Prenatal care
for preconception, pregnancy & postpartum?
Yes! In fact, that is my focus. I strongly encourage my practice members to start chiropractic care before trying to conceive if possible and if not, coming in soon after conception and continuing care throughout their new journey. From preconception through postpartum, giving your body all the raw materials it needs to build a human from scratch, along with the restoration of your body’s natural function, is essential to set yourself up for the best possible outcome. During this time, the pregnant mother’s systems and organs are providing for two and their harmonious network is important for the baby’s healthy development. The mother’s entire body, especially her spine and pelvis, undergoes many changes and adaptations to support growing baby.
The benefits of chiropractic care can extend beyond pregnancy and into the postpartum period. Being adjusted before, during and after welcoming your baby can help your body better recover from the birth process. Dr. Brittany uses very specific and gentle techniques to support your body during this time of healing and restoration. While most of the focus shifts to the care and needs of the baby, mamas need just as much, if not more, attention, care and support during this time. Receiving chiropractic care in the weeks and months following birth can positively impact your postpartum journey physically, mentally and emotionally.
SUPPORT YOUR BODY
Being under chiropractic care throughout your pregnancy has many benefits. Research shows that pre/perinatal chiropractic care can contribute to a smoother labor and delivery with shorter labor times along with less pain and trauma for mother and child. Prenatal chiropractic care can improve the balance and alignment of the spine and pelvis which can help the uterus maintain its optimal position to create the best space for baby. Maintaining balance and proper function in your body can lead to a more comfortable pregnancy for both mother and baby.
Williams Obstetrics Text tells us that, “any contraction of the pelvic diameters that diminish the capacity of the pelvis can create dystocia (difficulty) during labor.” As stated, prenatal chiropractic care can help establish balance in the mother’s pelvis by restoring natural function to the reproductive organs and pelvic floor. Dr. Heidi Haavik’s research shows, prenatal chiropractic care “in the second trimester, increases the elevator hiatal area at rest and thus appears to relax the pelvic floor muscles.”
Due to a lifetime of stress to her body, spine and pelvis, her pelvic opening may be compromised, resulting in a less than optimum passage for baby. Specific techniques (including the Webster Technique, Logan and Thompson techniques) tailored to pregnant mothers help bring ease back to the mother’s pelvis, which can help reduce the possibility of intrauterine constraint. By receiving gentle, specific, nervous system-based care, your body can better support the needs of your baby throughout pregnancy.
Interested in booking a consultation? Click the book appointment tab in the upper right hand corner to schedule online. You can also call the practice or send me an email. Please note: you must complete an initial exam before booking any regular adjustment appointments. Thank you for your understanding.
cERTIFIED
I am certified in the Webster Technique from the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) and I truly believe if you’re under chiropractic care during pregnancy, your chiropractor should, at minimum, be certified in this technique. Of the 227+ credit hours it takes to become a Doctor of Chiropractic, the maximum some schools require is 16 credit hours (4 classes) on OBGYN and pediatrics. Some only require 4 credit hours (one class). In my opinion, it is not adequate enough to be able to serve a pregnant woman with care tailored to and with a thorough understanding of how her body is changing every single day.
You can check if your chiropractor is certified in the Webster Technique here. Using the ICPA database, you can change the search criteria to be specific to chiropractors in your area certified in the Webster Technique only by checking the “Webster” box.
You can also extend your search for chiropractors who have received their CACCP (Certification by the Academy Council of Chiropractic Pediatrics), meaning they took 19 additional courses, including the Webster Technique course + a written exam, to become a board certified prenatal and pediatric chiropractor and/or their DACCP meaning they have received diplomate status in this field (which is what I am currently working towards). I highly recommend finding a chiropractor who has taken the time to study and understand all the stages of pregnancy, postpartum and pediatric development. The best way to do this, is the call the practice and ask questions about their training. You should interview all practitioners you want to work with to see if they are the right fit.
The Webster Technique Defined
The Webster technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment designed for the pregnant body. The goal of the adjustment is to reduce the effects of sacral subluxation/sacroiliac joint dysfunction. In doing so, neuro-biomechanical function in the pelvis is improved. Dr. Larry Webster, founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), discovered this adjustment as a safe and gentle means to restore proper pelvic balance and function. The assessment includes heel flexion to the buttocks, with restricted flexion indicating the affected sacroiliac joint. Correction is made with a diversified, drop table, or instrumental sacral adjustment.
The ICPA recognizes that in a theoretical and clinical framework of the Webster Technique in the care of pregnant women, sacral subluxation may contribute to difficult labor for the mother (i.e. dystocia). The correction of sacral subluxation may have a positive effect on all of these causes of dystocia: uterine nerve interference, pelvic misalignment and the tightening and torsion of specific pelvic muscles and ligaments. The resulting tense muscles and ligaments and their aberrant (deviating from the usual or natural type) effect on the uterus may prevent the baby from comfortably assuming the best possible position for birth. It is the goal of the Webster Technique to restore balance and ease of the pelvis.
WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY
