A Structural approach to treating the pregnant & postpartum patient by Laura-Jane Hargreaves (Melbourne, Australia)

About the course

Day 1 - Pregnancy, Day 2 Postpartum

For the first time in New Zealand, Melbourne based Osteopath, Laura-Jane Hargreaves will be teaching her structural Pregnancy and Postpartum course. This 2 day course covers both pregnancy and postpartum. From the case history, examination, Osteopathic treatment, Ergonomic support, exercise and beyond. Laura-Jane will be discussing internal pelvic floor with further course suggestions for those who wish to do an additional internal course.

You’ll Learn How To:

Day 1 – Pregnancy: Learning Objectives
By the end of this day, participants will be able to:
 Identify common musculoskeletal and pelvic conditions encountered during pregnancy, including pelvic girdle pain, pubic symphysis pain, sacroiliac joint dysfunction and lumbopelvic instability.
 Conduct a safe and comprehensive history for pregnant patients, incorporating trimester-specific considerations, red flags and functional questioning.
 Perform an external musculoskeletal and functional assessment of the pelvis and lumbopelvic region in pregnancy, including load transfer, postural and movement analysis, and breath/pressure system screening.
 Apply appropriate manual therapy techniques for managing pain and dysfunction in pregnancy, considering physiological and mechanical changes.
 Demonstrate external strategies for supporting pelvic floor function and pressure management during pregnancy.
 Implement appropriate external bracing and taping techniques to assist with pelvic support and load management during pregnancy.
 Integrate exercise and movement retraining principles into management plans for pregnant patients, tailored to their stage of pregnancy and functional capacity.

Day 2 – Postpartum: Learning Objectives
By the end of this day, participants will be able to:
 Describe the typical physiological recovery processes following vaginal and caesarean birth and recognise red flags requiring referral.
 Take a comprehensive postpartum history, including mode of delivery, recovery challenges, continence, and return-to-activity goals.
 Perform an external assessment of the postpartum pelvis and core, including observation of posture, breathing mechanics, load transfer, abdominal separation (diastasis recti) and scar tissue mobility.
 Identify common postpartum presentations, including diastasis recti, caesarean scar adhesions, pelvic organ prolapse and persistent lumbopelvic pain.
 Apply appropriate manual therapy techniques to support postpartum recovery, including external pelvic floor release, soft tissue treatment and scar mobilisation.
 Prescribe and progress safe exercise programs for postpartum patients, integrating pelvic floor, core and functional strength training.
 Utilise external bracing, taping and support strategies to assist postpartum women returning to daily activities, sport or exercise.
 Develop patient-centred treatment and rehabilitation plans for postpartum presentations, with clear guidelines on load progression and return to exercise.

Teaching Style
This course will blend theory with plenty of hands-on practical learning, so come dressed for comfort and ready to move. Participants are encouraged to bring real-life
examples from their own clinical practice to spark discussion, share experiences, and apply concepts directly to patient care. Come with an open mind and collaborative spirit. This will be an interactive, supportive space to learn, experiment, and build confidence together to better the care for our pregnant and postpartum populations.

May Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th, 2026

9-5pm

AUT Millennium

Rosedale, Auckland

$950

16 CPD hours