By Laura Tilson BA (Hons) M.Ost DPO Registered and Paediatric Osteopath at The Putney Clinic of Physical Therapy Here are my top tips for rehabilitation after having a baby: Avoid strenuous exercise for the first 6 weeks: you may have bruised and inflamed tissues that need to heal. Don't compare yourself to others: your pregnancy and birth will leave a unique footprint on you and your body. If something doesn't feel right, chances are it isn't. If something hurts, sit back and attempt the exercise again when you are stronger in a week or two. Walking is great: the movement of walking mobilises your pelvis, hips and lumbar spine to help with healing. Try doing pelvic floor exercises and avoid leaning over your buggy as you walk. Pelvic stability is key: all exercise should be conducted with a strong and stable pelvis and lumbar spine. This should be the first thing you address. Have faith in your body's ability to heal and strengthen. Look after your pelvic floor:...

By Laura Tilson BA (Hons) M.Ost DPO Registered and Paediatric Osteopath at The Putney Clinic of Physical Therapy I have never felt as weak and physically vulnerable as I did after having my baby 5 months ago. It was immediately obvious the minute I tried to stand up after the labour and it was something I feel I was totally unprepared for. It is only in hindsight that I can see how frightened I might have been had I had a minute to think about myself and my body – rather than my baby and where his next feed was coming from. I couldn't sit up or turn in bed without using my arms, I waddled rather than walked for at least a week. My first few trips to the supermarket were a push. My back ached over the site of my epidural. I was shocked at how my muscles, despite exercising throughout my pregnancy, had weakened. I know from my osteopathy training that during pregnancy ligaments stretch, muscles atrophy, fat is deposited and breasts grow. I also know that the occasional afterno...

By Laura Tilson BA (Hons) M.Ost DPO Registered and Paediatric Osteopath at The Putney Clinic of Physical Therapy As an osteopath I spend the majority of my time showing people how osteopathy can benefit them. But trying to persuade a busy mum that she should put herself first for half an hour a day to sort out her bad back or that dodgy shoulder will be my mantra for the rest of my career. Mums are renowned for putting others first and bravely soldiering on – because they are mums and that's just what they do.  And now – as mother to a four month old little boy - I can see why.  My days blur into one – each a haze of coffee, marching around parks and attempts at housework, never mind trying to fit in brushing my hair or getting a little admin done. So perhaps I am biased, but over the last few months I have seen for myself how osteopathy has helped me and my little boy. I have been for four treatments since having him. Once a month, I have carved out the time and mad...

If your baby is struggling to breastfeed there is plenty of information and support out there to help you both. You can seek advice online or from breastfeeding groups, lactation consultants, tongue tie specialists and your midwife. Not to mention tips from friends and family! But did you know that these specialists are increasingly recognising the role that cranial osteopaths can play to help your baby feed? At an appointment your osteopath will check the muscles, ligaments and joints that are involved in feeding. For example osteopaths check to see if your baby can turn their head comfortably to feed from each breast. Your osteopath will look at the jaw movement to check that they can open their mouth wide enough to feed. He or she will also check tongue movement for signs of tongue tie or weak suck. Osteopaths can also give advice on feeding and winding techniques specific to you and your baby. Cranial osteopathy is a gentle treatment which may improve the way your baby feeds....