Osteopathic Wisdom in Becoming a Mother
Cultivating Your Pregnancy Journey
Why Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a hands-on, integrative approach to whole person care. Using manual techniques, osteopathic medicine works with the inherent health of your body in treating disease or discomfort. With a specialized understanding of the musculoskeletal system and its relationship with your body as a whole, osteopathic doctors restore optimal functioning by addressing imbalances and restrictions in your body’s structure.
Why Osteopathy in Pregnancy?
Natural changes to your body occur during pregnancy, leading to discomfort and a wide range of symptoms. Osteopathic medicine is ideally suited to support your pregnancy journey. It is a gentle and non-invasive approach to successfully adapting to changes your body experiences during pregnancy. Osteopathy supports unity between you and your baby during a time of remarkable change, not just physically, but also emotionally and mentally.
Reasons why osteopathy is particularly beneficial during pregnancy
Supports the Body’s Adaptation
As your body changes to accommodate your growing baby, osteopathy can help manage the physical demands placed on your body, aiding in comfort and mobility as well as optimal positioning of the baby.
Non-Invasive and Non-pharmaceutical
Offering a safe alternative for pain relief and symptom management that may minimize the need for medication.
Prepares for Birth
By optimizing pelvic alignment and mobility for your comfort and your baby’s positioning, osteopathy can contribute to a smoother birthing experience.
Promotes Postnatal Recovery
Assists in your postpartum recovery by helping your body to realign and return to its pre-pregnancy state.
What Symptoms Can Osteopathy Alleviate during Pregnancy?
- Back Pain and Sciatica
Easing back pain and sciatic discomfort as the center of gravity shifts forward. - Pelvic & Pubic Pain
Addressing imbalances and areas of restriction in the pelvis that may contribute to discomfort, such as round ligament pain or symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD). - Digestive Issues
Helping to alleviate some digestive problems, such as acid reflux, as your abdomen makes room for your growing baby. - Sleeping Difficulties
Normalizing your nervous system and decreasing strain on your lumbar to build more restful sleep.
- Circulatory Problems
Assisting with circulation issues that can lead to swelling and discomfort in hands and feet, including conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and plantar fasciitis. - Breathing Difficulties
Enhancing lung capacity and breathing ability as your baby grows and puts pressure on your diaphragm. - Headaches/Migraines
Supporting increased blood volume to reduce the impact it can have on tension in your head.
About Me
I am Dr. Samar Rashid, DO, a board-certified osteopathic family medicine physician and mother to my daughters, Kamila and Aiya. I find the experience of becoming a new mother (matrescence), one of the most spiritual journeys a woman will embark on. My passion is to bridge your challenges, questions, and fears of pregnancy with the joy and love of motherhood.
I use a heart-guided, hands-on approach to supporting you in becoming a mother.
