The Benefits of Chiropractic Care Postpartum
When to see a Chiropractor Postpartum
I’ve got another AMAZING guest blogger, the one and only Dr. Stephanie Moody, Chiropractor and inspiring mama. She is sharing ALL about chiro care, postpartum care and how to look after you post babe.
The transition into motherhood is one of the biggest shifts in a women’s life on every level, physically, mentally and spiritually. Much attention is often paid to the physical changes that happen during pregnancy in order to prepare for the birth but the body undergoes a huge physical transformation both during and after birth that also needs to be tended to. The first 6 weeks are a time of healing. The body is recovering after the demands of birth and the pelvis, spine and organs shift from the change of no longer carrying a baby in your belly. This sacred time needs to be honoured rather feeling the pressure from society to get back to it all.
Rest and nourishment are crucial during this time period. I recommend that mothers rest as much as they can with strong emphasis on replenishing nutrients in order to heal. Gentle body work can absolutely help with the healing process during this time but I want the focus to be on staying at home, keeping warm and resting as much as possible rather than running around to a bunch of appointments. Often for patients who I have seen during pregnancy, I will offer in home check ups for both mom and baby within this time period. Chiropractic care postpartum is incredibly gentle and takes into account all of the hormonal and physical changes happening during this time. I recommend finding a chiropractor who has a focus in pregnancy and postpartum.
When to come in after having baby?
I usually recommend that patients come in whenever they feel ready to leave the house with baby, again with the emphasis being on rest. For many that is within 4-6 weeks, for some it’s after that, and some come in much earlier. However, if you feel that something is off or you are experiencing pain (low back, hip, tailbone, pelvic, neck, etc.), there is no need to wait it out, please come in as soon as possible.
Why see a Chiropractor Postpartum?
The First 6 weeks
Chiropractic care can be helpful in the healing process after having a baby. As the spine and pelvis adjust to the physical demands of birth and the shifts after pregnancy, gentle chiropractic adjustments combined with soft tissue work can help bring balance back into the body. When the pelvis and the spine are balanced it allows for optimal healing of the pelvic and abdominal organs. At this time restorative positions and breath work may also be recommended as part of the care.
After the First 6 Weeks
Chiropractic care after the first weeks is still incredibly helpful in the healing process. Often after 6 weeks we are working together with a pelvic health physiotherapist. Balancing the spine and the pelvis can help restore function of the pelvic floor and core. During this time the focus will be on connecting to pelvic and deep core muscles, as well as restoring stability. If you are breastfeeding at any point postpartum there will still be some increased laxity in the ligaments. It is still important during this time that treatments be gentle in order to account for increased motion in the joints. This isn’t a bad thing, it’s actually can be a time to set a strong foundation for the core and pelvic floor! Many women also report tension not just in the pelvis but in the mid back, neck or shoulders from carrying a little one all day. Chiropractic can also help with these symptoms as you transition into motherhood!
In Health,
Dr. Stephanie
Bio:
Dr. Stephanie Moody is a mother of two and a chiropractor with a focus in pre/postnatal, women’s health and pediatric wellness. She has dedicated her career to supporting women and their families throughout pregnancy, postpartum and all stages of motherhood.
After becoming a mother herself, she saw a gap in the care provided for women and families after baby arrives. Even as a women’s health professional, she felt lost in all the information and disconnected from her body and herself. It is her goal to set a new standard for postpartum care so that women feel connected in motherhood.
Dr. Stephanie practices and teaches workshops in Calgary, AB, where she combines gentle manual therapy, functional movement and education to help women connect to their body and themselves. She believes in the importance of community and supporting one another in motherhood. She created her website to bring together trusted resources in the community and quality, researched information on everything related to movement, motherhood, health, and nutrition.
www.drstephaniemoody.com
Ig: @drstephaniemoody
