Here at Chiropractic By Hand we have a passion for helping women through pregnancy and the postnatal period. Focusing on being as reassuring and as gentle during what can be a scary and unfortunately uncomfortable time! Many women are unaware that chiropractic treatments can be beneficial during pregnancy and after birth and sadly just put up with pain and discomfort; often in their lower back and pelvis.
Pregnancy
Your body will change as it adapts to your growing baby. As well as changes in posture and mechanical stressors, your spinal curves will become exaggerated. The changes going on during pregnancy put more pressure on your pelvis and spinal joints. As your baby grows your body will be put under more and more stress.
If you decide to try chiropractic care for any pain or discomfort you are experiencing, or just to check your alignment, we will devise a care plan specific for your needs which could include safe exercises, stretches and gentle adjustments to your lower back and pelvis. Our chiropractors are also certified in the Webster technique.
The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic technique used to analyse and correct pelvic imbalances. It is commonly applied to pregnant women because the Webster’s technique is a very gentle yet powerful technique designed to ensure that the mother’s pelvis is well aligned and that the muscles and ligaments that surround the pelvis and womb are under normal tension.
More information on the Webster technique is available from the ICPA (International Chiropractic Pediatric Association) website
Postnatal Care
The transition a woman’s body goes through postnatally is often unrecognised, but after giving birth and for weeks (make that months!) afterwards her body will be undergoing a huge amount of changes as it recovers from the pregnancy and labour. Core muscles will have been stretched, the pelvis floor will be tender and the pregnancy hormones will still be floating around leaving everything a bit unstable.
Chiropractic postnatal care will aim to minimise pain and discomfort you may be experiencing and rebuild your strength with adjustments, exercises and stretches similar to those used in prenatal care. Positions during feeding or simply carrying your little one can also put new pressures on your back and shoulders which will all be taken into consideration, treated and discussed as required.
Many mothers find the Chiropractic By Hand experience, warmth and caring approach during their postnatal treatments a real comfort and help. Aside from the physical transitions, this period can be extremely emotional for women so receiving physical relief from discomfort in a caring and supportive environment is extremely important.