Benefits of Chiropractic Care
Have you every considered the benefits of utilizing a chiropractor during your pregnancy?
According to the American Pregnancy Association, (americanpregnancy.org), there are no contraindications to getting chiropractic care during your pregnancy. As always, as a registered nurse and certified childbirth educator, I do advise you to speak with your own OB-GYN or Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) about getting chiropractic care during your unique pregnancy. With that said, for many pregnant women with discomforts of the neck, back, and joints, chiropractic care may be the perfect fit for you!
Back in January, I had the pleasure of interviewing chiropractor Dr. Debra Dlug of Well Adjusted, LLC, about chiropractic care during pregnancy and learning more about the ways you may benefit from a regular adjustment, to help get that spine and pelvis in alignment, and make more space for baby to get into proper position for birth!
Strong as a Mother (SAAM): Hi Dr. Dlug, can you tell us a little bit about your credentials and background as a chiropractor?
Dr. Dlug (DD): I attended the University of Bridgeport Chiropractic College to receive my doctorate in Chiropractic. There, I was able to gain lots of experience working with a minor league baseball team, working with community clinics, a home office and more. During my senior year of chiropractic school I realized I wanted to gain more experience and education when it came to pregnancy and pediatrics. I took many seminars through the ICPA (International Chiropractic Pediatric Association) and learned the “Webster Technique” for pregnancy. After graduating, I began to practice out of an office in Brookfield, CT and more recently I have a space in Brewtser, NY.
SAAM: When should a pregnant woman consider going for chiropractic care and what should they look for when choosing a chiropractor?
(DD): It's never too early or too late to start care. I recommend finding a chiropractor who knows the Webster Technique. It’s important to find someone who has experience treating pregnant patient and who understands the process and different symptoms that go along with it. The Webster Technique is a non-aggressive adjustment that focuses on pelvic alignment. Balance in the pelvis is very important to allow the baby room to move and get into proper position, and also to allow equal pulling of ligaments and muscles. Plus, it helps with posture and other issues.
(SAAM) What are the benefits of chiropractor adjustments during pregnancy/postpartum and beyond?
(DD): Benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy can include:
Restoration of balance in pelvic bony structures, muscles and ligaments
Decreased pain caused my improper bio-mechanics
Reduced interference to the nervous system, which controls all the organs and body functions
Improved pelvic balance allowing the baby room to develop and move into position with minimal restrictions
Improvement in sleep and concentration throughout the day
Reduction in headaches
Reduced sacroiliac (SI) joint pain
Reduced neck, shoulder, lower back, and symphysis pubis pain
Better pelvic alignment, which could contribute to breech position
Help with center of gravity and posture changes
Postpartum Benefits: Continuing chiropractic adjustments postpartum are just as important whether you deliver vaginally or cesarean. You’re body goes through a lot and it’s important to restore the alignment of the pelvis and address other areas of the body. The postpartum period can be a long healing process and very little may be discussed at the 6-week follow up appointment with your OB-GYN such as: diastasis recti, pelvic floor issues (leaking, tightness, pain etc), breastfeeding issues and pain, lower back pain and more. After trying to find my own resources, I decided to take a certification course to educate myself about common conditions in the postpartum period, not only to help myself but to help other moms as well. It’s important to be able to have an open dialogue about postpartum issues before they become long term.
***Dr. Dlug is offering a no out of pocket expense consultation for anyone that has any questions for her. Mention "Strong as a Mother" when you speak with her. Learn more about her services and contact her on her website, https://welladjustedllc.com/
***Dr. Lindsay Portillo, who is also Webster Technique certified and based out of Stratford, CT is also offering a free consultation when you mention "Strong as a Mother." Learn more about her services at www.truehealthct.com
That concludes today's blog, but I wanted to share some other tips to help you manage join, back and other pregnancy discomforts. Some things you can try include:
Regular Exercise
Maintaining appropriate weight gain with pregnancy
Yoga practice
Reikii
Comfortable, supportive clothing and shoes
Pregnancy support bands
Pregnancy Pillows
Hope you enjoyed learning more about chiropractic care and pregnancy. May you be "Strong as a Mother" today, and every day.