Let’s bring the focus back to you, momma. ♡

Postpartum Care Focused on You — Not Just Your Baby

2.png
 
15.png

Did you know…?

Most women in the United States must independently navigate the postpartum transition period until the traditional postpartum visit at 4–6 weeks after delivery. However, what we do not talk about is this is a crucial period where new mothers struggle the most.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Committee Opinion piece, “this lack of attention to maternal health needs is of particular concern given that more than one-half of pregnancy-related deaths occur after the birth of the infant.”

The first 3 months postpartum aka the fourth trimester period is the time of significant change as women transition towards motherhood aka matrescence. This can be equated to “adult adolescence” where new moms go through a profound transformation on an emotional, mental, physical, social, and physiological level. With the internal “tug-of-war” of emotions, it’s no wonder why most moms feel a sense of ambivalence and feel that something is wrong.

Matrescence is not Postpartum Depression.

When new moms transition into motherhood, they often feel a massive shift in their own identities. It is not common to feel bored, irritated, disappointed, or lonely, especially when spending 24/7 caring for the needs of your baby. You are not wrong to feel this way nor is there something wrong with you.

You don’t have to be the “perfect” mom
— you just have to be “good enough.”

We know some people might balk at the idea that we are telling you to just be “good enough” for your baby, but in reality, it really is true. Being a “good mom” does not mean you have to be perfect or happy all of the time. In fact, that’s not humanly possible. It’s okay to feel sad and happy or excited and nervous at the same time. We are human. We make mistakes. We have emotions. And sometimes, we feel the sense of nostalgia for how things used to be — yes, back when you had more freedom pre-baby. It can be difficult to accept that this is your new life (even if you were excited and planned for your baby)!

Of course, it is important to differentiate between matrescence and postpartum depression, and the only way to do so safely is to be evaluated and diagnosed by a physician. Just as important to note: not every negative emotion during the postpartum period means you are “depressed.” However, if symptoms of sadness, anger, or anxiety persist for more than 2 weeks, it may be a good idea to check in with your doctor.

You deserve fourth-trimester care focused on you and your needs.

After seeing the lack of knowledge and understanding in traditional medicine for the musculoskeletal issues that cause pain and the multitude of changes that occur during matrescence in perinatal women, Dr. Iris decided to create it.

Women’s Osteopathic Wellness was born after realizing the ideal practice model that supports postpartum women in the way they need & deserve was not available.

At Women’s Osteopathic Wellness, we aim to bridge the gap in healthcare between your discharge from the hospital to your postpartum visit at 4-6 weeks (and beyond). We take a holistic, hands-on approach to conventional medicine which complements the medical care you receive from your obstetrics care provider (OB/GYN or Family Medicine) as well as your baby’s pediatric care provider. We strive to create a safe and loving space for women to be proactive about their health and learn how to better take care of themselves, so they can be there for their babies.

We treat any musculoskeletal issues that arise throughout pregnancy and extend into motherhood, such as pelvic floor and pubic symphysis dysfunctions leading to urinary incontinence (a "taboo" but very common issue amongst women - even those who have never given birth!) and post-partum pain. Our goal is for you to maximize your function and quality of life from a holistic point of view via Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM), Lifestyle Medicine (nutrition, exercise, stress management, sleep hygiene), breathwork, pelvic floor activation techniques, wellness coaching, and lactation support.

The Most Common Conditions We Treat…

During Pregnancy:

  • Low back pain/SI joint pain

  • Pelvic pain

  • Pubic symphysis pain

  • Round ligament pain

  • “Morning Sickness” (nausea/vomiting)

  • Heartburn/indigestion symptoms

  • Leg swelling (with increased blood volume)

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)

  • Migraines/headaches

  • Sinus disorders

  • Any musculoskeletal causes of acute and chronic pain

In Non-Pregnant Women:

  • Painful periods (with associated back pain or migraines)

  • Pelvic pain or dysfunction leading to urinary incontinence, dyspareunia, constipation, etc.

  • Back pain

  • Any musculoskeletal causes of acute and chronic pain

In Athletes and Performing Artists:

  • Chronic repetitive use injuries (tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, de Quervain's tenosynovitis)

  • Acute or chronic injuries and pain from sports (muscle strains and ligament sprains)

  • Laryngeal/vocal cord restrictions in singers and actors

  • Performing arts-related injuries in dancers and musicians

During the Postpartum Period:

  • Low back pain/SI joint pain

  • Sacral dysfunction/pain post-vaginal delivery

  • Pelvic pain or dysfunction leading to urinary incontinence, dyspareunia, constipation, etc.

  • Pubic symphysis pain

  • Migraines/headaches

  • Sinus disorders

  • Any musculoskeletal causes of acute and chronic pain

In Newborns:

  • Plagiocephaly or brachycephaly ("flat head")

  • Suckling/latching issues when breastfeeding

  • Oro-motor restrictions from tongue/lip ties

  • Indigestion/reflux

  • Colic (a fussy but otherwise healthy baby who cries 3+ hrs/day for 3+ days/wk for 3+ wks)

  • Recurrent ear infections (otitis media)

In the General Population:

  • Acute or chronic muscle strains

  • Sports injuries

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Arthritis/Degenerative joint disease (DJD)

  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder

  • Any musculoskeletal causes of acute and chronic pain

Services/Packages

  • Prenatal Packages

    Comprehensive OMM/Lifestyle Medicine package focused on pain and injury prevention, OMM diagnosis and treatment to ensure proper pelvic/sacral movement, prenatal core activation protocol (breathing, pelvic floor techniques, new mom ADLs), and birth preferences/postpartum planning. Visits follow OB schedule.

  • 4th Trimester/Postpartum Packages

    Comprehensive OMM/Lifestyle Medicine package catering to the needs of a new mom during the first 12 weeks after delivery, including prenatal consultation at 36-38 weeks, OMM diagnosis and treatment, postpartum protocol (neutral alignment, breathing/pelvic floor work, new mom ADLs), wellness coaching, post-delivery virtual check-in, in-home postpartum visits, and lactation support.

  • General OMM/Lifestyle Medicine Packages

    Comprehensive OMM/Lifestyle Medicine package focused on diagnosis and treatment of the whole body and pain/injury prevention with lifestyle-related prescriptions.

Book An Appointment Now

A detailed look…

All patients receive:

  • Direct access to Dr. Iris via a private, HIPAA-compliant app for calls/texts/email - 7 days/week

  • On-demand and weekly virtual check-ins*

  • In-home visits included in the postpartum ("4th trimester") packages or as add-ons to others

  • Pain & injury prevention and maintenance with OMM diagnosis and treatment

  • Personalized care tailored to your needs & longer appointments to address your concerns

  • Lifestyle Medicine (nutrition, exercise prescription, stress management, sleep hygiene) & mind/body support for overall wellness

  • 1:1 Mindset/Wellness Coaching

  • Breathwork/pelvic floor activation techniques

  • FREE Physitrack app for tailored, postpartum (and newborn - as needed) home-exercise programs

  • High-priority, flexible scheduling (same day or next day) appointments*

  • No insurance = no surprise bills!

  • Discounts for add-on visits* and for referring family & friends

    *only for those with packages

 

Complete Postpartum Packages

 
 

Comprehensive care that caters to the emotional, physical, functional, & wellness needs of new moms during the first 12 weeks after delivery

Premium (100% in-home services)

  • 2 options: mom only or mom & baby

  • Initial 2-hour (in-office) Prenatal Consultation at 36-38 weeks:

    • Complete history & physical

    • Comprehensive alignment/ADL/movement assessment

    • Whole-body osteopathic exam

    • OMM diagnosis and treatment to ensure proper pelvic/sacral movement prior to delivery and management of pain

    • Lifestyle Medicine prescriptions

    • Prenatal core activation protocol (neutral alignment, breathwork, pelvic floor activation & relaxation techniques, new mom ADLs)

    • Discussion of birth preferences/postpartum planning (“what to expect”) including lactation and doula services

  • Postpartum Virtual Check-in – while in-hospital to address concerns and to assist initiation of breastfeeding (if desired, per mom’s plan)

  • Initial 2-hour Postpartum Evaluation (within 1 week of delivery — ideally 1-3 days after discharge):

    • Complete history & physical with detailed birth history

    • Comprehensive alignment/ADL/movement assessment

    • Whole-body osteopathic exam

    • OMM diagnosis and initiation of treatment for 1-2 major dysfunctions

    • Lifestyle Medicine prescriptions

    • Postpartum Protocol (neutral alignment, breathwork, pelvic floor activation & relaxation techniques, new mom ADLs)

    • Discussion of postpartum goals (return to activities and work, lactation and postpartum doula services)

  • 4 in-home follow-up visits at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks

    • Diastasis recti check at 8 weeks postpartum

  • Postpartum-specific Lifestyle Medicine education & support

  • Unlimited, direct access to Dr. Iris via a private, HIPAA-compliant app for calls/texts/email - 7 days/week

  • 1-2x/wk, on-demand 10-15 min virtual “Q&A” calls as needed

Premium PLUS (100% in-home services)

  • 2 options: mom only or mom & baby

  • Everything included premium package PLUS:

    • 11 in-home, weekly follow-up visits from 2-12 weeks

    • Unlimited, on-demand 10-15min virtual visits/wk

Prenatal Packages

 
 

Comprehensive packages focused on pain & injury prevention to help you stay active while preparing for motherhood that follows your OB schedule

Emerald

  • Initial 2-hour Prenatal Evaluation:

    • Complete history & physical

    • Comprehensive alignment/ADL/movement assessment

    • Whole-body osteopathic exam

    • OMM diagnosis and treatment to ensure proper pelvic/sacral movement prior to delivery and management of pain throughout pregnancy

    • Lifestyle Medicine prescriptions

    • Prenatal core activation protocol (neutral alignment, breathwork, pelvic floor activation & relaxation techniques, new mom ADLs)

    • Discussion of birth preferences/postpartum planning including lactation and doula services

  • 4 in-office follow-up visits

  • Discounts for add-on visits, in-home services, postpartum visits

Ruby

  • Emerald PLUS:

    • 3 additional follow-up visits (8 visits total)

Sapphire

  • Emerald PLUS:

    • 6 additional follow-up visits (11 visits total)

    • Postpartum care: up to 2 visits may be used either as postpartum follow-up visits OR 1 may be credited toward the postpartum initial evaluation

Diamond

  • Emerald PLUS:

    • 10 additional follow-up visits (14 visits total)

    • Postpartum care: up to 2 visits may be used either as postpartum follow-up visits OR 1 may be credited toward the postpartum initial evaluation

  • Of note: this is usually reserved for complex cases, those with severe, chronic pain prior to pregnancy, or patients seen during pre-conception/first 1-3 weeks of the 1st trimester

 

OMM/Lifestyle Packages

 
 

Comprehensive packages focused on diagnosis and treatment of the whole body, including functional assessments, pain & injury prevention, and home-exercise programs

Adult Packages

  • Standard — 5 Visits

  • Deluxe — 10 Visits

  • All packages include a comprehensive 60-90 min initial evaluation as the first visit:

    • Complete history & physical, including detailed trauma/injury history

    • Whole-body osteopathic exam

    • OMM diagnosis and treatment

    • Focused treatment on 1-2 major areas of dysfunction

  • Follow-up visits* (30 min or 60 min) include:

    • OMM diagnosis* and treatment

    • Lifestyle Medicine prescriptions

    • Home-exercise prescription (as needed) 

Newborn/Pediatric Packages

  • Standard — 5 Visits

  • Deluxe — 10 Visits

  • All packages include a comprehensive 60 min initial evaluation as the first visit:

    • Complete birth history & physical, including detailed trauma/injury history

    • Whole-body osteopathic exam

    • OMM diagnosis and treatment

    • Focused treatment on 1-2 major areas of dysfunction

  • Follow-up visits* (30 min or 60 min) include:

    • OMM diagnosis* and treatment

    • Lifestyle Medicine prescriptions

    • Home-exercise prescription (as needed) 

*Treatment duration based on the current (or prior) diagnostic exam and current reason(s) for visit

A la carte (per visit) Appointments

Available for:

  • Initial OMM Evaluation & Treatment for Adults (60-90 min)

  • Initial OMM Evaluation & Treatment for Pediatrics (60 min)

  • Follow-up OMM Evaluation & Treatment for Adults/Pediatrics (30 min or 60 min)

  • Initial OMM/Lifestyle Medicine Prenatal Evaluation/Treatment (2 hours)

  • Initial OMM/Lifestyle Medicine Postpartum Evaluation/Treatment (2 hours)

Packages are available at discounted rates for:
 Prenatal, Postpartum, Newborn/Pediatric, & General OMM/Lifestyle Medicine

The number of visits/packages are tailored to your specific needs (medical conditions, chronicity of injuries, the severity of pain, how your body responds to treatment, etc.) and determined upon your first appointment after a comprehensive exam, diagnosis, and initiation of treatment. Our goal is to optimize your body to heal itself AND give you the tools you need to lead a healthy, pain-free, & independent life. That means you only have to come back to see us for maintenance every 6 months to 1 year OR if you sustain a new injury. You will never be asked to come in for more visits than your body needs. Patients typically start weekly, then every 2-3 weeks, every 2-3 months, & eventually, 6 months to 1 year (based on patient preference) or never again (although we would love for you to stop by and say ‘hi!’).

For prenatal and postpartum follow-ups, patients must purchase a package in order for us to provide the best care possible. Payment plans are available for those who require financial assistance.

Additional financial help/discounted rates may be available on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us with inquiries.

For more answers to your questions, please visit our FAQs page.

PLEASE NOTE: Dr. Iris treats her patients like family. She takes the time to personally get to know each and every one of her patients, whether it's in-office, in-home, or virtual. For your safety and hers, initial visits/consultations will always be conducted in-office even if you choose the in-home package. She uses a team-based approach where her patients play an active role in their own health. During the complimentary Meet & Greet, if she feels that we may not be the best fit to help you reach your goals, she will always let you know. Please visit the FAQ section for more info.

For pricing inquiries, please call/text (828) 348-5864 or fill out our contact form.

If you’re struggling as a new mom, just know that you are not alone.

And we’re here to help!

Fast facts:

  • Blood pressure evaluation is recommended for women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy no later than 7–10 days postpartum.¹ Women with severe hypertension should be seen within 72 hours.² This is important as more than one-half of postpartum strokes occur within 10 days of discharge.³

  • In-person follow-up is beneficial for women at high risk for postpartum depression.⁴ The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines recommend screening all women for resolution of the “Baby Blues” at 10–14 days after birth to facilitate early identification of and treatment for postpartum depression.⁸

  • Even amongst women without risk factors, problems such as heavy bleeding, pain, physical exhaustion, and urinary incontinence are common.⁵

  • World Health Organization guidelines for postnatal care include routine postpartum evaluation of all women and infant dyads at 3 days, 1–2 weeks, and 6 weeks.⁶

  • Follow-up in the first few weeks postpartum increases the chance that new moms will meet their breastfeeding goals. Among women with early, undesired weaning, 20% had discontinued breastfeeding by 6 weeks postpartum.⁷

According to ACOG, “all women should ideally have contact with a maternal care provider within the first 3 weeks postpartum” to address common postpartum concerns. However, due to the lack of support for postpartum care and the way that our healthcare system is set up, most women are not able to follow up with their OB until at least 6 weeks postpartum, and as many as 40% of women do not attend a postpartum visit.

Let’s change this.

Ready for holistic medical care that is focused on your needs as a new mom?

 References:

  1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Hypertension in pregnancy. Washington, DC: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; 2013.

  2. New York State Department of Health. Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. Guideline summary. Albany (NY): NYSDOH; 2013.

  3. Too G, Went T, Boehme AK, Miller EC, Leffert LR, Attenello FJ, et al. Timing and Risk Factors of Postpartum Stroke. Obstet Gynecol 2018; 1: 70 – 8.

  4. Screening for perinatal depression. Committee Opinion No. 630. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Obstet Gynecol 2015; 125: 1268 – 71.

  5. Declercq ER , Sakala C , Corry MP , Applebaum S , Herrlich A. Listening to Mothers(SM) III: new mothers speak out . New York (NY): Childbirth Connection; 2013.

  6. World Health Organization. Maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health. Geneva: WHO; 2013.

  7. Stuebe AM, Horton BJ, Chetwynd E, Watkins S, Grewen K, Meltzer-Brody S. Prevalence and risk factors for early, undesired weaning attributed to lactation dysfunction. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2014; 23: 404 – 12.

  8. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Postnatal care. Quality standard. Manchester: NICE; 2013.