Chiropractic care for mother and child
Expectant mothers seek chiropractic care for a number of reasons. One of the most common reasons is maintaining spinal alignment and pelvic balance. When the spine is well-aligned and tension on the nervous system is minimal the body can function at its best. When the pelvis is balanced, pregnancy tends to be more comfortable for both the mother and the baby. Pelvic imbalance may limit the amount of space available for the developing baby. It may also make it difficult for the baby to get into the best possible position for delivery. Chiropractors can provide specific care to prevent this issue. The Webster technique is used to assess pelvic balance and correct misalignments during pregnancy.
Other reasons a woman may undergo chiropractic care before childbirth include general wellness, maintenance of good posture, relief of pregnancy-related pain, reduction of labour and delivery time, and advice on staying active throughout pregnancy.
Chiropractic care after childbirth can be extremely beneficial for both mother and child. Gentle adjusting techniques are used to help a new mom’s body recover from the stresses on muscles, joints, ligaments, and the nervous system.
Our chiropractors can provide recommendations on breastfeeding positions, baby carrying and baby-wearing, posture, and postnatal exercise including pelvic floor and core rehabilitation.
Many parents bring their child to see a chiropractor. The birthing process can be strenuous on both mother and baby. It is appropriate for a baby to be checked as soon as possible after birth. Unless a child has an obvious problem, it can be difficult for parents to know when to seek chiropractic care.
- There are some signs for parents to look for:
- The child’s head consistently being tilted to one side
- Feeding difficulties in the very young infant
- Favouring nursing from one particular side
As children learn to crawl, stand and walk, they take many tumbles. These apparently innocent, frequently occurring events can also create minor spinal trauma.
As children become older, prolonged sitting, carrying heavy backpacks and regular use of digital devices such as mobile phones and laptops, can create problems in their developing spine. Sport-related traumas are also a common reason parents seek chiropractic care. Chiropractic adjusting procedures are modified to fit the needs, size and unique spinal condition of the child.
It’s perfectly understandable if you’re still unsure about prenatal, postnatal and pediatric chiropractic. Many people aren’t even aware it’s an option! Please contact us with any questions you might have. And if you’re ready to book an appointment with us, you can do that too!