Maternal Osteopathic Care
Gentle Osteopathic Care for Mothers and Babies
Pregnancy, birth and early motherhood place huge demands on the body. Changes can happen gradually, without you noticing and while you’re busy thinking about everyone but yourself.
Maternal Osteopathic Care is a specialist Osteopathic service, rooted in Classical Osteopathy offering calm and attentive treatment, as much as clinical skill.
The clinic is held in a safe and compassionate environment, where mothers, partners and families feel listened to and supported based on their own unique requirements.
Gentle Osteopathic Care for Mothers and Babies
Supporting you – from Preparation to Parenthood
Maternal Osteopathic Care is designed to support you through:
Better circulation = better oxygen, nutrient and hormone delivery to reproductive tissues.
Fertility & Pre-Pregnancy Support
Preparing for pregnancy is about more than timing. Osteopathy can support fertility by optimising the body’s structure, circulation, nervous system balance, and hormonal communication, creating the best possible environment for conception.
It doesn’t “force” pregnancy, but it removes physical barriers and stress patterns that can interfere with reproductive function.
Maternal Osteopathic Care commonly supports women with:
- Pelvic or lower back tension
- Menstrual discomfort or cycle-related strain
- Stress, fatigue, or nervous system overload
- Preparing the body following previous pregnancy or birth
- The treatment is calming, relaxing and effective. You may even be unable to detect any movement occurring.
Balance the nervous system (stress → hormones)
Chronic stress activates the sympathetic (“fight or flight”) nervous system, which can suppress reproductive hormones.
Osteopathy helps by:
- Calming the *vagus nerve
- Reducing tension in the neck, diaphragm and thorax
- Supporting a shift toward parasympathetic (“calm, rest, digest, reproduce”)
dominance
This can help regulate:
- Ovulation
- Menstrual cycles
- Libido
- Sperm quality
*The vagus nerve is part of the body’s calming system. It helps the body relax, feel safe, and function smoothly. When this nerve is working well, it supports the pelvic floor by helping the muscles soften and respond appropriately rather than staying tense or “held.”
Good vagus nerve activity supports:
- Healthy bladder and bowel function
- Comfortable pelvic floor relaxation and co-ordination
- Circulation to the pelvic organs
- Emotional calm, which reduces unconscious pelvic tension
When the body is under stress, the pelvic floor can tighten protectively. Supporting the vagus nerve helps the body shift out of stress and into a calmer state, allowing the pelvic floor to work more comfortably and effectively
The gentle, holistic, hands-on approach of Osteopathy can truly benefit both mother and baby during pregnancy.
Maternal Osteopathic Care offers treatment that is thoughtful, unhurried, always respectful and tailored to where you are right now, based upon years of experience in treating mothers and mother-to-be.
The body is going through monumental changes to accommodate pregnancy and birth, and an Osteopath who understands all the nuances of the different stages of pregnancy can help the mother, and her body, to prepare for birth and beyond.
Our lead Osteopath, Quentin Shaw, is one of the foremost practitioners of Osteopathy for pregnancy and treatment of Pelvic Girdle Pain in the country. He, along with his colleagues at Tunbridge Wells Osteopaths, represent decades of experience caring for women at every stage of their pregnancy, plus Cranial Osteopathy for your baby.
We cannot overlook a partner’s role in the pregnancy journey and therefore also acknowledge their involvement and offer support to them. This might take the form of helping with fertility issues, or easing aches and pains brought on by lifting equipment, prolonged soothing of the baby or the stress or anxiety that having a newborn can bring.
What Osteopathy can help with
Balance the nervous system (stress → hormones)
Chronic stress activates the sympathetic (“fight or flight”) nervous system, which can suppress reproductive hormones.
Osteopathy helps by:
- Calming the *vagus nerve
- Reducing tension in the neck, diaphragm and thorax
- Supporting a shift toward parasympathetic (“calm, rest, digest, reproduce”)
dominance
This can help regulate:
- Ovulation
- Menstrual cycles
- Libido
- Sperm quality
*The vagus nerve is part of the body’s calming system. It helps the body relax, feel safe, and function smoothly. When this nerve is working well, it supports the pelvic floor by helping the muscles soften and respond appropriately rather than staying tense or “held.”
Good vagus nerve activity supports:
- Healthy bladder and bowel function
- Comfortable pelvic floor relaxation and co-ordination
- Circulation to the pelvic organs
- Emotional calm, which reduces unconscious pelvic tension
When the body is under stress, the pelvic floor can tighten protectively. Supporting the vagus nerve helps the body shift out of stress and into a calmer state, allowing the pelvic floor to work more comfortably and effectively
Support hormonal communication
Hormones are regulated via complex feedback loops between the:
- Hypothalamus
- Pituitary gland
- Ovaries / testes
Osteopaths may work on:
- Cranial mechanics (in Cranial Osteopathy)
- The spine and sacrum, where autonomic nerves influence endocrine organs
- The liver, which metabolises hormones like oestrogen
This is especially relevant for:
- PCOS
- Irregular cycles
- Luteal phase issues
Address scar tissue & past trauma
Previous events can quietly affect fertility:
- C-sections
- Appendectomy
- Laparoscopy
- Endometriosis
- Birth trauma
Osteopathy can:
- Reduce adhesions
- Improve tissue glide
- Restore pelvic symmetry
This may improve implantation, uterine positioning and comfort during pregnancy.
Complement IVF, IUI & medical fertility care
Osteopathy works alongside medical treatment, not instead of it, and is often used:
- Before IVF to optimise pelvic environment
- Between cycles to support recovery
- After embryo transfer to reduce pelvic tension and stress
Many clinics now welcome manual therapy as a supportive adjunct.
Support male fertility too
Osteopathy is often overlooked for men, but can help by:
- Improving testicular blood supply
- Reducing pelvic and lumbar tension
- Supporting hormonal balance
- Enhancing nervous system regulation
This can influence:
- Sperm count
- Motility
- Morphology
Who may benefit most are those experiencing
- Unexplained infertility
- PCOS or irregular cycles
- Endometriosis (supportive care)
- Recurrent miscarriage (as part of a wider plan)
- Post-surgical or post-birth pelvic issues
- High stress or burnout
What Osteopathy does not do
- It cannot bypass blocked tubes
- It does not replace medical fertility treatment
- It cannot override genetic or severe endocrine conditions
What Osteopathy can do is help the body function at its best,
increasing the chances that medical or natural conception efforts succeed.
Pregnancy Support
During pregnancy, your body changes constantly. Maternal Osteopathic Care offers gentle, hands-on support to help you adapt more comfortably.
We commonly support mums with:
- Back, pelvic, hip, rib, or neck pain
- Pelvic discomfort or feelings of heaviness
- Sciatic or sacroiliac discomfort
- Breathing or postural changes
- General tension, fatigue, or overwhelm
Pelvic Health Support
Pelvic health matters and is very important. Many women don’t realise support is available. Maternal Osteopathic Care can help with:
- Bladder or bowel control concerns
- Pelvic floor weakness, tightness, or co-ordination difficulties
- Pelvic discomfort or heaviness
- Post-natal confidence to move and exercise
You are always in control. Assessments and care are external, consent-led, clearly explained, and never pressured.
Pelvic floor & pelvic organ support assessment
Your pelvic floor plays a vital role in supporting your bladder, bowel and uterus and in helping you feel comfortable, confident and strong in your body especially through pregnancy, birth and motherhood.
At Maternal Osteopathic Care, we carry out a non-invasive, external assessment of the pelvic floor with care, respect and a whole-body approach.
A whole-body assessment
The pelvic floor does not work in isolation. It works closely with your breathing, posture, core muscles, hips and spine. For this reason, your Osteopathic assessment looks at how your body works as a whole, not just one area. We begin by taking time to listen to your story, including:
- Bladder or bowel concerns (leaking, urgency, constipation)
- Feelings of heaviness or pelvic pressure
- Pregnancy and birth history (including C-section or tearing)
- Pelvic pain or discomfort
- Posture, breathing, daily activities and stress levels
- How we externally assess the pelvic floor
Assessment includes:
- Posture and movement — Looking at how you stand, move and carry yourself, as these will all influence pelvic floor function.
- Breathing and pressure control.
- Looking at how your diaphragm, abdominal muscles and pelvic floor work together during breathing, coughing and everyday movement.
- External muscle assessment.
- Looking at the abdomen, hips, pelvis and lower back to better understand your muscle balance, tension and support.
What we are looking for
We are not just checking the strength of your pelvic floor, we are evaluating how well it:
- Supports your pelvic organs
- Responds to pressure
- Coordinates with breathing and movement
- Relaxes as well as contracts
- What happens next
After your assessment, we explain everything clearly and create a personalised plan, which may include:
- Gentle Osteopathic treatment
- Pelvic floor re-education (not just “squeezes”)
- Breathing and core exercises
- Scar and fascial work (e.g. post C-section)
- Postural and lifestyle guidance
- Referral to another specialist if appropriate
Our approach At Maternal Osteopathic Care, pelvic health care is:
- Respectful
- Individual
- Gentle
- Empowering
You are always in control, and every step is explained.
Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) Or Symphis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD)
Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) or symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) can be a painful and debilitating condition, experienced by approximately 1 in 5 women. It presents during pregnancy and can continue months or even years after giving birth. There is no formal treatment offered on the NHS, however, Maternal Osteopathic Care can help with non-invasive and gentle treatment.
Relief from pregnancy pain
Pregnancy is an incredible time of change for your body. Our personalised approach is tailored to you, helping to keep your body aligned and pain-free through and after your pregnancy. We take care of you, so you can focus on growing and caring for your baby. As well as Classical Osteopathic treatments for pregnant and post-partum women, Maternal Osteopathic Care is a leading centre of excellence for treating pelvic girdle pain (PGP)/symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD).
Hormones are regulated via complex feedback loops between the:
- Hypothalamus
- Pituitary gland
- Ovaries / testes
Osteopaths may work on:
- Cranial mechanics (in Cranial Osteopathy)
- The spine and sacrum, where autonomic nerves influence endocrine organs
- The liver, which metabolises hormones like oestrogen
This is especially relevant for:
- PCOS
- Irregular cycles
- Luteal phase issues
Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) / Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD)
What is PGP/SPD?
Pelvic pain is felt in the joints, ligaments and muscles that make up the pelvic girdle. The pain can come on suddenly or be chronic and uncomfortable. The area of pain may vary, but will likely be around your pelvic area, your lower abdomen or your lower back.
If you have PGP, you may struggle with everyday tasks, such as walking, standing, or getting in and out of the car or bath. This isn’t something you want to deal with when you are busy growing a baby. Although pelvic pain often goes away after birth, for some women, the pain can continue for many years.
Pelvic pain in pregnancy can be effectively treated with Classical Osteopathy. Each treatment plan varies from person to person, depending whether you are pregnant or postpartum.
How is PGP/SPD treated in pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a difficult time for your body. At Maternal Osteopathic Care, we aim to free you from pain by realigning the structure and function of your pelvis, spinal column, and any other affected areas.
Our highly-trained Osteopaths use a variety of techniques to improve your pelvic girdle pain. This includes gentle manipulation, soft tissue release, and articulatory techniques.
All our treatments are non-invasive and gentle, helping to reduce pain levels, improve strength, mobility, flexibility and stabilise the pelvic girdle. Please note that although there is no evidence of Osteopathy increasing the risk of miscarriage, we do not advise treatments during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
How quickly will I recover?
We recommend coming for treatment as soon as possible after your symptoms appear for the quickest chance of recovery. Treatment in the latter stages of pregnancy can help to relieve and prevent your pain from getting worse.
If your PGP is severe, you may require treatment every week. For mild and moderate cases, you may need to come every two to three weeks until your body is stable.
Testimonials(TBD)
How is PGP treated in post-partum women?
If you suffer from PGP/SPD after pregnancy, it is often caused by an unresolved misalignment of the pelvis that occurred during the pregnancy or from giving birth. Maternal Osteopathic Care will work with you to help you on your recovery journey.
If you have suffered from PGP/SPD for years after pregnancy and have not sought support yet, don’t worry – it’s never too late. We can help you but recovery may take a bit longer. This is because your body has likely made compensatory changes to adapt to the pain, so you need a bit more time to make steady progress for a full recovery. It is likely that one treatment will not provide a miracle cure. However, through a tailored treatment plan you will see less pain, more mobility, and more activity levels as the weeks progress.
Testimonials(TBD)
Maternal Pelvic Balance & Baby’s Position
Maternal Osteopathic Care offers gentle care for comfort, balance, and confidence in pregnancy.
What Is Osteopathic Care in Pregnancy?
Osteopathy is a gentle, hands-on approach that supports your body as it adapts during pregnancy. Rather than trying to “move the baby”, Osteopathic Care focuses on creating balance and space in your body, so your baby can naturally settle into a comfortable position.
In Osteopathy this is known as:
“Balance of tension/pressure forces.”
When your pelvis, muscles, ligaments, breathing, and nervous system are working in harmony, your body’s natural intelligence does the rest.
Why Pelvic Balance Matters
During pregnancy, your pelvis and surrounding tissues soften and change. This is normal but sometimes tension or imbalance can lead to:
- Pelvic, hip, or lower back discomfort
- A feeling of tightness or heaviness
- One-sided aches or restricted movement
- Difficulty getting comfortable, especially later in pregnancy
Osteopathy aims to restore symmetry, ease, and movement, supporting your comfort and helping create optimal conditions for your baby.
How Osteopathy Can Help
Osteopathic treatment is external, gentle, and pregnancy-safe.
Your Osteopath may support:
- Pelvic and lower back mobility
- Muscle and ligament balance
- Breathing and posture
- Nervous system calm and relaxation
This approach may also be complemented by simple movements and positions you can safely practise at home.
Gentle Movement & Balance Techniques
Some pregnancy movement approaches (such as those commonly used in antenatal care) align closely with Osteopathic Principles. They are used to encourage relaxation, balance and comfort, not to force change.
Side-Lying Release
A comfortable resting position that gently eases tension through the pelvis and hips.
Forward-Leaning Positions
Short, supported positions that use gravity to reduce strain around the pelvis and
abdomen (only recommended when appropriate for your pregnancy).
Gentle Abdominal Support or cradling
Soft, rhythmic movement using a cradle hold of the abdomen to encourage relaxation of abdominal tissues.
Birth Ball/Balance Cushion Pelvic Movements
Slow, rhythmic movements that support posture, balance, and pelvic coordination.
Supported Squatting & Walking
Everyday movements that encourage natural pelvic motion and circulation. Your Osteopath will guide you on which movements are suitable for you, and how to do them safely.
The Osteopathic View: Three Areas of Balance
Maternal Osteopathic Care looks at the whole body working together:
- Pelvic & Ligament Balance Supporting the joints and ligaments of the pelvis and sacrum.
- Muscle & Fascial Balance Reducing tension in the lower back, hips, pelvic floor and breathing muscles.
- Nervous System & Circulation Encouraging relaxation, healthy circulation and calm communication between body systems.
How This May Support You
Many women report:
- Improved comfort and ease of movement
- Less pelvic or lower back strain
- Better breathing and relaxation
- Increased confidence and body awareness
Any change in baby’s position happens naturally, as a result of improved balance of gravitational forces and space.
What to Expect at Maternal Osteopathic Care
Your appointment may include:
- Gentle assessment of posture and movement
- Pregnancy-safe Osteopathic treatment
- Advice on simple movements or positions for home
- A calm, supportive space to ask questions
We always work alongside your midwife or obstetric team and tailor care to your pregnancy.
A Reassuring Note
Every pregnancy is unique.
Osteopathy does not promise to “turn” a baby, instead, it supports your body’s natural ability to adapt, balance, and prepare for birth. Our aim is to help you feel supported, informed and confident in your body.
Post-natal Care & Recovery
Birth, whether vaginal or caesarean, places real strain on the body.
Post-natal Osteopathic care can support:
- Recovery after birth or C-section
- Pelvic and abdominal comfort
- Scar sensitivity or restriction
- Back, neck, and shoulder tension
- Fatigue, feeling overwhelmed or “not quite right”
Maternal Osteopathic Care is gentle and paced, respecting both physical and emotional recovery.
Osteopathy after pregnancy
Osteopathy after pregnancy
Why do I need to see an Osteopath after giving birth?
Classical Osteopathy is extremely beneficial after birth. We recommend all pregnant women have a check up:
Any time after a normal vaginal birth, when you feel comfortable enough at least 12 weeks after a caesarian section or when the surgery has completely healed. This is because your body and pelvis may be physically traumatised by the birthing process. Your ligaments may be stretched, muscles may be torn, and your joints may have separated. Plus, there is now a new stress on the body while you are caring for your baby. We will help relieve any discomfort so you can spend more time enjoying your new baby.
Can I bring my baby with me?
You are welcome to bring babies and children of all ages with you while you have your treatment. Our waiting area and treatment rooms are big enough to fit buggies and children – as well as partners!
Can you check over my baby, too?
Yes, we offer Osteopathy for babies, where we examine your baby’s body, spine, and cranium. This is beneficial for babies even if they have no symptoms of discomfort. Lead Osteopath, Quentin, checked over his own children at just a few hours old!
When to Consider Support
If you are experiencing pain that hasn’t settled or you’re feeling “not quite right” in your body. You might have difficulty returning to exercise or have on-going pelvic concerns. Perhaps you feel that your baby has feeding or settling issues. We can address all of these concerns. You don’t have to “just put up with it”, there is help available.
Paternal Osteopathic Care
Pregnancy, birth and early parenthood are profound physical and emotional transitions not only for mothers, but for fathers too. Osteopathic care can play an important role in supporting men as they adapt to the demands of pregnancy, birth and family life.
Physical Demands of Fatherhood
Fathers commonly experience new or worsening musculoskeletal strain due to:
- Lifting and carrying infants and equipment
- Disrupted sleep and fatigue
- Prolonged feeding or soothing postures
- Increased work and stress demands
- Osteopathic treatment can help with:
- Back, neck, and shoulder pain
- Pelvic and hip strain
- Headaches and jaw tension
- General stiffness and fatigue
By supporting the father’s/partner’s physical wellbeing, as well as the mother’s at Maternal Osteopathic Care, we can help maintain their resilience and presence within the family unit.
Nervous System Regulation & Emotional Load
Fatherhood often brings:
- Heightened responsibility
- Suppressed stress or anxiety
- Pressure to “stay strong” or be the stabilising force
- Osteopathic treatment works with the autonomic nervous system, helping to:
- Reduce chronic stress patterns
- Support emotional regulation
- Improve sleep quality
- Enhance overall capacity to cope
A regulated nervous system in fathers contributes to a calmer, safer home environment for both partner and child.
Supporting the Mother–Baby Dyad
Fathers play a crucial role in maternal recovery and infant wellbeing.
When fathers are supported:
- Partners feel more held and less isolated
- Co-regulation between parents improves
- Bonding and attachment within the family strengthens
Osteopathy can help fathers remain physically comfortable, emotionally present and energetically available during pregnancy and the postnatal period.
Fertility & Pre-Conception Support
Paternal health is an important and often overlooked, component of fertility.
Osteopathic care may support:
- Pelvic and spinal alignment
- Circulation and lymphatic flow
- Hormonal regulation via nervous system balance
- Stress reduction, which can impact sperm quality
Optimising paternal health prior to conception supports healthier outcomes for the whole family.
A Whole-Family Approach
Osteopathy recognises the family as an interconnected system. Supporting fathers is not separate from maternal care it is part of it.
By caring for fathers:
- We reduce strain within the family unit
- Enhance relational stability
- Support healthier transitions into parenthood
What Makes Maternal Osteopathic Care Different?
We offer:
- Calm, unrushed appointments
- Gentle, hands-on care
- Whole-body approach (not just symptoms)
- Clear explanations and reassurance
- Support that respects both physical and emotional wellbeing
About Us
Maternal Osteopathic Care is part of Tunbridge Wells Osteopathic Practice, offering experienced and evidence-informed, compassionate care in a safe and welcoming environment.
Contact Us
Website: https://osteopath-tunbridge-wells.co.uk/
Location: 5 Upper Grosvenor Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2DU
Appointments: 01892 535858
Read more
Osteopathy after pregnancy
Why do I need to see an Osteopath after giving birth?
Classical Osteopathy is extremely beneficial after birth. We recommend all pregnant women have a check up:
- Any time after a normal vaginal birth, when you feel comfortable enough
- At least 12 weeks after a caesarian section or when the surgery has completely healed.
This is because your body and pelvis may be physically traumatised by the birthing process. Your ligaments may be stretched, muscles may be torn, and your joints may have separated. Plus, there is now a new stress on the body while you are caring for your baby. We will help relieve any discomfort so you can spend more time enjoying your new baby.
Can I bring my baby with me?
You are welcome to bring babies and children of all ages with you while you have your treatment. Our waiting area and treatment rooms are big enough to fit buggies and children – as well as partners.
Can you check over my baby, too?
Yes, we offer Osteopathy for babies, where we examine your baby’s body, spine, and cranium. This is beneficial for babies even if they have no symptoms of discomfort. Lead Osteopath, Quentin, checked over his own children at just a few hours old!
Post-natal Care & Recovery
Birth, whether vaginal or caesarean, places real strain on the body.
Post-natal Osteopathic care can support:
- Recovery after birth or C-section
- Pelvic and abdominal comfort
- Scar sensitivity or restriction
- Back, neck, and shoulder tension
- Fatigue, feeling overwhelmed or “not quite right”
Maternal Osteopathic Care is gentle and paced, respecting both physical and emotional recovery.
Read more
Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) / Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD)
Are you feeling back or pelvic pain during or after your pregnancy? Please note that this is not a ‘normal’ part of pregnancy or post-pregnancy and should be taken seriously. It can be an incredibly debilitating condition.
PGP/SPD is a sign that your body is having difficulty adjusting to new positional, functional, and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and post-natally.
Our lead Osteopath, Quentin Shaw, is a specialist in treating PGP/SPD. With gentle, non-invasive treatments he has helped hundreds of women reclaim their physical wellbeing during and after pregnancy.
Read more
Proud partner of Unity Yoga & BodyMind Birthing
Unity Yoga offers specialist pregnancy and postnatal yoga classes.
BodyMind Birthing offers holistic antenatal education and hypnobirth with a senior yoga teacher, active birth and hypnobirth teacher.
Get in touch
5 Upper Grosvenor Road
Tunbridge Wells
Kent
TN1 2DU
United Kingdom
+ 44 (0)1892 535858