The diffuse term “adjustment disorder” describes problems after drastic changes or stressful events. The adjustment to the change is not successful, as those affected are overwhelmed with the new situation. This can lead to anxiety, feelings of being overwhelmed in everyday life, or depression. Physically, abdominal pain, circulatory problems, concentration difficulties or tension can occur. Babies can also develop symptoms of adjustment disorder after birth. Severe restlessness, prolonged crying, sleep disturbances and difficulties in feeding are among them, which overwhelms and exhausts parents and strains the parent-child relationship.
A practical example
Anna (32) has a difficult birth with her daughter. After a labor arrest, an emergency cesarean section is performed. Due to complications, the first contact between mother and child can only take place the day after the birth. The father Marco (34) is present at the birth, but helplessly exposed to the emergency situation. In the weeks after the birth, the baby cries for several hours a day and cannot be calmed down. It only falls asleep again and again briefly from exhaustion, without finding a sleep rhythm. It also does not drink at the breast and is reluctant to accept the bottle. Anna is just tired. After an exhausting and disappointing birth, she takes care of the crying child all day. She does not get to eat herself, and physical rest is hardly possible. The mother does not feel connected to her daughter and has secretly wondered if this is really her child. Marco sees the difficulties, but feels he cannot help either of them and also feels helpless. All three are exhausted.
Nourish and be nourished
The accompanying dialogue and observation of the parents provide the Shiatsu therapist with important information about possible causes of the family’s complaints and challenges. From this, therapy goals are developed together. Nurturing the mother is one of the central themes in the case of adjustment disorders. The treatment of the spleen and stomach earth meridians aims to centre Anna, strengthen her sense of motherhood and encourage her to better accept her body and nourish herself. This also helps her to develop love for her child and for herself as a mother. For babies, treatment of the anterior meridian family (lungs, large intestine, stomach, spleen) is important. This helps the baby to find its own centre and to develop trust in life and in its caregivers. The therapist often treats Anna and her child at the same time, treating the mother with one hand and remaining in contact with the child with the other. This external connection, especially when in contact with the mother’s spleen meridian, brings about deep relaxation and contentment in both of them.
Becoming a family
Later, the therapist suggests Anna to come alone once. During this time, Marco takes care of the child. The distance and the opportunity to satisfy her own needs help Anna enormously. She comes out of this treatment stronger. After a few individual sessions, she takes her daughter back with her. She is now much more relaxed at home and is slowly finding her rhythm. The therapy is completed by the inclusion of Marco. At first he feels a bit strange on the futon, but gradually relaxes. In contact with his wife and daughter, he remembers his helplessness during the birth and the first weeks at home. Then, during the treatment, he also feels a strong connection to Anna and her new role as a mother. He gains confidence in being a father and his place in the family. Shiatsu therapy has helped the whole family deal with the physical and emotional effects of the birth. As a result, they are starting the new phase of their lives stronger.