consultant, midwife or health visitor. Osteopathic techniques are suitable for children at all stages of development; Lucy will assess your child to see what might be appropriate and helpful.

Lucy works with patients with specific needs, disabilities and learning disabilities. Lucy has worked within NHS preterm/premature baby units and specialist paediatric clinics as part of her 3 year specialist paediatric postgraduate training, acquiring the Diploma in Paediatric Osteopathy (DPO) in 2018 from The Osteopathic Centre for Children, widely considered to be the gold standard for postgraduate osteopathic paediatric education worldwide.

Men's Health Osteopathy: Male pelvic health issues may also be treated with osteopathy. A detailed case history is required prior to treatment to assess whether this approach may be suitable. Common issues include: Chronic pelvic pain, prostatitis, erectile dysfunction and rectal pain.

Lucy completed the Diploma in Women's Health Osteopathy with the Molinari Institute of Health in 2021, a pioneering course aimed at treating women of all ages, combining classical, structural, visceral and cranial techniques, including treatment aimed at supporting and restoring gynaecological health throughout postpartum recovery.

Lucy completed the Mummy MOT course in 2023A Mummy MOT is a specialist postnatal examination appointment for women following both vaginal and C-section deliveries. It will assess how your posture, pelvic floor muscles and stomach muscles are recovering after childbirth. Your Mummy MOT osteopath will provide you with gentle exercises and treatment to help with your recovery – and get you back on track with your fitness goals.

New Fathers also experience sleepless nights and extra demands such as tiredness whilst caring for the new addition to the family. Fathers can also greatly benefit from Osteopathic treatment to address aches and pains and chronic issues.

 

What to expect on your Mummy MOT visit:

Specialist training:

All Mummy MOT practitioners are fully trained and licensed to carry out a Mummy MOT®. Mums need to bend, squat and lift so we provide clinical postnatal care and functional exercises for our clients following birth (no matter how long ago).

 

1-Hour Assessment Including:

Full postural screen

Pelvic floor muscle assessment

Abdominal muscle exam to check for any separation (diastasis recti)

Screening for bladder, bowel or sexual dysfunction

 

Follow Up

Education and advice on safe activities such as lifting your baby or pushing a buggy

Bespoke rehabilitation programme with your goals and lifestyle factors in mind

Written report on the findings of your assessment

 

Mummy MOT is examination and assessment only. 

Future appointments with Lucy the Osteopath for Women's Pelvic Health will include manual treatment, advice and exercise

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A woman’s body changes during pregnancy. Those changes include the softening of ligaments, weight increase and changes to posture. That can lead to additional pressure on joints in various parts of the body, including the spine or pelvis.

Osteopathy may help to relieve the stresses and strains on your body during pregnancy or after birth.

Pregnancy could cause general aches and pains including joint or back pain and osteopathy could help. Lucy uses the principle that healthy balance and function of the musculoskeletal framework of the body is essential to whole body health.

Babies’ skeletons are softer than an adult’s and osteopaths will therefore use gentler techniques such as cranial osteopathy when treating babies. Osteopathy is a gentle treatment suitable for children and babies.

Osteopaths utilise a range of techniques including physical manipulation, stretching and massage, and other techniques such as Cranial.

Cranial techniques are safe, gentle, and non-manipulative. The are often used when treating young children and newborn infants.

Gentle manipulation could help soothe and relax your baby.

Osteopaths work under the principle that there may be a number of contributing factors to the symptoms and will therefore evaluate not only the area which is producing the symptoms but also associated areas that may be contributing to the issue, including nutrition, past trauma, previous injury, social/relationships, environmental factors and family health history to manage your health holistically.