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 Natural Awakenings Lancaster-Berks

OMM

Apr 29, 2017 02:26PM ● By Candice Boyer

Many expectant mothers explore the option of natural childbirth for themselves and their babies. Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) are medically trained, but have an additional tool when it comes to natural childbirth: DOs are trained extensively in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM). OMM is a great way to promote health and well-being both during and after labor and delivery.    

OMM involves manual medicine, a hands-on approach, to ensure that every part of the body (including muscles, bones, nerves, fascia and even organs) are moving as intended. If something in the body is not moving properly, it cannot function properly and that can lead to organ fatigue and eventually disease. OMM is truly preventative medicine.

Many women experience low back pain and pelvic pain during pregnancy and after labor and delivery. Studies have shown OMM decreases low back pain associated with pregnancy, as well as decreases blood pressure, swelling and carpal tunnel syndrome.

In order for delivery to go smoothly, it is imperative that the sacrum, pelvis and uterus move properly to insure proper transit of the baby into the pelvic canal and out. OMM can also be used to treat restrictions in a mother’s pelvis to allow a breech or mal-positioned baby to flip into the proper orientation. OMM during pregnancy has been shown to decrease the likelihood of preterm labor and decrease complications like meconium staining. It has even been thought to decrease the risk of postpartum depression.

To find a local DO that uses OMM treatment, visit CranialAcademy.com.

Dr. Candice Boyer, D.O. is a board-certified in Integrative Medicine Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine/Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine physician who is the medical director of Lancaster Osteopathic and Integrative Health. Connect at LCOIH.com or [email protected]. See ad, page 9 and 52.