Prenatal | Postnatal | Paediatric Chiropractic

Let’s face it, having a baby is not easy on your body, both physically and mentally. There is sleep deprivation, the endless breastfeeding and diaper changing, the new mentality of putting your baby before you own needs. Frankly it is exhausting. However, what I do know is that as a mom, we need you to be ok and that begins with a little self-love. Since this topic is very near and dear to my heart, I decided to compile my top 5 reasons to see a Chiropractor post-partum.

1. Realignment of the pelvis to ensure optimal functioning of the nervous system.

This is the bottom line of what I do on a daily basis! I ensure that our nervous system is functioning properly – this includes gentle and effecting spinal adjustments and mobilizations to the spine to help alleviate low back and pelvic pain not only during pregnancy but after as well. A lot of my patients also suffer from pregnancy related sciatic nerve pain. Realigning and balancing the pelvis ensures optional function of the nerves to the rest of the body.

2. To assess for Diastasis Recti.

Diastasis what? This is the separation of the abdominal muscles associated with pregnancy and post pregnancy. Diastasis recti reduces the integrity and functional strength of the abdominal wall and can aggravate lower back pain and pelvic instability. It is important to be assessed for this condition to ensure that we are rehabilitating the core and pelvic floor safely and properly.

3. Help alleviate mid back, rib and neck pain associated with holding and breastfeeding your beautiful new baby.

Many of my new moms complain of mid back, rib and neck pain. Although this common, it is important to know that it is not normal. This is due to a

change in posture that is associated with repeated picking up, looking down, holding and breastfeeding your newborn baby.

4. Support the body through its transition to post-partum exercise.

A lot of new moms and anxious to get back to their “old bodies” but given all the things I have mentioned above, it must be a guided transition which allows the body to slowly return to its natural balance. Using a Chiropractor to help with the aches and pains associated with return to exercise programs as well as tips for proper techniques will ensure a safe and efficient return to homeostasis.

5. Provide as a physical and emotional support to help avoid any symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD).

I’ve had many new moms come to me and say that they feel as though “their bodies are falling apart”. Although this is not true, it does contribute to some of the feelings associated with PPD after birth. Chiropractic care can offer an alternative way to help heal the body which in turn will allow you to be pain free and better deal issues as they arise instead of focusing on the physical pain.

If you are experiencing pre and post-natal pains please reach out to your healthcare provider for options. Your chiropractor is always ready to assist you to help ensure you have a better pregnancy and motherhood.

Chiropractors are trained to assess both the sacrum and pelvis but this technique takes a little extra care and attention to both the mom-to-be and baby. Webster Certified Chiropractors use an adjustment that is a specific sacral and pelvic adjustment to help facilitate the mother’s pelvic alignment and nervous system function. Along with this gentle adjustment we also release any tension created by the round ligament of the uterus and any pelvic ligaments, along with muscle release. This in turn balances pelvic muscles and ligaments and reduces any torsion to the uterus allowing for the baby to get into an optimal fetal position. The July/August issue of the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics reported an 82% success rate for the Webster Technique.

What is also important to note is that in my practice, I use the Webster Technique along with other techniques that may be required to help women throughout their entire pregnancy as a lot of moms are coming in for what I refer to as a “Wellness Pregnancy” – this is one where they currently are not having any issues or pain but are coming to help promote easier and quicker deliveries and that is something all women can benefit from! In fact, our current research is revealing the benefits of receiving the Webster technique throughout pregnancy for the prevention of dystocia (difficult labour and birth).

If you are in the HRM and surrounding areas and have any questions on how Chiropractic can assist you during pregnancy, please feel to call Coastal Sports & Wellness at 902-404-8034 or email me at michelle@coastalsportsandwellness.com and I would be thrilled to answer any of your questions.

If you are not located in this area and are wondering if there is a Chiropractor in your region who is Webster Technique Certified, you can use this link to find one:

http://icpa4kids.org/Find-a-Chiropractor/

Yours in Health,

Dr. Michelle MacDonald

 Dr. MacDonald spent 5 years taking courses and studying with The International Chiropractic Paediatric Association in preconception, prenatal, postnatal and paediatric chiropractic care. In 2016, she finished her research and completed her paediatric exam to obtain her CACCP designation through the Academy of Chiropractic Family Practice. Dr. MacDonald is currently the only Chiropractor in Atlantic Canada to hold this designation.

Dr. Michelle MacDonald graduated from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in 2010 cum laude and clinic honours. Upon graduation, she received the Gilbert H. Young Memorial Award for attaining the highest average in her clinical year. Dr. MacDonald has spent the past 7 years working in Toronto and is finally happy to return back to the beautiful province of Nova Scotia. She was born and raised in Brookfield, NS and then achieved her undergrad degree at St. Francis Xavier University.