Paediatric, Pregnancy & Postnatal Osteopathy

Gentle, individualised osteopathic care for pregnant women, new parents, babies and children.

Pregnancy, birth and the early years can bring lots of changes to the body. At Octave Osteopathy, we offer gentle, individualised osteopathic care for pregnant women, new parents, babies and children.

Whether you're experiencing aches and pains during pregnancy, recovering after giving birth, or you're looking for someone experienced in working with your baby or child, we're here to help.

We'll take the time to listen to your concerns, assess what's going on and explain everything clearly, tailoring our approach to you or your child.

Book an Appointment

Osteopathy During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it's also a period of huge physical change.

As your bump grows and your body adapts, the way you move and use your muscles and joints naturally changes. This can sometimes lead to aches, pains and discomfort that can make everyday activities more difficult.

People may choose to see us during pregnancy for:

• Lower back or pelvic discomfort
• Hip or groin pain
• Rib and upper back discomfort
• Neck and shoulder tension
• Muscle and joint aches
• Changes in posture and movement
• General aches and pains associated with pregnancy

Every pregnancy is different, so your appointment will be tailored around you, your stage of pregnancy and how you're feeling on the day.

Postnatal Osteopathy

Your body goes through an enormous amount of change during pregnancy and birth, and those changes don't stop once your baby arrives.

The early months of parenthood can also place new demands on your body. Feeding positions, carrying your baby, lifting car seats and spending more time sitting or standing in positions you're not used to can all contribute to aches and pains.

Postnatal osteopathy can be a useful part of looking after yourself while your body continues to recover and you gradually return to the activities you enjoy.

We can help with common musculoskeletal problems such as:

• Back and pelvic discomfort
• Neck and shoulder tension
• Muscle aches and stiffness
• Discomfort associated with feeding and carrying your baby
• General aches and pains following pregnancy
• Returning to exercise and normal activity

Whether you're a few weeks, a few months or further down the line after having your baby, we're happy to discuss whether osteopathy may be appropriate for you.

And remember — looking after yourself isn't selfish. Your body has been through a lot too!

Osteopathy for Babies & Children

We also offer paediatric osteopathy for babies, children and teenagers.

Anna has completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Paediatric Osteopathy from the

College of Non-Musculoskeletal Medicine (CNMO), alongside her Master's degree in Osteopathy. She has experience working with babies and children and takes a calm, gentle and

individualised approach to every appointment.

We understand that bringing your baby or child to a new environment can feel daunting,

particularly if you're not sure what to expect.

Appointments are relaxed and we don't expect children to sit perfectly still throughout. We work around them, allowing time for them to become comfortable with the environment and with us.

A parent or guardian must always be present during paediatric appointments.

Parents may seek an osteopathic assessment for their baby/child when they have concerns about:

Tension or stiffness in the neck or body
A preference for turning their head to one side
Asymmetry in their posture or movement
Difficulty getting comfortable in certain positions
Changes in movement or mobility
Muscular or joint discomfort
Concerns following a difficult or assisted birth
A noticeable change in how they move or use their body
General concerns about their baby's physical comfort or movement

What happens during a paediatric appointment?

We'll start by talking through your concerns and finding out more about your child's history, development and anything you've noticed.

We'll then carry out an appropriate physical assessment, explaining what we're doing as we go.

If treatment is appropriate, this will be gentle and adapted to your child's age, size, development and individual needs. We'll always explain our findings and discuss our recommendations with you.

If we feel another healthcare professional or further assessment would be more appropriate, we'll let you know and discuss the next steps with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see an osteopath while pregnant?

Yes. Osteopathic treatment can be adapted throughout pregnancy, taking into account your stage of pregnancy, symptoms and individual circumstances. Your comfort will always be a priority. If you're unsure whether osteopathy is appropriate for you, please get in touch before booking.

How soon after giving birth can I see an osteopath?

If you've had a caesarean (C-section), we ask that you wait a minimum of 6 weeks before booking an appointment. Your recovery will depend on your pregnancy, birth and individual circumstances. If you're experiencing aches or discomfort after having your baby and would like to discuss whether osteopathy may be appropriate, please get in touch.

Can I bring my baby with me to my postnatal appointment?

Absolutely! We understand that arranging childcare with a new baby isn't always possible. You're very welcome to bring your baby with you to your appointment.

How old does my baby need to be to see an osteopath?

We see children of all ages, including newborn babies. If you're unsure whether an appointment is appropriate for your baby, please contact us first and we'd be happy to discuss your concerns.

What happens during a paediatric osteopathy appointment?

We'll start by talking through your concerns and finding out more about your child's history, development and anything you've noticed.

We'll then carry out an appropriate physical assessment, explaining what we're doing as we go. If treatment is appropriate, it will be gentle and adapted to your child's age, development and individual needs.

What if my baby gets upset during the appointment?

That's completely okay! Babies and young children don't always behave exactly as we'd like them to — and we don't expect them to.

We can take breaks, allow time for feeding or settling, and work around your child rather than forcing an examination or treatment when they're unhappy.

Does a parent need to stay with their child during treatment?

Yes. A parent or guardian should attend paediatric appointments and will be involved throughout the assessment and treatment process.

I'm not sure whether osteopathy is right for me or my child. What should I do?

Just ask! If you're unsure whether we can help, please get in touch before booking. We offer a free 10 minute phone call on our booking system and are happy to have a quick chat about your concerns and advise whether an appointment with us would be appropriate.

Book an Appointment