Those first few months after giving birth, also known as the fourth trimester, are some of the most magical and transformative moments of a mother’s life. However, many mothers experience persistent aches and pains during this time as they adapt to the new normal: reduced sleep, repetitive bending and lifting, learning to use one hand to perform many self care and household tasks while carrying her baby, the constant shifting of organs and tissues toward their pre-pregnancy size and position, and the continued presence of relaxin (the hormone responsible for increasing the elasticity of connective tissue in preparation for delivery). These all combine to produce a variety of complaints during the fourth trimester; some of the most common of which include: low back pain, sciatica, neck pain, shoulder pain, pelvic pain, incontinence, and postural changes.

The bodywork and mindful movement training employed at Shine Wellness is designed to nurture, support, and educate mothers. Our aim is to enable new mothers to move with the confidence that comes from being pain-free so they can be present and fully experience the fast-moving newborn and infant stages with their child. Treatment typically targets structural issues and the mind/body connection. We help you address fourth trimester problems through a combination of retraining the pelvic floor and integrating those muscles with the rest of the deep core, posture, and breath to form a synergystic, cohesive unit.

Below are details on some of the most common issues faced by new moms: mommy tummy (diastasis recti), sciatica/low back pain, and urinary leakage.