PRENATAL CARE
Prenatal Chiropractic
As Webster Technique certified practitioners and as members of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), our doctors are experts in supporting women throughout their pregnancy. There is a notion that back pain and discomfort is normal during pregnancy. Although your body is going through many physical changes, there is no reason you cannot have an awesome, amazing, fit & stellar experience.
Our doctors use standard, diversified techniques (and light force when necessary) to help you through every stage of your pregnancy. The Webster Technique is specifically geared towards creating a neutral pelvis and therefore decreasing the incidence of pelvic torsion and creating an environment for optimal fetal positioning. Chiropractic care during pregnancy is intended to promote a healthy pregnancy and an uneventful labor and delivery.
Prenatal Kinesiology Taping
Kinesiology Taping during pregnancy can be used in many ways. The “baby belt” application provides a lot of relief for pubic bone and lower abdominal pain. It makes sleeping during pregnancy more comfortable and makes it easier to move. In general, this taping application is much more comfortable than a typical belt worn during pregnancy. It also eases rib and belly pain with sitting. Explore our prenatal taping videos in our video resource library.
Manual Therapy During Pregnancy
Many of our sports-specific manual therapy techniques are very effective during pregnancy. Our doctors often introduce the Graston Technique or Myofascial Release to address soft tissue pain including rib pain, groin pain, hip pain, glute pain or any other muscle or ligament pain that may creep up during the adventure that is pregnancy. Our goal is to keep our fit, prenatal patients as comfortable and active as possible. We want you to truly enjoy every aspect of being pregnant.
Prenatal Massage
Prenatal bodywork is similar to Swedish Massage, with a focus on easing discomforts associated with pregnancy, such as water-retention, swelling, back aches, leg cramps and hip pain. It improves skin’s elasticity and eases mental and physical tension. Washington Park Chiropractic utilizes a special Prenatal Massage table that features cut outs for the belly and breasts. The table also features an adjustable sling under the belly cut-out to offer full support the belly. With this Prenatal Massage table it’s finally possible for the mother-to-be to relax comfortably in a face-down position during massage therapy. This innovative table is the result of extensive research and development by nurse-midwives, massage therapists, and engineers. We also utilize a wedge that allows the mother to be able to lay on their back in the upright position. When it gets close to the end of your pregnancy, our massage therapist can do a special induction massage that includes trigger points and essential oil blends.
Prenatal Acupuncture
Acupuncture is very helpful to the expectant mother who may be experiencing imbalances like morning sickness, constipation, heartburn, back pain, carpal tunnel, etc. But more importantly it is used to support both the mom and baby through each stage of growth and development to ensure the placenta and thus baby are getting proper blood flow and nutrients. In the later stages of pregnancy acupuncture can be used to help turn breech babies and prepare mom and baby for labor and delivery. Postpartum treatments are also very beneficial for replenishing mom. Growing a baby, giving birth and breastfeeding are very depleting to the body and acupuncture can help to replenish the energy and fluids of the body as well as help with any issues with milk production and flow.
Prenatal Nutrition
Pregnancy is such an exciting time in a woman’s life, and the most important time to eat a healthy balanced diet; you are building a human after all! Nutrition needs vary from conception to pregnancy and from pregnancy to postpartum. Preconception is all about hormone balance and becoming as healthy as possible, during pregnancy the main focus is nourishing mom and baby, and postpartum we are zoning in on healing, re-balancing and lactation if you are breastfeeding. This is an ideal time to reevaluate your diet to ensure that you are meeting the nutritional requirements to feel your best during this exciting time! Let our nutritionist Kebbie Stine help guide you on this amazing journey.
Our Prenatal and Postpartum Recommendations
Find our comprehensible downloadable treatment plan recommendations in our resource library.
A Team of Providers
As you are assembling your team of providers during your pregnancy. Remember that you are the most important part of your team! You have the ability to choose your support team. Having the right team is imperative for an easy, fun pregnancy and a low-stress, progressive labor and delivery. Our recommendation is to have the following:
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Spouse or partner who can be your labor partner and support you emotionally
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Midwife / OB-GYN who supports your birth plan (If you need recommendations please ask our providers!!)
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Chiropractor (that's us!!) who will support your physical ability to have a wonderful pregnancy and labor and delivery
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Doula who will take the pressure off your birth partner and provide experience during the labor process.
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Acupuncturist who can help ease pregnancy symptoms, support you and baby through pregnancy, help stimulate labor when it is time and support you in postpartum.
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Nutritionist who will take you through each stage of pregnancy and postpartum making sure you nourish yourself and your baby appropriately
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Fitness trainer or program that is supportive and scaleable during pregnancy.
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Massage Therapist to ease your physical and mental tension
Hypno-Birthing
Did you know we work with a local doula, Jacie Gonzales? She hosts a series of hypno-birthing classes at WPC on Wednesday nights. In this five week series of classes, you will learn many techniques that encourage a safe, calm and peaceful birth. This comprehensive childbirth class will fully prepare you for a natural birth leaving you feeling confident, relaxed and empowered! You can register for this series HERE.
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