Around the world, it is commonly understood that a woman’s body goes through incredible changes during and after pregnancy. Here in the United States, we are just beginning to understand how vital it is for a new mother to receive chiropractic care in the postpartum period. Chiropractors are specially trained to help ease the transition post-pregnancy. Having a baby is a life-changing experience, and adjusting to life with a new little one can be challenging. Even more so, if you’re dealing with postpartum pain or other health issues. That’s where chiropractic care can help.
I, myself, have been adjusted every week since the birth of our son, Isaac, and without a doubt it has helped me through this “fourth” trimester.
Here are five reasons why women should get adjusted postpartum:
- Post Birth Recovery:
Birth, as beautiful, magical, and powerful as it is, is still incredibly hard on your body. So much of your body has been “altered” during pregnancy and as you enter postpartum the body starts assessing itself and starting the process of healing and transitioning. Chiropractic can help make sure that the spine stays realigned so that the nervous system is communicating properly to allow your body to heal.
- Supports & Promotes Pelvic Rehabilitation
Birth is extremely hard work and as we go through labor, stress is put on the low back and pelvis, sometimes leading to less than ideal positions in order for the baby to come out. Getting adjusted after giving birth can help the low back and pelvis recover properly. As well, during pregnancy, our body is producing relaxin, which is a hormone that allows ligaments in the pelvis to relax and strengthen in preparation for labor and birth. This hormone doesn’t leave the body immediately after birth, so getting adjusted can help ensure that the ligaments tighten back up in a proper alignment.
- Postpartum Depression
Of course there are many parts to postpartum depression; however, what we know is that a chiropractic adjustment moves you into the prefrontal cortex of the brain. When we are operating from the prefrontal cortex, we are able to experience more joy.
- Signs of Core Dysfunction
The pregnant body is amazing. It morphs and changes throughout in order to carry and allow the baby to develop. With this, most mothers will experience a shift in the center of gravity, aka introducing the penguin walk, due to the weight distribution to the front of the body. As well, core muscles will loosen and stretch as the baby grows.
- Activating Parasympathetic Nervous System
Being a new mom can come with some additional stress, whether that is lack of sleep, trying to juggle life with a new baby, perhaps a hard, traumatic labor.. This stress will keep you in a sympathetic dominant state, which will make it hard for your body to properly heal.
If you’re a new mom, congratulations! You have plenty to keep you busy, but don’t forget to take care of yourself. Chiropractic adjustments can help with the aches and pains that come with carrying and delivering a baby. Postpartum chiropractic adjustments can also help restore your body to its pre-pregnancy state. So make an appointment today – your health (and your sanity) will thank you for it! Have you had a great experience with chiropractic care post-birth? I want to hear about it! Share your story in the comments below and send this to a friend who might find it helpful.