3 Things to look for in a Pregnancy & Postpartum Chiropractor
It’s not uncommon for chiropractors to be met with weird looks when asking a pregnant woman who her current chiropractor is.
Usually, the response is along the lines of “why would I need to see a chiropractor if I’m pregnant?” or “there is no way that’s safe; I’m in a delicate state.”
While I agree that all pregnancies are special in their own way, chiropractic care during pregnancy (and the first year postpartum) is one of the most effective and efficient ways to bring a healthy and happy baby into the world.
If you’re reading this particular article, you’re likely ready to take the next step in figuring out what to look for when finding a chiropractor for your pregnancy and postpartum recovery journeys!
First off, CONGRATULATIONS MAMA! 🎉🎉🎉
Let’s dive in.
I’m an advocate for all mothers to get checked & adjusted regularly by a chiropractor, especially during pregnancy and the first year postpartum. The body and mind go through so many changes during these phases— it only makes sense to add supportive modalities to the self care regime.
No matter how smooth or rough your pregnancy and birth may have been— the birth itself is, with a doubt, a shock to a woman’s body. The body has worked overtime for 40ish weeks growing a human, and continues to work just has hard, if not harder, afterward to heal all the muscles, ligaments, and rebalance hormones on top of nourishing and caring for a newborn. Mothers are actual superheroes and we must treat them with all the love and respect. Knowing this, receiving physical support along the healing journey can only help. A pregnancy and postpartum chiropractor can provide support during pregnancy and after birth.
“The lasting effects birth has on the health of infants, children, and especially mothers is not something that is addressed in conventional healthcare. ”
Immediately following a woman’s birth, the body immediately begins working to tighten ligaments, realign organs, and realign bones. It is a process that takes time (up to 2 years), and while this is happening, postpartum mothers are altering their bodies by holding their new baby, learning to breastfeed, and surviving in a state of exhaustion. A new mother’s body is not in its peak performance state.
Seeing a chiropractor after birth grants mothers the ability to jump-start their body’s healing process. Chiropractic care ensures proper blood flow to these tightening ligaments, aligns the spine to allow proper communication within the nervous system (the way the brain and body communicate), and as an added bonus can alleviate aches, pains, and other symptoms.
As a mom myself, I literally can’t think of anything better.
3 things to look for when finding a Perinatal Chiropractor
The #1 thing you should look for in a chiropractor is someone who talks about your nervous system
YES. THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. Why???
Pain is the last sign of dysfunction— much like the “check engine” light is the last warning to come before your car starts to really break down. There is a lot more happening within your body before you physically feel it. A side effect of getting your spine adjusted — the structure surrounding the spinal cord part of the central nervous system— is that your pain goes away. Neurology-focused chiropractors can make adjustments that affect your neurology in real time!
This looks like: activating certain muscle groups, dampening opposing muscle groups, affecting postural musculoskeletal structures, removing tension so the body can move freely. Doesn’t that sound AMAZING? Chiropractic is not just about back pain or neck pain—though we are really good at getting you out of pain.
#2: Find a chiropractor who knows the pelvis inside and out
There are a lot of chiropractors who focus on specific parts of the body– such as the base of the skull and upper neck (hey, Dr. Ian!) , extremities, or the entire spine. While these are great for the general population, a woman in pregnancy and postpartum recovery would benefit more from a chiropractor who is versed in the pelvis.
Note: internal pelvic work is never to be performed by a chiropractor unless otherwise allowed by the State Chiropractic Board
The pelvis is baby’s home. It’s a mother’s center of gravity. The pelvis undergoes the most physical changes before and after the birth (besides your brain), and a chiropractor who is well-versed in the pelvic region, more so someone who is Webster Certified, can assist in optimizing pelvic function prior to birth and provide additional support during recovery.
#3: Find a chiropractor who works with other local professionals in the birthing community
These can be doulas, midwives, obstetricians, and/or prenatal yoga instructors to name a few. Birth professionals will typically have a good knowledge as to which local chiropractors they trust and refer. If a chiropractor advertises themselves as “a pregnancy and postpartum chiropractor” but does not associate themselves with anyone in the local birth community, that would raise some suspicion. It’s worth asking around!
CLOSING THOUGHTS
There is no such thing as “the perfect chiropractor”, but there is such a thing as the perfect chiropractor for YOUR specific needs.
Chiropractic is a safe, gentle, and effective way to address nerve dysfunction and promote overall wellness in the newborn, growing child, and mama. Many mothers insist on getting checked regularly by chiropractors as part of a healthy lifestyle to help with the birth experience and to recover as efficiently as possible.
