The journey from preconception through pregnancy and into postpartum is a significant and transformative one for women. The body undergoes incredible changes during this time, and the support a woman receives before, during, and after pregnancy can have a lasting impact on both her well-being and the health of her baby. Here, we explore how holistic approaches, like visceral manipulation, can help women through each stage of this process, from preparing for conception to navigating the challenges of postpartum recovery.

Before a woman conceives, it's important to evaluate her body. While it’s not strictly necessary, addressing any underlying tension or restrictions in the body before pregnancy can lead to a smoother experience for both mom and baby. Think of it like preparing the body for the marathon that is pregnancy. If the body has more space and flexibility, it will be better equipped to handle the dramatic changes pregnancy brings.

A key part of preconception care is also learning about lifestyle habits that can improve fertility and support the health of both partners. The Conscious Conception Summit is an excellent resource that gathers various experts to educate women (and men!) on ways to optimize fertility and set the foundation for a healthy pregnancy. The more you understand going into conception, the better the chances are for creating a healthy baby who can, in turn, grow up to create even healthier future generations.

When it comes to fertility, many factors can influence a woman's ability to conceive. One effective approach is visceral manipulation, which addresses the connection between the reproductive system and the digestive system. The organs in these two systems are intricately linked, and digestive issues can impact reproductive health. For example, restrictions in the mesenteric root (the tissue that holds the intestines in place) can reduce blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, which might contribute to conditions like pelvic congestion syndrome. Similarly, issues like constipation can cause the uterus to tilt or become compressed.

By addressing these tensions, we can improve circulation and function in the reproductive organs, helping to create an optimal environment for conception. Supporting a woman’s nervous system during this time is also key, as the stress of trying to conceive can negatively impact fertility. Meditation apps like Expectful, which is like "prenatal vitamins for your mind," can be a wonderful tool to help women relax and manage stress as they navigate this phase.

In-vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) are common treatments for infertility, but they come with their own set of challenges. The process involves several stages, each with its own considerations. For example, we don’t typically perform visceral work on the reproductive system when a woman is on hormones before egg retrieval, as the ovaries are enlarged and sensitive during this time. Instead, we focus on supporting the body before and after these hormone treatments.

After egg retrieval, women often experience hormonal fluctuations, constipation, liver congestion, and stress. Here, our goal is to help the body regain balance, reduce tension, and support the organs in processing the hormonal changes. Once implantation occurs, we let the patient take the lead—whether the pregnancy is successful or not, they know they can reach out for additional support. This approach helps avoid unnecessary emotional stress while empowering women to feel confident in their next steps.

Unfortunately, miscarriage is a reality for many women, and it’s often a lonely and misunderstood experience. After a miscarriage, emotional and physical healing is crucial. We provide compassionate care by offering both physical treatment to help the body recover and emotional support to help process the grief. Sometimes, this might involve breathing exercises, visualization techniques, or working through emotions stored in the pelvis.

In addition to physical care, we also recommend helpful resources like therapy or community support groups, so women know they are not alone. Essential oils can also be an excellent tool for emotional support during this time. Blends like Console, Forgive, and Adaptiv can be soothing and grounding, helping to process feelings of loss and grief.

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also be challenging. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when working with pregnant women, and it’s important to respect the body’s boundaries during this time. In the first two trimesters, we tend to avoid working directly on the uterus, although we do have some techniques to address it later in the pregnancy. The focus in early pregnancy is on helping the body adjust to the dramatic changes without causing harm.

During pregnancy, we support women with a “less is more” approach, especially when it comes to bodywork. We might help them with core modifications, body mechanics, and guidelines for exercise. If a woman is experiencing issues like morning sickness, digestive discomfort, or stress, we can address these concerns with tailored support, including physical therapy techniques, breathing exercises, and mindfulness practices. It's also important to make sure women know when to reach out for help if issues like pain or sleep challenges arise.

Postpartum recovery is an essential part of the motherhood journey, but it’s often overlooked. Many women are cleared by their OB-GYN at six weeks postpartum and sent back to their regular activities with little guidance on how to truly recover. This is where we come in. After six weeks, we typically see women to assess their body’s healing process, particularly after birth trauma (such as tearing or C-sections).

Even if there are no major issues, a body check-in can ensure that everything is functioning well, especially as the body adapts to life after birth. If a woman had a C-section, we typically wait about three months before working directly on the scar. This allows the body time to heal and reduce the risk of releasing toxins into the breast milk while breastfeeding.

It's important to note that postpartum recovery isn’t just about the first year after birth; it’s about a woman’s lifelong health. Changes in the body can be addressed years later, whether it’s closing a diastasis recti (a separation of the abdominal muscles) or releasing tension in the pelvic floor. The body has an amazing ability to heal, and with the right support, women can feel better than ever, no matter how much time has passed since childbirth.

The journey through preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum is deeply personal, and each woman’s needs are unique. By offering a holistic approach that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of this transformative time, we can help women feel supported and empowered every step of the way. Whether through addressing fertility, navigating assisted reproductive technologies, managing pregnancy discomforts, or ensuring postpartum recovery, the goal is always the same: to help women feel their best, so they can enjoy a healthy, happy experience as they transition into motherhood.