Prenatal & Postpartum Chiropractic FAQ

1. What is the most common question you get from pregnant women? New moms?

The most common question we get from pregnant women is if we can help them have their ideal birth experience. The answer is a big yes! Our goal and approach is to enhance both the pregnancy and birth journeys for mothers. We are certified in the well-known Webster technique for pregnancy. This gentle adjustment allows for proper motion and position of the pelvis and sacrum, giving baby more room to move into the ideal position for birth. The adjustment also promotes a more relaxed nervous system, leading to an safer, easier, and shorter birth experience. 

The most common question we hear from new moms is…

My baby is very inconsistent with sleep and breastfeeding. Is this normal?

Every new mother and baby need to find their own unique rhythm with sleep and nursing, and this can take a few days to weeks post-birth. However, sleeping well and breastfeeding well are innate and should become consistent for baby naturally. Difficulties can arise with sleep and breastfeeding for a number of reasons. The birth experience can cause a newborn’s nervous system to be stressed, interrupting natural hormonal balance and sleep patterns. Also, structural integrity of a baby’s head, neck, and jaw can be compromised during the birth process and can cause difficulty and discomfort while nursing. Gentle newborn adjustments allow a newborn to rest and digest with more comfort and ease. Also, these same adjustments allow for improved range of motion and comfort with nursing. Newborn adjustments are as light and gentle as checking the ripeness of a tomato. Most babies actually sleep peacefully through the whole experience. Healthy sleep patterns and breastfeeding with ease are natural experiences with pediatric chiropractic care. 

2. What ailments seen in pregnancy can be alleviated from chiropractic care?

Our focus in our office is always on optimizing the function of the nervous system. The nervous system is the master coordinator of the entire body. When the neurology and structure are in balance with prenatal chiropractic care, many of the common symptoms of pregnancy are alleviated. These include sciatica, constipation, headaches, pubic bone pain, heart burn, acid reflux, swelling, hip instability, lower back pain, leg cramps, insomnia, inflammation, immune system deficiency, carpal tunnel, high blood pressure, numbness, sinus congestion, fatigue, and more. 

3. What is the importance of postpartum care for mom and baby?

We always recommend postpartum care for mom and baby. For the mom, during this fourth trimester, her spine is adapting to the absence of baby in her belly. Adjustments aid beautifully in the process of realigning the spine and pelvis after birth. Also, having proper nerve supply from a well-tuned nervous system allows for more ease and comfort with nursing and caring for a newborn.

For baby, newborn adjustments are essential. The birth process can be extremely stressful and traumatic for an infant. In fact, a German medical researcher discovered that over 80% of the infants that he examined shortly after birth were suffering from injuries to their spines and nervous systems, which can manifest as a variety of health problems. These symptoms include colic, eczema, breastfeeding issues, immune challenges, ear infections, delayed development, and more. Gentle newborn adjustments clear any interference early on, preventing symptoms from arising and allowing the baby to grow and reach their full health potential throughout their lifetime. 

4. How do you see chiropractic care as an essential support for pregnant women?

Chiropractic care during pregnancy not only offers relief from common physical changes, but also helps prepare the body for birth by restoring balance within the nervous system. This balance is essential to ensure an optimal birth, and a happy, healthy newborn. A balanced nervous system also allows a woman to better adapt to daily stress, allowing her to be more calm and less anxious during pregnancy and postpartum

5. What is your biggest piece of advice for pregnant women and new moms? 

Our biggest piece of advice is to always trust your mommy intuition. Every day is a learning experience and your best is good enough. Every parent’s journey is unique. Follow your intuition and do what you believe is best for you and your child. The most important thing you can do for your child is to shower them with unconditional love and support them in their growth. Take a deep breath and embrace the journey of parenthood. Your child will match your energy. If you are stressed and insecure, your child will be stressed and insecure. Stop comparing yourself to other parents, and set the example for your child to embrace who they are with compassion and love. Don’t be so hard on yourself, you are doing great. We always go back to the phrase, “it takes a village to raise a child.” Do not hesitate to ask for help. There are many professionals and organizations here in Bend that exist to serve you and your child. At Pure Light, serving you and your child is our passion. We are here to support you and your family through every phase of life.