An osteopathic approach to postnatal care

The postnatal period represents a phase of profound transformation for women. Following pregnancy and childbirth, the body undergoes significant processes of recovery, adaptation and reorganisation involving the musculoskeletal system, the pelvic floor, the endocrine system, visceral function and the emotional sphere.

Alongside these physical changes, the new mother undergoes a complex psychological and relational transition, characterised by bonding with her newborn, adapting to new family roles and managing the physical and emotional demands of motherhood.

This postgraduate course offers osteopaths in-depth, clinically grounded training to understand and support women during the postnatal period, developing specific skills in assessment, clinical reasoning and the planning of safe and appropriate osteopathic care.

Through theoretical lectures, clinical case studies, practical demonstrations and guided exercises, participants will acquire the tools necessary to address the issues most frequently encountered in postpartum clinical practice.

Understanding the woman’s journey: the importance of the medical history

One of the central themes of the course is the development of a thorough and meaningful medical history, which is essential for understanding the patient’s clinical context and guiding the decision-making process correctly.

The following topics will be explored in depth:

• Preconception health
• Gynaecological and obstetric history
• Methods of conception
• Previous pregnancies
• Course of the pregnancy
• Any obstetric complications
• History of labour and delivery
• Mode of delivery
• Subjective experience of motherhood

Particular attention will be paid to the clinical value of the medical history in understanding the factors that may influence a woman’s postnatal recovery and overall well-being.

Postpartum female anatomy and physiology

The course explores the anatomical and physiological changes that characterise the period following childbirth. The following topics will be covered:

• Female reproductive anatomy
• Physiology of postnatal recovery
• Adaptations of the pelvic floor
• Recovery of the abdominal wall
• Endocrine and hormonal changes
• Musculoskeletal adaptations
• Visceral and fascial changes
• Functional recovery following vaginal delivery and caesarean section

The aim is to develop an in-depth understanding of the physiological processes involved in restoring balance following pregnancy.

Physical and mental wellbeing

A woman’s postpartum health cannot be considered solely from a physical perspective. The course will explore the interaction between:

• Physical recovery
• Fatigue and physiological adaptation
• Sleep and energy recovery
• Stress and caregiving burden
• Emotional wellbeing
• Mother-child relationship
• Factors influencing quality of life in the postpartum period

Particular attention will be paid to the osteopath’s ability to recognise situations requiring the involvement of other healthcare professionals.

Clinical examination and professional reasoning

Participants will develop specific skills in the osteopathic assessment of women in the postnatal period. The following topics will be explored in depth:

• Clinical observation
• Structured osteopathic examination
• Functional assessment
• Diagnostic reasoning
• Identification of clinical priorities
• Definition of therapeutic objectives

Osteopathic therapeutic approaches

The programme explores the most appropriate therapeutic strategies to support women during their postnatal recovery. Participants will explore:

• Functional approaches
• Myofascial techniques
• Cranial techniques
• Ligament balancing techniques
• Strategies to support mobility and function
• Adapting techniques to different clinical presentations

Each approach will be contextualised within a clinical reasoning process based on safety and the individualisation of treatment.

Clinical cases, demonstrations and practical exercises

A significant part of the course will be devoted to practical learning. Through real clinical cases, participants will be able to explore:

• Clinical decision-making processes
• Assessment strategies
• Treatment planning
• Adapting approaches to different patients
• Effective, person-centred communication

Practical demonstrations and guided exercises will help to consolidate the skills developed during the programme.

Interdisciplinary collaboration and referral criteria

The osteopath plays an important role within the postpartum women’s care network, but must work in close collaboration with the other professionals involved. The course will explore:

• Postnatal red flags
• Referral criteria
• Collaboration with midwives, gynaecologists, doctors and breastfeeding advisers
• Interdisciplinary communication

Skills developed

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the main processes of recovery and adaptation in the postpartum period
• Take a thorough and clinically meaningful medical history
• Carry out an appropriate osteopathic assessment of women in the postnatal period
• Apply structured and sound clinical reasoning
• Plan personalised treatment strategies
• Recognise red flags and referral criteria
• Collaborate effectively with other professionals involved in antenatal care

Teaching based on the clinical experience of Julie Fendall

The course is led by Julie Fendall, an osteopath and international lecturer with extensive experience in women’s health, pregnancy, the postnatal period and osteopathic care for the mother-baby dyad.

For many years, Julie has been supporting women and families through the various stages of motherhood, integrating osteopathy with a deep understanding of the physiological, biomechanical and emotional aspects that characterise the postnatal period.

Her clinical experience enables her to approach the postnatal period from a holistic perspective, taking into account not only a woman’s physical recovery but also her psychological wellbeing, how well she is adapting to motherhood, and her relationship with her newborn.