It is not uncommon for chiropractors to be met with a look of SHOCK when asking a pregnant woman who her current chiropractor is.

Usually, the response is along the lines of “why would I need to see a chiropractor– I’m pregnant?” or “there is no way that’s safe; I’m in a delicate state.”

While I agree that all pregnancies are special in their own way, chiropractic care during pregnancy (and after!) is one of the most effective and efficient ways to bring a healthy and happy baby into this world.

If you’re reading this particular article, however, I’m betting you’re ready to take that next step in figuring out what exactly to look for when finding a chiropractor during the pre _and _postnatal periods (aka perinatal period).

Let’s dive in.

I am a strong advocate for all mothers (expecting and otherwise) to get checked & adjusted regularly by a specialized perinatal chiropractor, especially during pregnancy and more so postpartum recovery.

No matter how smooth or rough your pregnancy and/or birth may have been, the birth itself is, with a doubt, a shock to a woman’s body. It’s worked overtime over 40 weeks growing a human, and now must work just has hard, if not harder, to heal all the muscles, ligaments, and rebalance hormones. Given this huge amount of responsibility it has, getting physical support along the healing journey is always a great idea. A perinatal chiropractor can provide support during pregnancy and after birth.

The lasting effects birth has on the health of infants, children, and _especially _mothers is not something that is addressed in conventional healthcare.

Immediately following a woman’s birth, the body immediately begins working to tighten ligaments, realign organs, and realign bones. It is a process that takes TIME (up to a year in fact!), and while this is happening, postpartum mothers are altering their bodies by holding their new baby, learning to breastfeed, and surviving in a state of exhaustion. A new mother’s body is not in its peak performance state.

Seeing a chiropractor after birth grants mothers the ability to jump-start their body’s healing process. Chiropractic care ensures proper blood flow to these tightening ligaments, aligns the spine to allow proper communication within the nervous system (the way the brain and body communicate), and as an added bonus can alleviate aches, pains, and other symptoms.

3 things to look for when finding a perinatal chiropractor

#1: The #1 thing you should look for in a chiropractor is someone who talks about your nervous system.

Pain is the _last _sign of dysfunction— much like the “check engine” light is the last warning to come before your car starts to really break down. There is a lot more happening within your body before you physically feel it. A side effect of removing interference to your body’s nervous system — which allows your body to heal itself — is that your pain goes away. Chiropractic is not just about back pain or neck pain—though we are really good at getting you out of pain!

#2: Find a chiropractor who knows the pelvis inside and out.

There are a lot of chiropractors who focus on specific parts of the body– such as the base of the skull, extremities, or the entire spine. While these are great for the general population, a woman in the pre + post natal periods would benefit more from a chiropractor who is versed in the pelvic region. This is baby’s home. It’s your center of gravity. This area (besides your brain) undergoes the most physical changes before and after the birth. A chiropractor who is well-versed in the pelvic region, more so someone who is Webster Certified, can assist in optimizing pelvic function prior to birth and provide additional support during recovery.
FIND A WEBSTER CERTIFIED CHIRO NEAR ME

#3: Find a chiropractor who works with other local professionals in the birthing community.

These can be doulas, midwives, obstetricians, and/or prenatal yoga instructors to name a few. Birth professionals will typically have a good knowledge as to which local chiropractors they trust and refer. If a chiropractor advertises themselves as “a perinatal chiropractor” but does not associate themselves with anyone in the local birth community, that would raise some suspicion. Ask around!

CLOSING THOUGHTS

There is no such thing as “the perfect chiropractor”, but there is such a thing as the perfect chiropractor for YOUR specific needs.
Chiropractic is a safe, gentle, and effective way to address nerve dysfunction and promote overall wellness in the newborn, growing child, and pre + postnatal mama. Many mothers insist on getting checked regularly by chiropractors as part of a healthy lifestyle to help with the birth experience and to recover as efficiently as possible.