Hey there!
Are you feeling short of breath or wheezing?
Do you feel like there's a tightness in your chest or discomfort when you breathe?
Are you coughing a lot, with or without mucus, and feeling tired or having trouble sleeping because of it?
As a fellow mom and an osteopath, I've seen many women struggle with these breathing and rib issues during pregnancy and postpartum. It can be tough to manage these conditions, especially when you're also taking care of a little one. But I want you to know that there is help available.
Why do I feel like this and what can I do about it?
Breathing difficulties can have many causes, from allergies to infections, stress, and structural issues like asthma or bronchitis. These conditions can be chronic and impact your daily life in so many ways. We've got some self-care options for you to do at home - read on for more. If you'd like to see a professional, Osteopathy can address the underlying structural issues that contribute to breathing difficulties.
Self-care techniques at home:
Now, I know you're a busy mom, so here are some self-care treatments you can do at home to help improve your breathing:
Breathing exercises: Try pursed-lip breathing or diaphragmatic breathing to improve lung function and reduce breathing difficulties.
Salt therapy: Inhaling salt particles can help reduce inflammation and congestion in your airways. You can try using a salt inhaler or visiting a salt therapy clinic.
Steam inhalation: Breathing in steam can help loosen mucus and make it easier to cough up. Just fill a bowl with hot water and put your face over it, covering your head with a towel to trap the steam. Adding a few drops of organic essential oils like eucalyptus or mint can increase the effectiveness of steam inhalation.
Exercise: Regular exercise can improve lung function and reduce the symptoms of breathing difficulties. Just make sure to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any exercise program.
Dietary changes: Some foods can trigger asthma symptoms, such as dairy products, processed foods including artificial colours and preservatives and sugary drinks. Avoiding these foods and incorporating more anti-inflammatory foods, such as colourful fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help reduce inflammation in the airways.
Avoiding triggers: Identify and avoid triggers like pollen, dust, and smoke to help prevent asthma and other breathing difficulties.
Relaxation techniques: Stress can trigger asthma symptoms, so practicing relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or tai chi can help reduce stress and improve lung function.
Remember, while these self-care options can be helpful, they are not a substitute for medical treatment. So, if you're experiencing breathing difficulties, please consult with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
What if I'm looking for more?
Your ribs and diaphragm are key players in breathing, and osteopathic techniques can improve their function. By gently manipulating these structures, we can increase range of motion, reduce tension, and ultimately improve your breathing.
But that's not all. Osteopathy can also help manage the symptoms of breathing difficulties. Techniques like myofascial release and lymphatic drainage can reduce inflammation and congestion in your chest, making it easier to breathe. And we can also work on stress reduction, since anxiety can be a trigger for asthma and other breathing difficulties.
Osteopathy can be a valuable approach to managing breathing difficulties like asthma and bronchitis during pregnancy and postpartum. By addressing both the structural issues and the symptoms, osteopathy can improve your breathing and provide relief from the distressing symptoms of these conditions.
So, if you're struggling with breathing difficulties, consider osteopathy as a complementary approach to managing your symptoms. You've got this, mama!
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