Say What? Chiropractic Care is for Pregnant Women!
It’s never a dull moment at Inspire Chiropractic—to those looking in from the outside—it may seem like a daycare. I promise you, it’s a chiropractic office. And a typical day, when we see many children, brings joy to our hearts. In the past 3 years, since we opened here in Chattanooga, we’ve welcomed numerous pregnant moms and babies into our practice. People ask me, why do you want to see this population? Chiropractic care is for pregnant women? Really? What made you want to specialize in pregnancy and kids? Doesn’t it get chaotic?
I always remember this quote:
“If you can’t figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose!”
My passion is working with pregnant women because of my birth story. My purpose in life is to make every mom and baby feel that she is supported during her pregnancy and birth. At this point maybe you’re wondering why I didn’t become an OB-GYN if pregnant moms and babies are YOUR thing. I did consider it at one point, but the more I became familiar with chiropractic—and how it changed my life (Read Confessions of an Old Mom - What I Wish I Knew Back When)—I knew that chiropractic was the right path for me. It wasn’t until much later, after starting my chiropractic journey, that I knew working with pregnant moms would be my purpose.
To understand why working with pregnant moms is a natural fit for me, we have to go back 30 years. I was adopted from South Korea as a baby when I was 3 months old. My birth mother was a 15 year-old girl carrying a baby out of wedlock at a time and in a place where such a situation was totally unaccepted. While some may have seen the anguish, shame, and loneliness she must have felt, I see/imagine my birth mom as a strong woman. She was brave enough to believe in herself and seek help. My birth mother had great prenatal care but didn’t have chiropractic care. If only we knew what we know now about the benefits of chiropractic care, I might not have been born via forceps. Why is this important?
The obstetric literature has determined that when the pelvis and sacrum are aligned properly it can help decrease dystocia (difficult birth), which can be hard on mom and baby. Chiropractic adjustments to the pelvis and sacrum reduce stress to the nervous system. By reducing this stress on the nervous system, it is able to communicate and function optimally with all systems of the body.
In our office, we specialize in a technique specifically for pregnant moms. It’s called the Webster Technique. This technique is an analysis and specific adjustment to the sacrum and pelvis. The goal of the adjustment is to reduce the effects of sacral subluxation/ SI joint dysfunction. In so doing, neuro-biomechanical function in the pelvis is improved.
Additional research has shown that chiropractic care during pregnancy can:
Maintain a healthier pregnancy
Help control symptoms of nausea
Reduce the time of labor and delivery
Reduce the usage of pain medication
Relieve back, neck or joint pain
Decrease the risk of a potential cesarean delivery
So you can see why adjustments that can balance the sacrum and pelvis can be beneficial to both mom and baby.
Our clients have a running joke in the office that I put more miles on in the office from walking back and forth getting the pregnancy pillows than I do on any running trails. They laugh that I should just leave one of the tables permanently set up like that all day since I see so many moms-to-be. But I’d do it hundred times if I had to, because it is worth it when I hear moms say “Thank you Dr. Becky! You encouraged me to believe in myself!”
And, it looks like our joy in welcoming children into our office will continue. For, just while typing this blog post, two more babies have been welcomed into our practice!
If you’re thinking about trying for a baby or are already pregnant, Dr. Joe and I would love to be part of your team to help your body function optimally for birth! Come in for a chat and hear from our happy mamas. We look forward to meeting you!
Health & Happiness.
Dr. Becky :)