Pregnancy

Ladies hand on pregnant bellyChiropractic care during pregnancy is increasingly common. It just makes sense! There are four stages in which having an optimally working nervous system can help both mother and child.

Pre-Conception

Fertility is a complex process. Chiropractic care helps support reproductive organ function and the delicate neuro-endocrine balance. Chiropractic care prepares the body to be as strong, supple and balanced as possible to carry the pregnancy.

Pregnancy

Regular chiropractic care during pregnancy appeals to mothers who seek a natural approach to better health. Chiropractic may reduce nausea, shorten labor and delivery time, relieve neck, joint and back pain, and sciatica as well as  helping to decrease the risk of C-Section.

Dr Erickson is certified in Webster Technique. This is a chiropractic approach during pregnancy that  balances maternal pelvic muscles and ligaments, and improves neurological function. By gently aligning the pelvis,  torsion and constraint in the uterus may be reduced, giving the baby  more room to move and position itself for a normal delivery.

Labor and Birth

Many mothers-to-be rely on chiropractic care to help assure optimum biomechanics of the hips and spine. Regular chiropractic care during pregnancy may improve the chance of having a timely, normal delivery and reduce the need for interventions during the birth process.

After Birth

Both natural and C-Section births can stress a baby’s spine. C-Section births create different strains on the baby since it is pulled out, rather than pushed out.

Breastfeeding problems can arise if the baby has a subluxation and is unable to comfortably turn its head to one side. We also have good results with colic, reflux, constipation, torticollis and sleeping problems in newborns.   It is important to have your baby checked soon after birth. Dr Erickson finds that chiropractic care can help babies acheive  their developmental landmarks.

Relax. We use special approaches to make our adjustments safe, gentle and comfortable for you and your child. We recommend that mothers also come in for a session after giving birth, to profoundly relax and get re-alignment.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Will adjustments hurt my baby?

Of course not. This is a common concern among parents who mistakenly think their child will receive adjustments like the ones they receive. Not only are adjusting techniques modified for each person’s size and unique spinal problem, an infant’s spine rarely has the long-standing muscle tightness seen in adults. This makes the energy needed to adjust a child’s spine considerably less than an adult’s does.

Will adjustments make my spine too loose?

No. Only the spinal joints that are “locked up” receive adjustments. This allows weakened muscles and ligaments to stabilize and heal.

Pregnancy is natural. Why would I need chiropractic?

Being born is a natural phenomenon. It’s what we’ve done to the birth process that has become increasingly suspect. In hospitals, birth is often treated like a disease. A newborn’s introduction to the world is often accompanied by a severe drop in temperature, loud noises and other insensitivities. The administration of drugs and anesthesia can have a profound effect on a newborn.

Will my medical doctor approve?

First, you don’t need anyone’s approval to seek a chiropractic opinion about health issues affecting your child! The judgment of another health care expert is always helpful in the decision-making process. Medical practitioners keeping up with the latest pediatric chiropractic research are starting to understand the value of this natural, drug-free approach to better health.

What does my spine have to do with my baby?

Pregnancy may be one of the best times to receive chiropractic care! While it’s always good to have an optimally functioning nervous system, it’s especially helpful now. Both mother and baby can benefit. Adjusting methods are adapted to a mother’s size, weight and condition. During this period of weight gain and hormonal changes, many mothers seek chiropractic care. Some report shorter and easier births.

CONTACT US »

Erickson Healing Arts | (212) 721-0177