Women's experiences of using the Alexander Technique in the postpartum: ´...in a way, it's just as beneficial as sleep.´

Abstract Background The postpartum is a transitional period and potentially challenging time of heightened vulnerability for women where self-care is compromised. Mothers can ignore their needs while prioritising baby care. The Alexander Technique (AT) is a holistic self-management technique shown to be effective in managing some psycho-physical tension issues and heightening self-efficacy and self-care. The AT has potential to help compromised aspects of maternal well-being in the postpartum. Objective To explore how women familiar with the AT use it for the key postpartum issues of Sleep and rest, one of three superordinate themes identified in a qualitative interview study. Design Semi-structured interviews via Skype. Research approach: Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Participants Seven women, with varying levels of AT experience, 4-13 months postpartum. Findings Participants used a variety of self-care strategies through modifying their self-management with respect to Sleep and rest. Identified sub-themes were the ‘knitting‘ of maternal and infant sleep, how participants rested using the AT and recognising maladaptive habits. Key conclusions Further research into the AT as an approach to supporting perinatal well-being is warranted. Implications for practice The AT has significance for self-management, self-care, addressing maternal needs for rest, restorative sleep as well as tension issues in the postpartum.