Ask the Chiropractor
January 2009
How can chiropractic care help postpartum moms?
In the days and weeks that follow delivery, moms are working so hard. They are trying to take care of the new infant they have welcomed into the world, cope with the changes of motherhood, and enjoy the newest member of their family. Often times, moms are so busy taking care of everyone else, they forget that they need care too. Talk to any mother and she will tell you that giving birth was the most physical thing she has ever done. While musculoskeletal complaints are addressed during postpartum visits with a maternity care provider, they are not usually the main focus of the visit. This is where a chiropractor can help. All mothers should have their pelvis checked for alignment. It has moved and expanded so much to allow the baby to be born, you want to make sure everything settles back into the right place. Doing this early on can help mom's body recover faster and can lead to an easier transition as she returns to her everyday activities. Another tiny bone that many of us rarely think about, the coccyx or “tailbone”, can also be a source of discomfort in new moms. That little bone at the bottom of your spine can move during childbirth. Sometimes afterwards, it is in a position where it would not normally be. Or, it is moving too much, popping frequently. Both of these scenarios cause discomfort and are treatable by chiropractors.
The number one reason to see a chiropractor after childbirth is to help mom’s body adjust to the physical and postural demands of breastfeeding. Often times, mothers become so focused on the baby having a successful experience, they forget about themselves. Hours of holding a baby close to the breast and looking down at that amazing baby can lead to a lot of upper back, neck, and shoulder discomfort for moms. All of these are issues that chiropractors treat. In my practice, I always show moms tips for positioning their bodies to make themselves more comfortable while nursing. I also teach them stretches they can do at home to help keep their muscles loose and balanced. I strongly encourage all mothers to seek out chiropractic care after birth to facilitate the body's transition. At Zenana Spa and Wellness Center, anyone is welcome to come in for a free consultation to see how chiropractic care can help with their individual health concerns.
