I particularly enjoy working with pregnant women, new mums – and new dads, too.
Adjusting to the Bump
During pregnancy, the body is changing rapidly. It’s essential to develop good habits early on in the pregnancy to help avoid back pain. Picture a mum-to-be with a bump who is arching her back forward to ease the lower back niggles. That’s not good and there are far better ways to support the back.
I help women find a better balance and ease. We also look at ways to encourage the baby to move into the optimal foetal position – head down on the left hand side and its back not against mum’s spine. We can also work on preparing for labour.
It’s best to start as early as possibly – ideally from 3 months.
Adjusting to the Baby
There’s so much to adjust to when a new baby comes into the world, that mums (and dads) can forget to think about their own bodies. And this can cause havoc with their backs.
It can also be quite stressful and emotional.
Plenty of Alexander work can help with this.
That includes:
- how to bend over the pram, cot, bath, changing mat and avoid back ache
- how to breastfeed without straining the back and neck
- how to sit comfortably when playing with the kids on the floor
- how to carry the baby without arching the back
- how to find calm and reduce anxiety.
I’m very happy for mums to bring the baby into the lesson. If the baby’s sleeping then the two of us can work together. If the baby needs attention, we can work while you hold the baby or breastfeed.
I’m also happy to sing to the baby to soothe him or her – lullabies and football songs, whatever their preference!
I’m a member of NEST London which is a group of local South London practitioners from a variety of disciplines. We have come together to offer you a choice of therapies, share our expertise and cross-refer where appropriate.