Postpartum Recovery: Therapies That Can Help in Portugal

What Causes Difficulties in Postpartum Recovery?

The period following birth, commonly known as the puerperium or fourth trimester, is a time of profound transformation for the mother. The body, which has gone through an enormous physical experience during pregnancy and birth, needs time and support to recover. At the same time, the emotional and practical demands of caring for a newborn are immense.

Physical recovery after birth can involve perineal pain (especially after vaginal birth with episiotomy or tearing), pain in the lower back and pelvis, tension in the shoulders and neck from breastfeeding and carrying the baby, caesarean section scars that can cause adhesions and discomfort, intense hormonal imbalances, diastasis recti, and weakness of the pelvic floor.

On the emotional level, "baby blues", a transient state of emotional lability in the first days after birth, affects the majority of mothers. In a smaller number of cases, postnatal depression can develop, a more serious condition that requires specialist medical support.

Important note: Before beginning any complementary therapy in the postpartum period, it is essential to consult your doctor or obstetrician. Always wait for medical clearance, usually given at the postnatal review appointment around 6 weeks, before resuming physical activity or beginning therapies involving more intensive bodywork.

How Can Natural Therapies Help?

Complementary therapies can play a valuable role in supporting postpartum recovery, complementing conventional medical care. By addressing both the physical and emotional dimensions of recovery, they may help restore the body's balance, manage emotional changes, and promote general wellbeing during what is often an intense and challenging time.

Some studies suggest that therapeutic approaches such as postnatal massage, pelvic floor physiotherapy, and postnatal yoga can contribute to a faster and more comfortable recovery. The emotional support provided by these practices, through both the therapeutic contact and the reflective space they create, can also be fundamental for maternal mental health.

The Best Therapies for Postpartum Recovery

Postnatal Massage

Postnatal massage is specifically adapted to the needs of the mother after birth. It may help relieve the muscular tension accumulated during pregnancy and birth, reduce residual swelling, promote hormonal recovery, and provide a moment of care and attention exclusively dedicated to the mother.

In many cultures, postnatal massage is a traditional and widely recognised practice. Some mothers report that these sessions helped them reconnect with their own bodies after birth. Some studies suggest that massage may help reduce symptoms of postnatal depression and improve sleep quality. You can find postnatal massage specialists in portugal at Marcar Terapias.

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

Pelvic floor physiotherapy, also known as urogynaecological physiotherapy, is probably the most important and recommended therapy in the postpartum period. The pelvic floor is subjected to enormous pressure during pregnancy and, in vaginal birth, can undergo significant stretching or tearing.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy assesses the state of the pelvic muscles and develops a personalised rehabilitation programme, which may include Kegel exercises, biofeedback, and other techniques. It can help resolve or prevent urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction, prolapse, and chronic pelvic pain. This therapy is generally recommended for all mothers after birth, regardless of the type of delivery.

Postnatal Osteopathy

Birth, especially prolonged or instrumental vaginal delivery, can leave significant tensions and imbalances in the pelvis, sacrum, and lumbar spine. Postnatal osteopathy works with these structures using gentle techniques, helping to restore musculoskeletal balance and relieve residual pain.

For mothers who have had a caesarean section, osteopathy can also address scar adhesions and the abdominal tension resulting from the surgical intervention. Some studies suggest that early osteopathic treatment may help reduce postnatal pain and accelerate functional recovery.

Postnatal Yoga

Postnatal yoga adapts yoga practices to the specific needs of recovery after birth. It begins with very gentle postures and breathing techniques, progressing gradually as the body recovers. It frequently focuses on strengthening the core, rehabilitating the pelvic floor, and opening the shoulders and chest, areas that are heavily tensioned by breastfeeding.

Many postnatal yoga classes are also open to babies, creating a sharing environment between mothers that can help reduce the social isolation that some mothers experience after birth. You can find postnatal yoga therapists and instructors in portugal through Marcar Terapias.

Postnatal Acupuncture

Acupuncture can be a valuable ally in postpartum recovery, helping to rebalance the hormonal system, reduce intense fatigue, support milk production during breastfeeding, and work on emotional aspects such as anxiety and symptoms of mild postnatal depression.

Some studies suggest that acupuncture may help reduce symptoms of postnatal depression. It is important that acupuncture is used as a complement, and never as a substitute, for specialist medical and psychological support when postnatal depression is present.

Meditation and Mindfulness Practices

The postpartum period is frequently characterised by sleep deprivation, sensory and emotional overload, and enormous social and internal pressure on the mother. Meditation and mindfulness practices, even for just brief moments, can help create a space of calm and perspective.

Some studies suggest that mindfulness may help reduce symptoms of postnatal anxiety and depression and improve general wellbeing. Guided meditation apps can be an accessible starting point for mothers with limited time available.

How to Choose the Right Therapy for You

The choice of the most appropriate therapies in the postpartum period depends on the type of birth you had, your specific recovery needs, available time, and your doctor's recommendations. In general, pelvic floor physiotherapy is recommended for all mothers; other therapies can be selected according to your individual concerns and preferences.

Prioritise your wellbeing and do not hesitate to ask for help. Looking after yourself is not a luxury, it is a necessity for you to be able to care well for your baby.

What to Expect in the First Sessions

In the first postnatal sessions, the therapist should always carry out a detailed assessment of your current state, including the type of birth, any complications, your emotional state, and any ongoing medical treatment. Initial sessions tend to be gentler and more exploratory, gradually increasing in intensity and depth as recovery progresses.

How to Book a Session in Portugal

In portugal, therapeutic support in the postpartum period is growing, and there are increasingly more specialised professionals available. At Marcar Terapias, you can find therapists with specific training in maternal and postnatal health across portugal.

Remember: seeking support is an act of courage and self-love. Explore the therapists available at Marcar Terapias and take the first step towards a more careful and conscious recovery.