Closing The bones, PGP & Pelvic Floor
Yesterday we had our seventh Suffolk Mama’s Tribe meet up. It was a quiet one, but it was exactly what we needed. Rosie came along to share her vital wisdom on all things pelvic floor, strengthening and releasing to prepare for birth, the importance of learning to relax the pelvic floor, not tighten it, and then what I have always been so intrigued by but almost scared of; Closing The Bones.
Rosie explained all about the Closing The Bones therapy she offers, and why it’s crucial for women, particularly if they have endured suffering, a loss, but even if they experienced a beautiful birth that they loved, a Closing The Bones session can still be just what a woman needs to help her move through postpartum secure and stable in her own strength.
Rosie was kind enough to give me a mini 10 minute session, and even after 10 minutes I could feel the power so I can only imagine what a full hour session could do for a woman. I felt safe, I could let go, truly and deeply relax. I knew I was held, supported and being looked after.
I felt so inspired that I will be taking action and getting booked onto a Closing The Bones course as it is a therapy I would love to be able to offer my future clients. Rosie has such a wonderful energy and presence, she is soulful and knowing.
Rosie was debunking common myths around pelvic floor tightening, and how it's much more important for women to know how to relax their pelvic floor. This is something I talk about openly, and during birth preparation sessions with clients. I added my own testament to this as when I was pregnant the second time around, I felt the need to do something about my pelvic floor but tightening didn’t feel right. I sat with it for a while and felt that actually I already have a tight pelvic floor, so I need to be able to relax it, to allow space for the baby to move and come through.
From then I consciously made efforts to relax my pelvic floor, it was so subtle I could easily almost miss it, but with practice I learned the subtle shifts in my body when my pelvic floor was relaxed. Even now I go about my daily life holding my pelvic floor tight, and a couple of times a day I will just tune in and allow my body to relax and feel the shift when my pelvic floor drops.
Fast forward to my second birth, unassisted as those who know me will know. I didn’t even tear! It may be a coincidence, if you believe in them. But I’m sure it was because I learnt to relax ;)
We also spoke a lot and PGP/SPD - and how this is often a result of the structure around your pelvis not having the strength to accommodate the relaxin that is building up to allow your pubic bone to shift and create more space for the baby. We practised different gentle exercises that are useful for us to get our strength up around our pelvis and we also took turns with a Rebozo tightening it around us for comfort, this can be especially useful if you are already suffering with Pelvic Girdle Pain.
Rosie’s website is https://labyrinthofnurture.co.uk/ and I would encourage you to have a look for yourself and see how wonderful she is.
If you would like to know more about pelvic floor, psoas muscle, practical exercises for strength, or anything else birthy, book in for a birth preparation session.
Jaz x