Postpartum: Pelvic Therapy and Closing of the Bones

“The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new." -Osho

In many cultures the first 40 days of postpartum are considered to be a sacred time. The birthing person is cherished, nurtured and honored. Family and friends shower the postpartum person with daily massages, warm soaks, healing teas and soups, pelvic wraps and tender gifts are given to the mother. In some traditions the birthing person is not allowed to bathe herself alone, she is accompanied by trustworthy friends or grannies who scrub and rinse her body. The postpartum person and their womb are of the highest priority. Doctors, midwives and doulas often extend their care way beyond six weeks to ensure the mother’s physical and mental healing are given adequate attention. Traditional postpartum practices are common to every continent. Some cultures have misguided beliefs that the celebration and nurturing of the postpartum person is outdated or ‘exotic’. However, the fact that postpartum practices are common to all continents– should give us a pause for thought (Messager, 2020, p.19).

A Call To Action:

This therapy has been developed (still a work in progress) from combining postpartum practices from all over the world. I have combined modern medical modalities with old world practices. I have added highly researched manual techniques and therapies with sage wisdom and movements that have been passed down from generations of postpartum care givers. Developing this therapy is not intended to take us back to the ‘the olden days’- but to propel us forward. The vision is to create new traditions and therapies that are manageable and sustainable for our current times, cultures, currencies and communities.

Traditional postpartum support has generally been categorized into four main areas: rest, food, bodywork and social support. With all these areas overlapping and filling in the gaps for one another. My emphasis is on bodywork, acknowledging the absolute wonder and transformation that a mother’s body has gone through to grow and birth a baby. Bodywork is paramount in the reversal and reorganization process for the postpartum body. 

Thank you for birthing your child, our world is forever changed.

If you would like to make an appointment, here is additional information:

Postpartum Care: The Closing of the Bones 

Closing of the Bones is a traditional postpartum practice that originated in Central and South America. It is a ceremony that helps new mothers realign their bones, restore energy, and support the healing process after childbirth. The ceremony includes a series of gentle movements, massage, and a wrapping that helps to soothe and nurture the mother's body, mind, and spirit.  The transition between holding your baby within your body, laboring, birthing and then becoming a parent is complex. This closing ritual allows the birthing person to let go of the pregnancy state and set foot into the present moment of mothering. 

Closing of the Bones Treatment involves:

• Warmth: warm water facial and foot massage, followed by hot stone back relaxation massage.

• Manual Birth Healing Techniques: to close the open pattern in the pelvis after birth.

• Manual Postpartum Therapy: working with the visceral tissue to perform a bladder and uterus reorganization and lift.

• Rebozo: the use of a traditional shawl called a “Manta” or a “Rebozo”, to rock and articulate the hips. Finished by tightly wrapping the cloth around the pelvic girdle.

• Rest: a moment to be still and to allow the body to take in the closure and reorganization of bones and organs.

• Connect: reorient with a warm cup of postpartum tea.

How long is the treatment: about 1.5 hours

What should you wear: comfortable yoga or stretch pants. A comfortable bralette and thin shirt/tank top. Please bring a pair of warm socks. 

Location: Cornerstone Chiropractic 

Parking: There are three spots in the back of the office. There is also plenty of street parking.

For more information and booking, please contact:

Kristina @ 310 953 5699, text or call.

Midwifery Student, Birth Assistant, Birth Scribe, Cert in Postnatal Rebozo Massage, Enrolled at: Institute for Birth Healing, Certified Physician Assistant.