Pregnancy Ball Exercises
Whether you’re feeling discomfort in pregnancy or you’re simply looking for ways to prepare your body for labor, try exercising with a fitness ball. A fitness ball is a good exercise aid for pregnant women because it provides the support you need and gently works your abdominal muscles without putting pressure on your back or pelvis.
Whether you’re feeling discomfort in pregnancy or you’re simply looking for ways to prepare your body for labor, try exercising with a fitness ball. A fitness ball is a good exercise aid for pregnant women because it provides the support you need and gently works your abdominal muscles without putting pressure on your back or pelvis.
The pregnancy ball exercises Dr. Becky explains in the video can help relieve tension or pressure in your hips and lower back. Plus, they’re a great addition to your chiropractic care for promoting balance and preparing for birth.
Doing these exercises regularly is one of the best ways to prepare for labor. The pregnancy ball exercises are low-intensity, and they:
aid overall comfort
strengthen your lower back
support the pelvis
balance your ligaments and muscles
*If any of these movements cause pain, stop and contact your health care provider.
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You're In Charge When Giving Birth
Today’s expectant moms have a lot of choices: traditional hospital delivery, water birth, home birth, birthing center, vaginal or C-section, midwife or obstetrician . . . the options are endless. In the end, don’t lose sight of the fact that it's your baby, your body, and your choice. And, most importantly, remember that you’re in charge when giving birth.
Today’s expectant moms have a lot of choices: traditional hospital delivery, water birth, home birth, birthing center, vaginal or C-section, midwife or obstetrician . . . the options are many. Well-meaning family and friends may share their thoughts with you, and even your health care providers may state opinions that can sound definitive. In the end, though, you’re in charge when giving birth and making choices about your birth experience.
“How to give birth is a choice that women need not surrender to others.”
That’s not to say you should ignore medical advice or make all the decisions without consulting your partner, but you should definitely do your research and weigh your options. After all, it's your baby, your body, your choice.
Explore your options
Research the hospitals and birthing centers in your area. See what they have to offer, and talk with friends and family who have recently delivered - they can be the best source of honest information! You’ll also want to investigate what your insurance plan covers. Lastly, discuss your options with your practitioner. He or she can help steer you in the right direction, based on your pregnancy and your wishes.
Talk with your partner
As previously mentioned, there are a lot of decisions to make, and it can get overwhelming, especially when you consider the hormonal rollercoaster you’re riding. That’s where discussing options with your partner comes into play. Describe the experience you envision and the route with which you feel the most comfortable. Ask what your partner is thinking, so you can talk out any worries and wishes for the birth. Ultimately, the decision is yours, but it can help to talk things through, and it allows your co-parent to feel involved in the process.
Consider your health care providers
It’s not just the where and the how that you’re in charge of; you get to dictate who is involved in your delivery, as well.
Obstetricians are medical doctors who specialize in pregnancy, childbirth and a woman’s reproductive system. Obstetricians typically perform deliveries in a hospital. Women who have had complications in past pregnancies and those at a higher risk may be more likely to chose an obstetrician for their delivery.
Midwives are trained health professionals who assist healthy women with their delivery and postpartum care. Most midwives offer care that is flexible and individualized with minimal medical intervention. They may, however, limit their care to low-risk pregnancies.
Doulas are women who provide guidance and support to the mom during labor. Doulas typically do not have formal medical training, so they do not administer medication or give medical advice. Doulas do work alongside an obstetrician or midwife. Doulas can also support moms post-partum. Learn more about doulas on our blog, Doula or Don’t Ya?
These health care options are not exclusive of one another. As mentioned, doulas work with obstetricians and midwives, and midwives and obstetricians sometimes work together. Ask plenty of questions when talking to health care providers, so you can find the right person or team for your baby’s birth.
Regardless of where you decide to have your baby, how you have him or her, or who helps with the delivery, remember that you’re in charge. Sometimes, though, your sweet little bundle has their own idea of how they want to enter the world, so have a plan and a back-up plan, just in case.
For more information, read the full article, Taking Charge of Giving Birth, in Pathways to Family Wellness, issues #24 and #64.
Also consider these 10 Things About Giving Birth.
Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
Many pregnant women experience pubic pain. Too often, this pain is dismissed by doctors and midwives as minor, a part of pregnancy to be endured, or even cause for a cesarean section. If your’e experiencing pelvic pain during pregnancy, don’t lose hope! There are things you can do, including getting chiropractic care, to reduce your discomfort and avoid an unnecessary c-section.
Many pregnant women experience pubic pain. Too often, this pain is dismissed by doctors and midwives as minor, a part of pregnancy to be endured, or even cause for a cesarean section. If your’e experiencing pelvic pain during pregnancy, don’t lose hope! There are things you can do, including getting chiropractic care, to reduce your discomfort and avoid an unnecessary c-section.
The condition behind your pain is known as Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD). You may also hear it called “pubic shear (an osteopathic term), symphyseal separation, pubic symphysis separation, separated symphysis, pelvic girdle relaxation of pregnancy, and pelvic joint syndrome.” Whatever you call it, the pain is real and doesn’t always go away immediately after your baby is born.
Related: Why Chiropractic Care is Essential in Pregnancy.
Symptoms of SPD vary from person to person but may include:
tenderness and pain near the pubic bone
pain when lifting one leg or separating your legs
the sensation of your pelvic area seizing when you first get out of bed
a clicking or shifting feeling when you walk or move a certain way
round ligament pain
bladder dysfunction
limited range of motion in your hips
If you’re experiencing pelvic pain during pregnancy, consider chiropractic as a treatment option. Chiropractic adjustments can treat the underlying problem of pelvic subluxation and offer you relief.
“The pubic symphysis pain is most likely caused by pelvic subluxation. The pelvis is a ring, so if one of the joints misaligns and is fixated, the others will undergo more and unusual stresses. The production of the hormone relaxin during pregnancy loosens the normally taught ligaments of the sacroiliac joints, allowing them to subluxate more easily and more frequently.”
Chiropractic care to realign your soft tissue and pelvic girdle may be the best course of action for resolving pelvic pain during pregnancy due to SPD, but these are other approaches you can take to address lingering pelvic and lower back discomfort. From the article, Pelvic Pain: Symphysis, Pubis, Dysfunction:
Use a pillow between your legs or under your “bump” (pregnancy tummy) when sleeping—body pillows are a great investment!
Try to keep your legs and hips as parallel as possible when moving or turning in bed
Some women also find it helpful to have their partners stabilize their hips and hold them “together” when rolling over in bed or otherwise adjusting position
Some women report a waterbed mattress to be helpful
Swimming may help relieve pressure on the joint
Deep water aerobics or deep water running may be helpful as well
Keep your legs close together and move symmetrically
When standing, stand symmetrically, with your weight evenly distributed through both legs
Sit down to get dressed, especially when putting on underwear or pants
Avoid “straddle” movements
Swing your legs together as a unit when getting in and out of cars; use something smooth and slippery (like a garbage bag) on the car seat to help you enter car backwards and then turn your legs as a unit
An ice pack may feel soothing and help reduce inflammation in the pubic area
Move slowly and without sudden movements
If sex is uncomfortable for you, use lots of pillows under your knees, or try other positions
If bending over to pick up objects is difficult, there are devices available that can help with this
Some women report that pelvic binders or maternity support belts are helpful for pelvic pain; brands in the US include Prenatal Cradle, BabyHugger, and the Reenie Belt. However, if the pelvic bones are really misaligned, some women report more pain with these. Listen to your body on whether to use these.
Read the full article, Pelvic Pain: Symphysis, Pubis, Dysfunction, in Pathways to Family Wellness, issue #16.
12 Things Pregnant Women Can Stop Worrying About
When you’re pregnant, you worry about all kinds of things. And when you’re pregnant during a pandemic, your stress level may hit new highs as you add new worries to your list. We’ve found a list of 12 things you can stop worrying about, so you can stress less and enjoy your pregnancy more.
When you’re pregnant, you worry about all kinds of things. And when you’re pregnant during a pandemic, your stress level may hit new highs as you add new worries to your list. We’ve found a list of 12 things you can stop worrying about, so you can stress less and enjoy your pregnancy more.
Dr. Aviva Romm is an obstetrician, a midwife, a mother of four, and an advocate for blending natural and conventional medicine for your best health. She’s compiled this list of 12 things pregnant women can stop worrying about, and she reminds us that most babies are born healthy. Those that aren’t tend to have health issues that aren’t your fault. Instead of worrying about the what if's, it can be helpful to make educated choices and pay attention to the risks that you can avoid.
“Most babies are born healthy – even perfect. And when there is a problem, it’s just not your fault. Period.”
Here’s her list of 12 things to stop worrying about:
Harming your baby.
If you’re reading this, you’re probably already avoiding the most dangerous activities for your babies, like drinking in excess or using drugs. Chances are, you’re not going to do anything that could harm your baby.Eating for two.
The need to eat for two is a myth. During your first and second trimesters, you don’t need to increase your caloric intake. During your final trimester, you only need to add about 300 calories to what you’d normally eat. This is not the time to throw your usual healthy diet out the window! What matters more than the calories you consume is eating a variety of nutritious foods to support your body and your baby during pregnancy. (see Embrace Real Food for Pregnancy)Having sex during pregnancy.
It’s totally fine to have sex during pregnancy if you feel comfortable and safe to do so. If you're concerned about your partner passing a disease on to your baby this would be a good conversation to have with your midwife or doctor. Also, if you’re experiencing symptoms of pre-term labor, miscarriage, or your have placenta previa, avoid sex until you’ve been cleared by your midwife or doctor.Eating foods that could give your baby allergies.
Unless you need to avoid certain foods for your own allergies or health concerns, there’s no need to restrict certain foods while pregnant. In fact, eating a wide variety of nutritious foods may actually be more beneficial to your baby, in terms of allergy prevention and overall health.Sleeping on your back.
This is not something to worry about until you’re six months pregnant. And even then, don’t panic if you wake up on your back! Yes, that position can restrict blood flow to you and your baby, but it’s unlikely that briefly sleeping on your back will harm your baby.Stress during pregnancy.
Normal daily stress won’t harm your baby’s long-term mental health. Extreme stress, like living in a war zone or with domestic violence, may be a different story. For most of us, though, stressing about our stress is unproductive. Try practicing gratitude instead. Check out our 30 Days of Gratitude blogs for daily prompts!Being a vegan or vegetarian.
It’s totally possible to have a healthy pregnancy as a vegan or vegetarian. You may have to try a little harder to incorporate plenty of protein, calcium and iron, though. Talk to your midwife, doctor or nutritionist to make sure you’re meeting your nutritional needs while pregnant.Normal pregnancy symptoms.
Bleeding gums, a stuffy nose, and sensitivity to certain smells are just a few of the weird symptoms you may experience while pregnant. Educate yourself about pregnancy symptoms, so you’ll know what’s normal and what’s not. Talk with your midwife or doctor about any that seem serious, then let the others go.What labor will be like.
”The best thing you can do is prepare for labor.” Very few women will tell you their labors went exactly as planned. Our babies and our bodies will dictate what actually happens, so be gentle with yourself. Take birthing classes, learn about the kind of birth you’d like to have, then “move gracefully through any obstacles on the way.”Dying.
Death is a fear shared by many pregnant women, but the reality is that the infant mortality rate is very low, as is the chance of a healthy woman dying in childbirth. Try journaling about your thoughts, and talk to your doctor or a therapist if you just can’t shake this fear.What other people think.
Your mom, your sister, your best friend and even the random stranger at the store all have their own ideas about what you should and shouldn’t do while pregnant. And while their opinions have good intentions, the only opinion that matters is yours and the choices that are healthy and comfortable for you.Being “The Perfect Mom”
The perfect mom doesn't exist! You’ll get things right, you’ll make mistakes, and it’s all okay. Your baby needs you to love her, take good care of her, and be present with her.
How to Handle Your Worries
So what can you do when your brain goes into overdrive, worrying about your baby’s health and yours? Dr. Romm suggests these tools for calming your mind and easing your worries.
Laugh more
Practice meditation (see How Meditation Changes Your Brain)
Keep a journal
Talk it out
We wish you a happy and healthy pregnancy!
For information on what to eat during pregnancy, moving meditation, pregnancy and COVID-19, and making healthier choices during pregnancy, check out our Pregnancy & Birth blogs.
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and COVID-19
COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the Coronavirus, is a new disease. We are still learning about its severity, how it spreads, and who is at most risk. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, naturally, are concerned about what it means for them and their babies.
While much is still unknown about the virus, what we do know about this virus is reassuring for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the Coronavirus, is a new disease. We are still learning about its severity, how it spreads, and who is at most risk. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, naturally, are concerned about what it means for them and their babies.
While much is still unknown about the virus, what we do know about this virus is reassuring for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Pregnancy
According to preliminary studies, it does not appear that pregnant moms can pass COVID-19 to their babies in utero. Babies born to moms with COVID-19 have not tested positive for the virus at birth. Additionally, a small study published in The Lancet, following cases of 9 pregnant women from early in the outbreak, showed their symptoms were mild to moderate, none of the women developed severe complications, none died, and their babies were generally healthy.
“Based on the data we have so far, it seems that, for some reason, women – including pregnant women – experience less severe infection than men.”
Pregnant women do still tend to be more susceptible to respiratory illnesses, including pneumonia, especially if they have pregnancy complications or chronic conditions. That said, pregnant women don’t seem to be at higher risk of contracting COVID-19. Regardless, protect your health and the people around you by washing your hands often and well, staying away from anyone who’s showing signs of illness, and contacting your doctor at the first sign of any symptom.
Related: Embrace Real Food for Pregnancy
Should you continue to visit your doctor for prenatal care? You don’t want to neglect your baby’s or your own health, so it can be hard to know what to do. Contact your doctor’s office to see what safety precautions they’re taking and what they recommend for you. Many doctors are shifting to more telemedicine appointments, so you may have the option of having a virtual visit.
Breastfeeding
So, what are the recommendations for breastfeeding moms who are showing symptoms or are confirmed to have COVID-19? The CDC has published Interim Guidance on Breastfeeding for a Mother Confirmed or Under Investigation For COVID-19 based on what is currently known about COVID-19 and the transmission of other viral respiratory infections. The CDC will continue to update the guidelines as additional information becomes available, so reading and following those instructions is a great place to start.
“Bottom line: with the rare exception of a severe infection in mom, breastfeeding is recommended, even if mom has COVID-19.”
COVID-19 has not been detected in the breast milk of mothers with confirmed cases of the virus. Currently, the primary concern is not whether the virus can be transmitted through breast milk, but whether an infected mother can transmit the virus through respiratory droplets while breastfeeding.
If you have confirmed COVID-19 or you’re showing symptoms, the most important thing you can do is take precautions to avoid spreading the virus to your baby. Wash your hands before touching your baby, and wear a face mask (if possible) while breastfeeding. If you express your breast milk, wash your hands before touching any pump or bottle parts and properly clean and disinfect the pump and its parts after each use. You’re probably doing these things already! Plus, if you have COVID-19, consider having someone who is uninfected feed your baby expressed milk with a bottle.
If you’re well now and are able to pump, it’s a good idea to ‘stockpile’ some breast milk and freeze it, in the event you do contract the virus. That way, you’ll have breast milk set aside and ready in case you need or want help feeding your baby while you’re unwell.
Learn more about COVID-19, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding from Dr. Aviva Romm.
Embrace Real Food for Pregnancy
Prenatal nutrition can be confusing. We all want the best for our babies, but an astonishing amount of what we’ve been told about pregnancy nutrition is not backed by current research. In her book, Real Food for Pregnancy, Lily Nichols dives into this topic and explains why expecting mothers should embrace real food for pregnancy.
Prenatal nutrition can be confusing. We all want the best for our babies, but an astonishing amount of what we’ve been told about pregnancy nutrition is not backed by current research.
“Nutrient requirements during pregnancy are usually calculated by adding an increment to the value for nonpregnant and nonlactating women that covers the cost of fetal growth and development and the associated changes in maternal tissue metabolism. This factorial approach, however, may not necessarily be correct because it does not take into account metabolic changes in absorption or excretion.”
In her book Real Food for Pregnancy, registered dietitian/nutritionist and certified diabetes educator Lily Nichols delves into the gap between current prenatal guidelines and what’s optimal for both mother and baby. The book is meticulously researched and breaks down the myths of what you should and shouldn’t eat, the importance of prenatal exercise, and nutritional ways to manage morning sickness, heartburn, food aversions, etc. In short she explains why it’s important to embrace real food for pregnancy.
So, what is “real food”? Simply put, real food is made with simple ingredients that are as close to nature as possible and not processed in a way that removes nutrients. Real food is nutrient-dense, delicious, and satisfying.
Top 10 Real Foods for a Healthy Pregnancy
Eggs (with the yolks!) Eggs should be a part of every prenatal diet. They are packed with protein, B-vitamins, choline, minerals, vitamins A, D, E, and K, and the brain-building omega-3 fat, DHA.
Liver Boasting high levels of every B-vitamin (including folate), choline, iron, zinc, and all the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K), liver is a veritable multivitamin. If you still can’t stomach liver (or don’t have access to high-quality, grass-fed liver), consider taking a liver supplement.
Kale No prenatal diet is complete without leafy greens; they’re some of the richest dietary sources of folate. Kale is also packed with magnesium and potassium, fiber, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and many antioxidants.
Wild Salmon Omega-3 fats, including DHA, have gotten more attention in recent years for their role in brain and vision development. The number one source for DHA is cold water fish like wild salmon. It’s also low in mercury, so you can safely consume it during pregnancy. If broiled or grilled salmon isn’t your thing, consider making salmon cakes or opting for salmon in your favorite tuna salad recipe.
Slow Cooked Meat Tough cuts of meat are rich in connective tissue that breaks down over the course of long, slow cooking. This connective tissue is rich in the amino acid glycine. During pregnancy, researchers have found that glycine needs far exceed normal requirements, meaning pregnant women need to consume enough glycine from their diet to help not only the baby develop, but to support the growth of the uterus. Beef stew is an excellent source of glycine, as well as protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12.
Bone Broth Like slow cooked meat, bone broth is full of glycine. It’s also a fantastic source of calcium and magnesium. If you can’t or won’t do bone broth on a regular basis, try adding a scoop or two of collagen peptides to beverages, soups, oatmeal, mashed sweet potatoes, etc. to give you the benefits without the broth.
Seaweed Seaweed is one of the best sources of iodine, a mineral that many of us lack, in the diet. Pregnancy increases iodine needs by 50%. Get your fix with seaweed salad or crunchy seaweed snacks, or toss a chunk of dried kombu into your next pot of bone broth.
Avocado One way to help keep morning sickness at bay (or help manage it) is to eat foods rich in vitamin B6 and potassium. Avocados are rich in both, plus healthy fat and 10g of fiber.
Sauerkraut Traditional sauerkraut – the kind made by fermenting salted cabbage – is rich in probiotic bacteria. Probiotic-rich, fermented foods are important during pregnancy because as a mom, you pass on your bacteria to your baby. Having a healthy balance of bacteria in your body sets the stage for good digestion and a healthy immune system for your baby as well.
Full-fat Kefir or Yogurt Dairy is an excellent source of calcium and other minerals. When you purchase full-fat, you get the benefit of fat-soluble vitamins, which ensures you absorb all those minerals. And, since these two dairy products are fermented, you benefit from probiotics. Choose dairy products from grass-fed or pasture-raised animals to ensure the highest levels of fat-soluble vitamins.
Related: 8 Choices for a Healthier Pregnancy
What is covered in Real Food for Pregnancy:
Misconceptions of conventional prenatal nutrition.
Nutrient-dense foods to eat to “build a healthy baby” and which to avoid, including the latest evidence on fish and mercury, food safety and deli meat, etc.
Why a vegetarian or vegan diet may not be the best idea during pregnancy and what nutrients/supplements to consider if you choose a vegetarian diet.
Nutritional management of nausea, food aversions, heartburn, constipation, and preeclampsia.
Lab tests, supplements, and other proactive steps to support a healthy pregnancy.
Prenatal exercise – what’s safe, what’s not, and why moving your body is so important.
The crucial role of mindfulness and stress management during pregnancy.
Practical steps to reduce exposure to common toxins.
Navigating the 4th trimester; using nutrient-dense foods to support breastfeeding, physical recovery, and many more tips to help you thrive postpartum.
We specialize in chiropractic care for expectant mothers and would be honored to be a part of your care team as you prepare to welcome a new baby to your family!
Learn more about Lily Nichols, and get more highlights from Real Food for Pregnancy.
Moving Meditation During Pregnancy Calms Your Mind and Body
Walking is an excellent form of exercise at all stages of your pregnancy, and you may also find that walking gives you time to clear your head and calm your mind. You can take the benefits even further with a breath walk - a form of walking meditation.
Walking is an excellent form of exercise at all stages of your pregnancy, and you may also find that walking gives you time to clear your head and calm your mind. You can take the benefits even further with a breath walk - a form of walking meditation.
When you’re getting started, find a quiet place with some room to move. With your feet shoulder-width apart, take several deep breaths. Relax your jaw, neck and shoulders, then begin breathing in a four-part rhythm:
Breathe in for four counts.
Hold your breath for four counts.
Exhale for eight counts.
Hold your breath for four counts.
Do this a few times to get used to the pattern, then begin coordinating steps with your breathing. At first, take a step with each inhale and exhale, pausing while you hold your breath. If you want to speed things up a tad, you can take four steps with each inhale and four steps with each exhale.
These breath walks are excellent preparation for childbirth and beyond, because you’re learning to “mindfully multitask.” Most women are able to walk comfortably during early stages of labor; consider doing a breath walk to calm your mind.
Learn more about breath walks in Breath Walk for Pregnancy, and learn about eight choices you can make for a healthy pregnancy on our blog.
Source: Pathways to Family Wellness magazine, Issue #26.
Birth at Home, From a Father's Perspective
Women who want to have a natural birth, especially one at home, may not know how to start that conversation with their partner. However - and wherever - you choose to deliver your baby, it’s a decision to make together.
“It’s important to realize that you should not be a spectator in this process, you should be a partner.”
Women who want to have a natural birth, especially one at home, may not know how to start that conversation with their partner. However - and wherever - you choose to deliver your baby, it’s a decision to make together. Do your research, ask plenty of questions, and begin your parenting journey during pregnancy. You can also visit our blog to learn more about home midwifery to see if it’s the right choice for you.
“Going through pregnancy as a partnership gets your new family off to a great start.”
If you’re soon to be a father, you may have worries and fears about an out-of-hospital birth, or about working with a midwife instead of an obstetrician. You’re not alone! A recent article in Pathways to Wellness, A Father’s Perspective: the Journey from Hospital to Home, includes an interview with a dad who shares his story about the decision to have their baby at home with a midwife. At first, he thought a hospital was the best option, but he listened to his wife’s feelings and concerns, met with the OB and the midwife, and became a supportive partner in the pregnancy and delivery of their baby. Read the full article to learn more about his perspective and what changed his mind.
Regardless of what you and your partner decide, you don’t have be a spectator. Instead, you can be an active, supporting participant in her pregnancy and in the birth of your child. You may also be interested in The Beauty of Fathering During Pregnancy to discover ways to bond with your baby, even before she’s born.
Source: Pathways to Family Wellness magazine, Issue #50.
The Fourth Trimester: Planning for Your Postpartum Recovery
When you find out you’re pregnant, you spend months learning about your baby’s development and taking care of yourself to give your baby a great start in life. It’s an exciting time, whether it’s your first baby or your third. But have you stopped to consider the fourth trimester? It’s the period after your baby’s birth, when your body needs some gentle care to heal and recover from pregnancy and birth. This guide about the fourth trimester is here to help!
When you find out you’re pregnant, you spend months learning about your baby’s development, preparing your home for a baby, and taking care of yourself to give your baby a great start in life. It’s an exciting and sacred time, whether it’s your first baby or your third. But have you stopped to consider the fourth trimester? It’s the period after your baby’s birth, when your body needs some gentle care to heal and recover from pregnancy and birth.
Related: 10 Things About Giving Birth
This guide about the fourth trimester is here to help! Through it all, remember that this is your journey and your body, so don’t give in to pressure from popular media or well-meaning friends and family with ideas about how and when you should care for yourself and your baby. Go easy on yourself and make the most of this wondrous time with your little one!
Even before the baby arrives, start preparing for your fourth trimester, so you’ll be able to rest and enjoy it.
Food
After your baby is born, you may find it hard to shop, cook and clean up for basic meals. And if you’re breastfeeding, you may be surprised by how hungry you are! Nourishing your mind and body with good foods is good for you and for your growing body. During your pregnancy, consider preparing and freezing meals and snacks to enjoy later, or say yes when friends and neighbors offer to help with meals.
Rest
No matter how good you feel, your body still needs time to rest and heal, so rest when you’re able. Chores can wait! Co-sleeping, with your baby in the same room as you, is one way to get more rest in between nighttime feedings and diaper changes. It can also be good for your baby, because co-sleeping regulates babies’ heart rates and breathing.
Chiropractic & Acupuncture
Your body changes dramatically while you’re pregnant, to make room for your baby and prepare for delivery. You can support these changes with regular chiropractic care during your pregnancy. Chiropractic care after delivery can help your body return to normal more quickly and also relieves common aches and pains during this time. Acupuncture is also beneficial, as it supports your balance of energy.
Placenta Encapsulation
More and more women are choosing to save their placentas after delivery. They then consume the placenta in capsule form, because it can help stop postpartum bleeding, stimulate breast milk production, boost the immune system, and more.
Belly Binding
Belly binding has been practiced for centuries around the globe. There’s a misconception that the practice is about aesthetics, but it’s actually to support the shrinking of your uterus back to normal size. Belly binding also supports your abdominal muscles and ligaments as they shift back to their normal sizes and positions. This is a simple practice that improves your comfort and speeds recovery.
Breastfeeding
You’ve probably read about the many wonderful benefits breastfeeding offers to your baby, but you may not realize it’s good for you, too! When your baby nurses, your body releases the hormone oxytocin, which helps you bond with your baby and also causes your uterus to contract, a normal part of the healing process. Breastfeeding doesn’t come as easily to every mom as you might expect, and your experience can also vary from one child to the next. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from a lactation consultant if you need help!
Loving Yourself
You just created a miracle! Your pregnancy lasted nine months; don’t expect your recovery to be complete in a matter of weeks. Be gentle on your body and have patience during the fourth trimester.
For more details about these topics and how to aid in your fourth trimester recovery, read the full article, The Fourth Trimester: A Guide to Healthy Postpartum Recovery.
Source: Pathways to Family Wellness. Read the full article.
Looking for Support in Your Fourth Trimester? Consider BirthFit!
BIRTHFIT Chattanooga supports women in the Motherhood Transition through education and training based on BIRTHFIT's four pillars: fitness, nutrition, mindset, and connection. Contact us to ask about our postpartum series.
Why Chiropractic Care is Essential in Pregnancy
Every expecting mom wants their baby’s delivery to be a joyful, safe experience. It’s what our bodies are made to do, yet not every birth is without complications. Fortunately, caring for your body in a way that supports a natural, healthy birth will make it more likely that your pregnancy will be more comfortable and your birthing experience will be a peaceful one.
Every expecting mom wants their baby’s delivery to be a joyful, safe experience. It’s what our bodies are made to do, yet not every birth is without complications. Fortunately, caring for your body in a way that supports a natural, healthy birth will make it more likely that your pregnancy will be more comfortable and your birthing experience will be a peaceful one.
How do you prepare for birth?
In the article, A Chiropractic Pregnancy, author Julie Day recommends:
a fully functioning nervous system
a healthy diet
movement and exercise
a nurturing environment and loving relationships
positive thoughts and emotions
and a birth support team
Learn more about creating a nurturing environment for your baby during pregnancy in our blog about the Beauty of Fathering During Pregnancy.
Chiropractic Care in Pregnancy
“Providing the body with the ingredients that are necessary for healthy function means a natural birth is more likely. ”
Mothers and their unborn babies both benefit from chiropractic care during pregnancy. It not only supports a mother’s body for a healthier, more comfortable pregnancy, but it also helps your baby develop and then move into the best position for birth.
Ultimately, studies show that mothers who seek chiropractic care while pregnant have shorter labors with fewer medical interventions, and their babies get better starts to life.
We specialize in chiropractic care for expectant mothers and would be honored to be a part of your care team as you prepare to welcome a new baby to your family!
Did you know chiropractic care is good for your infant, too? The birth process is hard on babies’ bodies, and chiropractic can help promote overall wellness and healthy development. Read more about the benefits of chiropractic care for newborns.
Source: Pathways to Family Wellness. Read the full article.
The Beauty of Fathering During Pregnancy
“Babies in the womb want their fathers to know that you matter: Fathering from the very beginning matters. You are their special person, their father, and they know you are their father from preconception forward.”
Discover 12 guiding principles of prenatal and perinatal psychology to learn how you can connect deeply with your baby during pregnancy and in infancy.
“Babies in the womb want their fathers to know that you matter: Fathering from the very beginning matters. You are their special person, their father, and they know you are their father from preconception forward.”
In her 2018 article, “Consciousness at the Beginning of Life,” published in Pathways to Family Wellness, Wendy Anne McCarty, Ph.D. explored a shift in the way we understand babies and their earliest human experiences. In a more recent article, she digs deeper into the topic and shares more about what babies are teaching us and how this newfound knowledge can help men father their babies, even during pregnancy.
“The more we hold, meet and care for babies as conscious, sensitive beings from the beginning of their lives, the more we help them thrive in the fuller alignment of their multidimensional wholeness. ”
McCarty explains that, from conception, babies are whole beings craving a human experience. She maintains that dads play an important role in pregnancy by being intentional about forming a relationship with the baby. As a father, you can help shape that tiny being into a person with a strong sense of self and wholeness. You can do that by caring for your baby, singing and talking to her, and keeping your environment as “harmonious, healthy, and as stress-free as possible.” These early experiences in the womb create a bond with your baby and form the foundation of his beliefs, values, feelings, and thoughts.
The Birth of a Father
In the article, “The Beauty of Fathering During Pregnancy: What Babies are Teaching Us,” McCarty interviews a couple about their experience as parents, and they talk specifically about their thoughts and feelings during pregnancy. The father shares that men may feel excluded or fearful during pregnancy. He, though, felt very connected to his baby and said that special time drew him closer to his wife, even as they each bonded with their unborn child.
Related: 8 Choices for a Healthier Pregnancy
They vowed to love their child and give him everything they possibly could. To that end, they treated the pregnancy as “magical,” playing music, talking to their baby, and simply including him in their relationship so he’d know he was cherished.
Read the full article for their interview, then continue below for McCarty’s 12 guiding principles of prenatal and perinatal psychology to learn more about your baby’s needs and the ways you can connect with your baby during pregnancy and in infancy.
12 Guiding Principles Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology
Nurturing Human Potential and Optimizing Relationships from the Beginning of Life
1. The Primary Period
The primary period for human development occurs from preconception through the first year of postnatal life. This is the time in which vital foundations are established at every level of being: physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and relational.
2. Forming the Core Blueprint
Experiences during this primary period form the blueprint of our core perceptions, belief structures, and ways of being in the world with others and ourselves.
These foundational elements are implicit, observable in newborns, and initiate lifelong ways of being.
These core implicit patterns profoundly shape our being in life-enhancing or life-diminishing directions.
3. Continuum of Development
Human development is continuous from prenatal to postnatal life. Postnatal patterns build upon earlier prenatal and birth experiences.
Optimal foundations for growth and resiliency, including brain development, emotional intelligence, and self-regulation are predicated upon optimal conditions during the pre-conception period, pregnancy, birth, and the first year of life.
Optimal foundations of secure attachment and healthy relationships are predicated upon optimal relationships during the pre-conception period, during pregnancy, the birth experience, and the first year of life.
4. Capacities & Capabilities
Human beings are conscious, sentient, aware, and possess a sense of Self even during this very early primary period.
We seek ever-increasing states of wholeness and growth through the expression of human life. This innate drive guides and infuses our human development.
From the beginning of life, babies perceive, communicate, and learn in ways that include an integration of mind-to-mind, energetic, and physical-sensorial capacities and ways of being.
5. Relationship
Human development occurs within relationship from the beginning. Human connections and surrounding environment profoundly influence the quality and structure of every aspect of baby’s development.
From the beginning of life, baby experiences and internalizes what mother experiences and feels. Father’s and/or partner’s relationship with mother and baby are integral to optimizing primary foundations for baby.
All relationships and encounters with mother, baby, and father during this primary period affect the quality of life and baby’s foundation. Supportive, loving, and healthy relationships are integral to optimizing primary foundations for baby.
6. Innate Needs
The innate need for security, belonging, love and nurturing, feeling wanted, feeling valued, and being seen as the Self we are is present from the beginning of life. Meeting these needs and providing the right environment supports optimal development.
7. Communication
Babies are continually communicating and seeking connection. Relating and responding to baby in ways that honor their multifaceted capacities for communication supports optimal development and wholeness.
8. Mother-Baby Interconnectedness
Respecting and optimizing the bond between mother and baby and the mother-baby interconnectedness during pregnancy, birth, and infancy is of highest priority.
9. Bonding
Birth and bonding is a critical developmental process for mother, baby, and father/partner that forms core patterns with lifelong implications.
The best baby and mother outcomes occur when mother feels empowered and supported and the natural process of birth is allowed to unfold with minimal intervention and no interruption in mother-baby connection and physical contact. If any separation of baby from mother occurs, continuity of father’s contact and connection with baby is vital.
Baby responds and thrives best when communicated with directly, when the relationship with mother is undisturbed, and when the process of birth supports baby’s ability to orient and integrate the series of events.
10. Resolving & Healing
Resolving and healing past and current conflicts, stress, and issues that affect the quality of life for all family members is of highest priority. Doing so before pregnancy is best. When needed, therapeutic support for mother, baby, and father provided as early as possible during this vital primary period is recommended for optimal outcomes.
11. Underlying Patterns
When unresolved issues remain or less than optimal conditions and experiences occur during conception, pregnancy, birth, and the first postnatal year, life-diminishing patterns often underlay health issues, stress behaviors, difficulty in self-regulation, attachment, learning, and other disorders over the lifespan.
12. Professional Support
These early diminishing patterns embed below the level of the conscious mind in the implicit memory system, subconscious, and somatic patterns. Professionals trained in prenatal and perinatal psychology can identify these patterns and support babies, children, parents, and adults to heal and shift these primary patterns to more lifeenhancing ones at any age. When parents resolve and heal their own unresolved issues from their child’s pregnancy and birth, their children benefit at any age.
Excerpted from Pathways to Family Wellness. Read the full article.
Why Infants Need Chiropractic Care
In a recent article, Cole Bradburn, D.O., suggested that trauma from the birth process can impact a baby’s spinal growth and development, causing many preventable health challenges. In the article, he explains many of the reasons why infants need chiropractic care, like allowing a baby to “grow, develop, and function at its highest potential.”
The birthing process can put stress on a child’s cranium and spinal cord, contributing to health problems like asthma, trouble nursing, colic, and ear infections. In fact, studies show that 90 percent of newborns suffer birth trauma, ranging from strain patterns in their cranial mechanisms to severe head trauma. In a recent article, Cole Bradburn, D.O., suggests that the trauma from birth can impact a baby’s spinal growth and development, causing many preventable health challenges.
In the article, he explains many of the reasons why infants need chiropractic care, like allowing a baby to “grow, develop, and function at its highest potential.” Other benefits include optimizing the nervous system, boosting immunity by maintaining a healthy nervous system, and providing proper alignment for a rapidly elongating spine.
Chiropractic is a safe, gentle, and effective way to address nerve dysfunction and promote overall wellness in the newborn and growing child. - Cole Bradburn
Chiropractic care for kids is a safe, effective way to care for children’s health, starting when they’re infants. You can learn more about the benefits of chiropractic care for infants by reading Bradburn’s full article in Pathways to Wellness.
Source: Pathways to Family Wellness magazine, Issue #50.
8 Choices for a Healthier Pregnancy
We are watching epidemics of chronic disease unfold all around us, and we know that these problems are environmentally driven. Some of us are certainly more sensitive than others, but our growing babes deserve some thoughtful consideration and conscious consumerism. I tell my friends and patients that it is like stepping outside into a freezing blizzard: Even if you only put on a couple layers of clothes, it’s still a whole lot better than being naked. Here are some proverbial layers to put on.
By Kelly Brogan, M.D., ABIHM
The Canadian organization Environmental Defence recently tested the umbilical cord blood of newborns for known carcinogens, endocrine disruptors and neurotoxins, only to learn that each sample contained traces of from 55 to 121 such substances. This echoes a now-famous Environmental Working Group (EWG) Red Cross study in which more than 200 toxic agents were identified in each of 10 newborns, before they took their first breath. Gross! It is easy to be overcome by a feeling that the sky is falling when we consider the more than 80,000 chemicals registered in the Toxic Substances Control Act (the vast majority of which have never been studied for safety, and five of which have been banned since the 1970s). Even after formal bans, chemicals such as DDT can persist in the environment for decades, recirculating in our reproductive tracts. I know this can feel like conspiring against an invisible villain: Can it really be all that dangerous? Aren’t most people pretty much fine? The truth is that we are watching epidemics of chronic disease unfold all around us and we know that these problems are environmentally driven. Some of us are certainly more sensitive than others, but our growing babes deserve some thoughtful consideration and conscious consumerism. I tell my friends and patients that it is like stepping outside into a freezing blizzard: Even if you only put on a couple layers of clothes, it’s still a whole lot better than being naked. Here are some proverbial layers to put on.
Punt the Plastic: Why? Because plastics, such as those labeled 3, 6 and 7 on the little triangle on the bottom, contain known toxins such as pthalates, styrene, Bisphenol A (BPA) and dioxins. These are hormone disruptors that can affect your brain, behavior, and endocrine glands (thyroid, pituitary, ovaries, etc.), and can increase your risk of cancer. Good old-fashioned glass is the most inert container to cook with and store hot foods in. You can buy a set of glass containers (like Snapware) for less than $40, and be assured of a long lifespan. Never microwave anything plastic. Be wary of shower curtains, toys made before 2009, toys made for kids over 12 (because it’s OK for them to have toxic plastic?), anything with that “new plastic” smell (like beach inflatables), and cashier receipts (wash your hands after touching them, or don’t accept them at all).
Clean Cleaning: Why? Because cleaning products, such as ammonia containing Windex and bleach, emit toxins into our very insulated homes. Learning the ingredients to avoid can seemingly require a chemistry degree, so best to circumvent the learning curve and make your own, or buy brands like BioKleen or Method with only two or three ingredients on the label. Simple, inexpensive, and effective cleaning products can be made from grapefruit seed extract, baking soda and water for a scrubbing paste, vinegar and water for wipe-downs, and lemon. For an all-purpose cleaner, combine 1 tablespoon of borax and one tablespoon of vinegar with two cups of water. Throw in some essential oils, like a drop or two of lavender, if you want to get fancy! Avoid any product that claims to be anti-bacterial.
Toxic Teflon: Why? Because if heating a pan in a closed environment can kill a pet bird, it can’t be healthy for you or your baby. PFCs such as Teflon have been implicated in endocrine- and immune-system health risks. Cast-iron, ceramic and glass cookware are your best bets. Look on eBay for some used retro pans and pots, such as Corning Vision.
Healthy H2O: Why? Because our water has become the repository for all of our bad practices as a society. Pesticides, pharmaceuticals, persistent industrial chemicals (including added fluoride in some municipalities) all render our tap water a hazard to our health. I have particular concerns about fluoride because I treat women’s brains (and often their thyroids), and fluoride poses known risks to these tissues. This was recently exposed in a Harvard meta-analysis, but has been acknowledged by concerned experts for many decades. I recommend installing a reverse-osmosis and carbon filter under the sink to eliminate most of these nasties for all cooking and drinking purposes, and a less-expensive shower filter to eliminate vaporized chlorine. Bring your water with you so you don’t have to use the water cooler in the office—it likely uses a No. 7 bottle.
Quality Cosmetics: Why? Because our skin is a major entry point to our bodies, and what we slather on it (and on our lips) may make its way to our more vulnerable parts. Look out for parabens, TEA (triethanolamine), propylene glycol, PEG (polyethylene glycol), fragrance (pthalates), sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate, triclosan (in antibacterials), as well as toluene and formaldehyde in nail polish. EWG’s top agents of concern are: 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, BHA, boric acid and sodium borate, DMDM hydantoin, oxybenzone, triclosan. As a New Yorker for both of my pregnancies, abstaining from nail salon culture was a major lifestyle change. I now am a huge fan of buffing, which avoids all polish products. It’s clean and polished-looking at the same time! Check out your health-food store purchases for their safety rating. Sephora has a growing line of green cosmetics, and Whole Foods is a good place to start, although scan the labels for any of the above. As for sunscreen, I like Badger brand, or others that use nonmicronized zinc and are free of oxybenzone. Natural bug sprays like Bite Blocker and California Baby use essential oils rather than DEET.
Safer Cosmetics are Free Of:
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Parabens
TEA (Triethanolamine)
Propylene Glycol
PEG (polyethylene glycol)
Fragrance (pthalates)
Triclosan
Toluene
Formaldehyde Minimize
Magnetic Fields: Why? Because this invisible form of pollution is totally unstudied and has been suspected to negatively impact cellular functioning in some sensitive individuals. We are electrical beings—in fact, many of the treatments I offer patients are intended to subtly rebalance electrical properties of the nervous system. If you suspect you may be one of them, consider Earthing technology for its energy rebalancing effects. Even if you’re not, sleep with your cell phone at least 6 feet from your bed, don’t wear it on your body, and use an air tube headset or a landline when possible. I also recommend that you budget in three minutes at the airport before a flight to request a pat-down instead of going through the full-body scanner and subjecting your DNA to ionizing radiation.
Air Awareness: Why? Airborne pollutants and volatile chemicals come in and stay in. HEPA filters and removal of shoes are helpful ways to minimize the particulate matter that comes off of household items. One of particular concern is PDBEs, or flame retardants, which have been linked to a number of adverse fetal outcomes and to high cancer rates in fire fighters. These agents are in foam furniture and flame resistant carpets and couches, and even baby clothing. Here are some brands committed to eliminating usage: Acer, Apple, Eizo Nanao, LG Electronics, Lenovo, Matsushita, Microsoft, Nokia, Phillips, Samsung, Sharp, Sony-Ericsson, and Toshiba. Tropical plants are a natural way to lower volatile organic chemicals. Consider keeping 15 to 20 for every 1,800 square feet of space.
Related: Pregnancy and Painting
Opt for Organic: Why? Because, in my opinion, nothing is more important. I see current industrial farming practices as the root of all evil—the assault on biodiversity of food species (corn, soy, wheat and rice account for two-thirds of the modern American’s diet), corruption of soil microbiome (which is essential to plant health and nutrient content), petrochemical dependency, persecution of the local farmer, feeding livestock all manner of modified grains they were never meant to eat—the list goes on. The concern about food laced with pesticides is that you get a toxic load of chemicals that are very active in the body. A recent report on the potential harm associated with the most ubiquitously applied herbicide, glyphosate, typically applied to “Round-up Ready” genetically modified crops (soy, corn, sugar beets, etc.), discusses the potential role of this chemical in the depletion of tryptophan (a serotonin precursor and essential amino acid) and the alteration of gut flora functioning related to the pesticide’s bactericidal effects on gut microbiota. These changes can increase your susceptibility to other toxins because of effects on metabolic enzymes. Our gut bugs are responsible for nutrient absorption, vitamin production and immune protection.
Excerpted from Pathways to Family Wellness, Issue #41. Read the full article.
Research Shows Chiropractic During & After Birth Improves Health Outcomes
The Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health - Chiropractic recently shared research showing that chiropractic care may play an important role in positive health outcomes for families.
According to research recently published in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health - Chiropractic,“wellness care” is the most common reason parents take their children to chiropractors. After that, ear, nose and throat issues are close behind. When most people think of chiropractors, they tend to think of bone and joint pains, but the main reasons for pediatric visits to chiropractors are things like wellness, respiratory issues, ear, nose, and throat problems, colic and bedwetting.
“It is now more common for parents to seek wellness care for their children,” stated Pamela StoneDC, CACCP a chiropractor specializing in pregnancy and children and one of the authors of the study. “Parents are seeking chiropractic, not because of their dissatisfaction with medicine, but because they have different health and wellness beliefs and views.”
Related: Say What? Chiropractic Care is for Pregnant Women!
The question people have is how chiropractic can help kids with these typical childhood illnesses or even avoid them altogether? “Research is revealing that there is a relationship between abnormalities in the spine, the nervous system and the overall function of the body,” stated Shannon O’Brien DC, another researcher involved in the study. O’Brien added, “There are now numerous research studies that show improved health outcomes of pregnant mothers and their children who undergo chiropractic care and the addition of this one adds further weight to the evidence.”
It makes perfect sense when you think about it since it is known that obstruction of spinal nerves from structural spinal shifts can lead to all sorts of dysfunction and this is certainly true with the health of children. Considering the fact that every single function of the body is controlled by the nervous system, it should not surprise anyone that removing obstructions to the neurology that controls the body would lead to improved health outcomes. What is surprising is that more research funding has not been provided to study these effects in larger populations of women and children.
The study looked at five children, aged 9-13, who were under chiropractic care from birth, and all the mothers were under care prenatally.
A chiropractor examined all the patients and found structural shifts in their spines. Structural spinal shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves, and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct. The vertebral subluxations were the focus of the care provided to these women and their children.
All mothers reported feeling good during their pregnancies, with a decrease in symptoms such as low back pain, extremity numbness, and generalized soreness. All the children were breastfed and experienced healthy childhoods without suffering from typical childhood illnesses. All were reported to have a healthy diet, exercised regularly and slept well. All parents reported their child’s health to be better than other children of the same age.
The authors concluded that the results show the need for continued studies into health outcomes following long term chiropractic management before, during and after birth.
10 Things About Giving Birth
“While we can’t fully control what happens in our births, and of course, sometimes interventions are necessary (though often they aren’t!), you can embrace core beliefs that will increase your chances of having the birth experience that is healthiest for you and baby.
Here are the 10 most important philosophies that helped me have my babies naturally, which I’ve used to support thousands of women in their birthing experiences.”
Excerpted from "10 Things I Wish All Women Knew about Giving Birth," by Aviva Romm, M.D.
1. Birth is a spiritual journey; it’s also primal.
Birth is, to say the least, a physically and emotionally demanding experience. Approaching the challenge as a spiritual journey can help you dig deep into your core for the resources to persevere, and to learn about yourself and your innate strength and power.
2. Birth should not be taken lying down.
Lying down simply doesn’t let gravity do the work of helping your baby come down and out! Walking, moving your hips like a belly dancer, and generally staying active facilitates a more physiologic process for your baby than lying on your back in a hospital bed, which increases your chances of a cesarean.
3. Contractions are amazing sensations that get your baby born.
During my own births, I used my imagination and awareness to dive deep into the sensation of my muscles working to help my baby get born. This focused awareness transformed my perception of the pain of birth into the power of birth.
I even used the term “expansions,” rather than “contractions,” to help me think about the sensation in a new way. It did not make the experience less intense, but it made the sensation my ally rather than my enemy. As I welcomed each new wave of labor, I knew I was closer to bringing my baby into my arms.
4. Fear stops labor.
So learning to transform fear into power and confidence is essential for a smooth birth. How is this done? Make sure you feel safe where you are birthing, that you have good support in labor, and that you have talked with your birth provider about any fears you are harboring or repressing about your health and safety, your baby’s health and safety, or the birthing process. Being educated and informed can help you to dispel fears.
5. Question authority! (Remember, nice girls can ask questions and say no.)
So if something is recommended or expected that makes you uncomfortable or you’re not sure of the reason, ask! And if you’re not comfortable with the explanation, you can decline. Having an advocate there who can help you sort through decisions, especially when you are otherwise occupied doing the work of labor, is especially valuable.
6. Women should eat and drink during labor.
Current scientific evidence has demonstrated that women who eat and drink in labor are not at significantly increased risk of food aspiration in the event of a cesarean, which has been the much-feared reason for keeping women on an ice-chips and fruit-pops-only regimen in labor for the past few decades.
In fact, keeping up your energy with light and nourishing fare has been found, by many midwives and mamas, to facilitate labor and reduce the likelihood of labor petering out, or needing Pitocin or a cesarean.
7. Your body is a marvelous, perfectly crafted force of nature.
Believing in yourself is powerful medicine! Yet most of us go into labor believing our bodies might be lemons—the reject in the batch that just doesn’t work properly and needs to be sent back to the factory on a recall.
The reality is, nature is amazing at creating powerful systems that work. Setting intentions and learning to have confidence in the birthing process—and your body—are among the most powerful tools you can use to go with the natural flow of labor and birth and gain some self-enlightenment in the process.
8. Obstetrics is big business.
There is a whole system of medicine out there, called obstetrics, making a fortune off of your body! In fact, there is enormous financial incentive for obstetricians to do ultrasounds (in my community, a doctor’s office charges the insurance company $700 per ultrasound), offer endless tests, and perform cesareans rather than support natural, vaginal births.
Want to avoid unnecessary medical interventions? Then make your body your business by getting educated. Read about birth. Some good places to start: Ina May Gaskin’s Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth, Henci Goer’s The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth, and my book, The Natural Pregnancy Book.
Related: Doula or Don't Ya?
9. Birth is something you do, not something that is done to you.
Whether you dance, groan, or Hypnobirth your way through labor, it ain’t called labor for nothing. It takes work, focus, and sweat to get a baby out. Powerful muscles move a 6- to 8-pound being (on average) a short distance through a relatively small space. This means effort is required.
Just as with any hard task, being realistic about what’s involved, setting your mind and heart to it by getting psyched ahead of time, and then having strategies to call upon when your energy or determination wavers will get you to the other side of the finish line with power and pride.
10. Birth can be ecstatic.
While there might be some huffing and puffing, grunting and groaning, and even a holler or two if you need to vocalize the intense energy moving through you as you bring your baby out into the world, birth can be an ecstatic experience, particularly when you appreciate yourself for the accomplishment of a hard job done with determination and experience the ecstasy of holding your new baby in your arms.
Related: Be Prepared (Good Advice for Scouts and Parents!)
As you get closer to your baby’s birth, and even in labor, here’s a simple mantra to tell yourself: I’ve got this!
Read the full article by Dr. Aviva Romm in Pathways to Family Wellness magazine.
Can Chiropractors Turn Breech Babies?
While chiropractors can’t turn breech babies, what they can do is gently and specifically adjust a mother’s spine and pelvis back into a proper balanced state, reestablishing normal physiological function. In this balanced state, the baby can do what it’s designed to do, find the best possible position for itself for birth.
Excerpted from "Can Chiropractors Turn Breech Babies?" by ICPA.
If you had any idea how many times chiropractors get asked this question, you’d be shocked. As if chiropractors were obstetricians. The external cephalic version (ECV), a procedure done by obstetricians and some midwives, is a medical procedure that numbs the mother’s uterus and manually attempts to turn the fetus from head up to head down while in utero.
Completely separate from the medical ECV is the phenomena of reestablishing pelvic balance. This helps to remove tension in pelvic muscles and ligaments and through the restoration of normal biomechanics in the mother, babies optimize their positioning on their own.
This is essentially what chiropractic is all about, restoring normal physiological function with gentle spinal adjustments. With no structural or neurological interference, the body has a fascinating ability to correct abnormalities, heal itself, and restore normal function.
Courtesy of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). Read the full article.
The Use of Chiropractic Services in the Care of Pregnant Women: A Survey of Midwives
"To change the world, we must first change the way babies are being born." - Dr. Michel Odent
With increased awareness of the safety and efficacy of chiropractic, as well as its role in perinatal wellness, more midwives are likely to recommend that pregnant mothers seek chiropractic care.
"To change the world, we must first change the way babies are being born." - Dr. Michel Odent
Both midwives and chiropractors recognize the importance of optimal biomechanics for the best outcomes in pregnant mothers and infants. The care provided by both types of practitioners emphasizes trust, emotional wellness, and a natural process of pregnancy and delivery. In the same survey, midwives reported 97% positive experience with chiropractors and over half refer to chiropractors for pregnancy-related health concerns.
Courtesy of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). Read the full article.
Satisfaction in Pregnancy
A recent survey study of 343 pregnant patients reported high satisfaction and improvement related to symptoms and quality of life across all measures.
"A recent survey study of 343 pregnant patients reported high satisfaction and improvement related to symptoms and quality of life across all measures - improved energy levels, less pain, better sleep patterns, and even improved social roles and interaction! The average time that patients began care was week 25 of pregnancy. "
Related: Pregnant? Now What??
Courtesy of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). Read the full article.
Prenatal Yoga
In today’s world, there is an ever increasing awareness of the need to maintain health and fitness. Yoga, as a form of exercise and meditation, is often cited as an ideal way to achieve these very goals. But, what if you are pregnant? Will yoga still be ideal for you?
In today’s world, there is an ever increasing awareness of the need to maintain health and fitness. Yoga, as a form of exercise and meditation, is often cited as an ideal way to achieve these very goals.
But, what if you are pregnant? Will yoga still be ideal for you? Well, it just so happens that prenatal yoga may be the perfect fit for you to stay fit! And, it may have the added benefits of preparing your body for birth and promoting baby’s health, as well.
Prenatal yoga is a multifaceted approach to exercise. As with all yoga, it concentrates on stretching, mental centering and focused breathing. It's a perfect complement to chiropractic care during your pregnancy! Research suggests that prenatal yoga can also:
· Improve sleep
· Reduce stress and anxiety
· Stabilize mood
· Lower blood pressure
· Manage weight gain
· Increase the strength, flexibility and endurance of muscles used in childbirth
· Decrease lower back pain, nausea, headache and shortness of breath
Additionally, breathing exercises practiced during yoga can be used to focus a mother during active labor. And the stretching and strengthening moves can ease in delivery and post-birth recovery.
Joining a prenatal yoga class also offers you an opportunity to make connections with other pregnant women. Such connections can be the beginning of an additional support system for you as you prepare for the challenge of being a new parent, or parent to a new addition.
The best programs are taught by instructors who are specifically trained in prenatal yoga, as prenatal yoga focuses on specific positions designed for pregnant women’s bodies. A typical class may consist of directed breathing, gentle stretching, postures, cool down and relaxation. Before joining, you may want to consider observing a class in session. This will help you determine if you are comfortable with the activities, instructor and environment.
Since it is so important to maintain fitness during pregnancy, it makes sense to participate in something geared just for you and your condition. Prenatal yoga is the perfect thing!
Find information on prenatal yoga from the Mayo Clinic and What to Expect.
Home Midwifery
In considering home birth as an option, an expectant mother must find the right birth practitioner as well as have a strong desire for and commitment to home birthing. Many mothers-to-be feel home birth attended by a midwife offers many benefits not available in other settings.
Throughout history, the majority of expectant mothers have given birth at home. Currently, home births are still the norm worldwide. In the US, the trend for home births (although still low at under 2%) is gaining support. A key player in a home birth is the midwife.
There are several levels of midwives practicing in the country. Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) have both general nursing degrees and midwife training. While most CNMs work in hospital settings, some will attend at home births. Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) work in birthing centers as well as in homes. Their training is a combination of academics and apprenticeship, and they must pass both written and skills exams for certification. Lay Midwives generally apprentice with more experienced midwives and have “hands-on” training. Read our blog, Midwife and/or OBGYN?, to learn more about midwives.
Midwives play an active role in a woman’s birth experience long before labor begins. Prenatal care begins early on with visits often occurring in either the midwife’s home or the family home. Initial visits determine risk factors such as advanced maternal age, multiple babies, or previous birth complications or C-sections. Information is gathered and home birth viability is assessed.
During the subsequent prenatal visits, a midwife helps the expectant mom with nutrition, exercise and advice for her physical, and emotional well-being. A midwife may also help the entire family prepare for birth and the arrival of the new baby. A midwife will also help the expectant mother to write her own individualized birth plan. The plan can include details for the mother’s preferred positions, location, atmosphere and support persons. And, of course, the midwife is present during labor and delivery to ensure the birth plan is followed as desired by the family. Normally, the birth process is allowed to take its own course, at its own pace, with ongoing support for all present.
Midwives are trained to recognize early complications during pregnancy and labor. And after the birth, the midwife is still accessible for information and support. Most midwives routinely remain in contact with a new mother, her baby and the family, for six weeks or more after birth.
In considering home birth as an option, an expectant mother must find the right birth practitioner as well as have a strong desire for and commitment to home birthing. Many mothers-to-be feel home birth attended by a midwife offers many benefits not available in other settings. These include:
· Belief that home birth as a safer option than hospital births with decreased infection risks
· Avoidance of unnecessary interventions
· Greater control of birth decisions and choices
· Ability to trust in and allow birth as a natural process
· Increased opportunities for options like a water birth or delayed cord cutting
· Decreased risk of unneeded C-section
· Increased opportunity for full family involvement
Of course, there is also the added benefit of the comfort of home while taking advantage of the critical and beautiful early bonding between mother, newborn and extended family members. Midwives attending home births are staunch supporters of this as well!
More information on home midwifery can be found at: