So you have been seeing a Webster Certified Chiropractor throughout your pregnancy, and now baby is here! What’s next during the postpartum period? I know that there is a new human in town, but as a new mother, it is important that you are taking care of yourself, both physically and emotionally, so that you can care for your growing family! One aspect of postpartum care that is often overlooked is Chiropractic care, and it can be so beneficial.
During pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through a lot of changes. Over the last nine months, hormone fluctuations that occur, such as an increase in relaxin, lead to a loosening of the ligaments to allow the pelvis to shift and adapt to the growing baby and allow passage through the birth canal. This can also lead to misalignments in the spine and pelvis, which is why it is crucial to receive chiropractic care during pregnancy. After the labor and delivery of your brand new babe, your body transitions into the fourth trimester of healing and shifting to its new normal. You’ve been through a lot! The physical changes in your body’s center of gravity at this time are more immediate, unlike during pregnancy where it takes about 40 weeks to gradually grow and adapt. This drastic change in a short time may cause discomfort in the low back and hips. Your body is settling into its proper place as the relaxin hormone leaves your body post-delivery. Relaxin hormone stops being produced after birth, and it takes about a month to leave your system. This makes it more difficult for a chiropractor to make changes in the body if you wait too long to get these misalignments corrected.
On top of that, during the postpartum period you are now getting used to carrying your babe outside of your body, and most likely spending a lot of time looking down at your precious little one. Whether you are nursing, bottle feeding, or holding your sleeping babe in new awkward positions, there can be extra strain on the neck and upper back, more commonly referred to as Nurser’s Neck or Mommy Neck. Chiropractic care can help to address misalignments in the spine and also provide relief from this tension that may also cause headaches and fatigue. Proper alignment can lead to better positioning and a more comfortable latch for both mother and baby.
Furthermore, during the postpartum period, your hormones are balancing and soft tissues are healing. The extreme transformations to your environment can be challenging as well, getting used to a new member of the family and their new schedule. In addition to addressing physical concerns, being under chiropractic care postpartum helps to provide emotional support for new mothers. The stress and mental demands of becoming a mother can take a toll on a woman’s body, and the relaxation and stress relief that comes with a chiropractic adjustment can be a valuable tool in managing these emotional changes. Freeing up any interference between the brain and body allows a new mother to heal and adapt to these major shifts once baby arrives.
Overall, chiropractic care can be a valuable addition to a new mother’s postpartum care plan. It can address physical concerns and provide emotional support during a time of great change. It is important to find a chiropractor who is certified in the Webster technique and has experience working with those in this season of life so that they are better able to understand your concerns. We can work with you to create a care plan that is tailored to you and your baby’s specific needs. It took you 9 months to get here, be graceful with yourself during this season and know you don’t have to do it alone!