SJ responds to readers’ concerns in the Ponsonby News Healthy Living column.

SARAH–JANE ATTIAS: HEALTHY LIVING

I just gave birth to our baby girl and I seem to have quite a few girlfriends expecting babies. Over a recent catch–up we all confessed to the same feelings.

“It’s all been about everyone else – what about ‘me’ – when can I safely get back into physical exercise – will I ever get my body shape back?” Can you please shine a light on what to expect and how to move forward for ‘me’.

It is no surprise to hear you have a group of girlfriends having babies at this time; now is ‘baby boom’ month. If you do the maths – September is exactly nine months after warm summer holidays and a little ‘time out’ relaxing with your loved one. Also, New Zealand’s baby population is on a growth surge, overall there were 3796 more births compared with 2014.

Currently our osteopathic clinic is in a state of celebration, having treated mums, now it’s the babies turn for our free ‘new-born wellness check’. This is an opportunity to fine tune your baby with gentle hands–on treatment which can aid feeding and digestion, using predominately cranial work whether the birth was stressful or not. And, of course, mothers with lots of questions such as yours.

Over 20 years I have personally treated thousand’s of mums and babies and you are not alone in your concerns. I would like to offer a few insights and health tips to get you back on track – to ‘you’.

Physically – I do encourage new mothers to get their mobility, bounce and life-force back as soon as possible.

To enjoy and maximise movement and exercise I suggest osteopathic treatment to unravel and reset your body. The intensity and variety of exercise depends on how physically well you are. I recommend caution, build up a good foundation. This ensures the strength and health of your joints before overloading them with excessive exercise. I often cross-refer new mums to a physio/pilates teacher with specific credentials for pre and post birth exercises.

The golden rule, happy baby equals happy mum – if your baby settles easily, feeds keenly, sleeps soundly, all is well. If you need assistance, gentle hands–on osteopathic treatment for baby can achieve great results, enabling a more relaxed baby and ergo improved sleep patterns.

Emotionally – it is understandable mums get a feeling of being ‘taken-over’. All focus is on their newborn, grandparents, husband, toddlers, the cat and dog! Then there is your birthing team obstetrician, midwife, pregnancy yoga teacher, osteopath – on and on it goes.

Create private time for you, baby and partner to ‘sync’. We often invite the family unit as a ‘whole’ into the treatment room.

Problems for new mothers to watch out for:

• When breast feeding dehydration can occur. It is vital to note how much you are drinking and keep up your fluid intake. I also recommend a high-quality electrolyte.
• Tightness in your upper back and shoulders, stiff neck, headaches, extra weight from your milk, dropping your head forward and positioning your baby for a good latch can create a lot of strain. Remedy – stretch, get a good body massage, seek treatment.
• Be aware there is a spectrum of post natal depression – often felt as a sense of emptiness, sometimes more severe. Do seek support of your group and consult a professional.
• How was the baby born? Caesarian section; episiotomy or tearing of the pelvic floor. These incisions are cuts through muscle, the muscles will need time to heal and reconnect with the surrounding tissues. Do seek professional guidance the healing process will be more effective and discomfort reduced.
• If my client feels that their energy levels are simply not bouncing back and I can see no obvious reason why not, I do refer patients back to their GP for further investigation, including blood tests.

Osteopathy is there to help you. Every mother and child is unique. We look at the total you and advise specifically for your body type and fitness level that you wish to achieve. As well as posture, self help tips, stretches and strengthening exercises. We can also treat you to alleviate aches and pains that are exaggerated post birth. (SARAH–JANE ATTIAS)