Optimizing health for conception, pregnancy and beyond.
At our sessions together, we most often find ourselves working with matters of structure, inflammation, and the nervous system. But, I always welcome your questions about how Bowenwork can support you as you adjust to the next stage of life, new medical diagnoses or fresh health goals. New situations give me a chance to apply the knowledge I gain from continuing education and to explore options along with you to optimize your health and quality of life no matter what’s going on. Supporting a woman and her partner as they are starting or growing their family is one of these occasions. An existing client recently asked me about Bowenwork and pregnancy. Her question gave me a chance to revisit the ways that our bodywork sessions can support conception and pregnancy.
“Bowen is so good at getting the body healthy on a cellular and tissue level that
John Wilks, leading Bowen practitioner and author
it can really help the body to be more receptive.”
Here is a nutshell description of how Bowen Therapy can help during conception, pregnancy and after the baby arrives.
Conception
You’ve decided to start a family. Whether your conception process seems straight forward or ends up with some bumps and delays along the way, reducing stress and balancing hormones can support the health of both parents-to-be. I strongly recommended that both partners come in for regular sessions. Conception, like parenting, is a team effort and not just the responsibility the person who will carry the child to term. If your doctor or fertility specialist identifies specific health concerns, we can use that information to select Bowen procedures that are most likely to support your health needs now.
The Bowen protocols for conception involve three areas of focus. Let’s chat to decide which approach—or which combination—is best for you based on your individual situation.
- BOWENWORK FOR WELLNESS: Appointments once per month or as needed. Sessions focus on stress relief, wellness and injury prevention so you can keep up with your active lifestyle and maintain healthy choices and a positive mindset.
- ESTABLISHING REGULAR PERIODS: A key step to preparing a woman’s body for conception is to establish regular menstruation. The Bowen protocol for establishing regular periods involves weekly appointments. This process takes longer for some than others. The client’s partner should plan on intermittent sessions during this phase to share in the process and support their own health and wellbeing.
- CONCEPTION PROTOCOL: Once the person trying get pregnant has regular periods, we can focus on conception. With this focus, sessions are timed with the client’s menstrual cycle: two cycles on, one cycle off, then repeat. Every session is very specifically timed to occur as closely as possible to final day or two of your cycle, right before a new period begins. This schedule is followed two cycles in a row, then we take a cycle off. We can resume the pattern (2 cycles on, 1 cycle off) and continue until the couple conceives. With this protocol, the client will agree to take an over-the-counter pregnancy test before every appointment so I can keep the sessions safe and appropriate for your body. The client’s partner should come in for a session on roughly the same schedule. This pattern provides both partners with rest and relaxation and supports healthy egg and sperm development.
Pregnancy
During each phase of pregnancy, physical complaints can arise that, while completely normal, may be uncomfortable. Bowenwork is safe and recommended during all stages of pregnancy. Sessions can be scheduled on a regular basis or as needed. Keeping a regular schedule of appointments can help treat discomforts quickly before they become unbearable. The focus of each session during this time will be guided by the client’s specific needs and concerns. Below is a list of some of the symptoms that we can address.
- FIRST TRIMESTER: Nausea, fatigue, dizziness, heartburn, breast changes.
- SECOND TRIMESTER: Discomfort associated with pelvic ligament changes, UTI, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, issues with swelling, backache, and changes in blood sugars or blood pressure.
- THIRD TRIMESTER: Sciatica, issues associated with pre-eclampsia, pelvic pressure and optimal fetal positioning.
Bowenwork is supportive for general health and wellbeing. It is not intended as a replacement for primary or specialized medical care. A Bowenwork practitioner does not replace essential healthcare professionals on your birthing journey (OB/GYN, midwife or other).
The Not-so-fine print
Post-Natal Care
Once the baby has arrived, Bowenwork can provide great relief for mom and baby. New mom’s often need help with pelvic re-balancing and residual sciatic pain or blood pressure problems. Bowenwork is also great for breast health, and I can teach breastfeeding mom’s moves they can do at home to relieve discomfort.
“Baby Bowen” is a safe, gentle and effective way to relieve common health issues with newborn babies, such as:
- Colic
- Feeding or latching issues
- Head, neck and shoulder trauma from the birth process,
- Breathing difficulties
- Sleep pattern anomalies.
If any of this sounds appealing for you or someone you care about, contact me. Bring your questions and needs. I look forward to discussing how we can work together to holistically support your fertility, pregnancy and parenting journey.
Be Fluid Bodywork 