Chiropractic care during pregnancy has become an essential part of prenatal care for many women. Adjustments are very gentle and safe for you and your baby. Dr. Sullivan’s approach is to help you create the ideal environment for your baby’s development and ultimately to have a pleasant and stress free birthing experience.
Chiropractic adjustments help your body adapt to the many changes that are taking place as you progress throughout pregnancy by keeping your spine and pelvic region well aligned and free of nerve interference.
Some of the many benefits of Chiropractic during pregnancy include the following:
- Increased mobility with less aches & pains
- Reduction of Intra-uterine constraint
- Preparing the pelvis and uterus for an easier, uncomplicated birth
- Shorter labor & delivery times
- Less back labor
- Reduced risk of cesarean section
- More comfort while breastfeeding
DO ALL CHIROPRACTORS CARE FOR PREGNANT MOMS?
Chiropractors are trained to work with women who are pregnant, however some chiropractors (like Dr. Sullivan) take a specific interest in prenatal and peri-natal care and seek advanced training. Dr. Sullivan is the only one in the area with an advanced degree in pregnancies and pediatrics. Below represents designations of chiropractors who have taken advanced steps in working with infertility and pregnancy wellness.
CACCP – Certified from the Academy of Family Practice and Council on Chiropractic Pediatrics (an additional 2 years of training)
Webster Certified – This technique helps correct sacral misalignment, balance pelvic muscles and ligaments which in turn removes torsion to the woman’s uterus, it’s resulting constraint to the baby and allows the baby to get into the best possible position for birth.
To learn more about these certifications, please visit the ICPA
WHAT’S THE WEBSTER TECHNIQUE?
The late Larry Webster, D.C., Founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), developed a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment which enables chiropractors to establish balance in the pregnant woman’s pelvis and reduce undue stress to her uterus and supporting ligaments. This balanced state in the pelvis makes it easier for a breech baby to turn naturally on their own. The technique is known as the Webster Technique.
The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics reported in the July/August 2002 issue an 82% success rate of babies turning vertex when doctors of chiropractic used the Webster Technique. Further, the results from the study suggest that it may be beneficial to perform the Webster Technique as soon as the 8th month of pregnancy when a woman has a breech presentation.
Currently, the ICPA recommends that women receive chiropractic care throughout pregnancy to establish pelvic balance and optimize the room a baby has for development throughout pregnancy. With a balanced pelvis, babies have a greater chance of moving into the correct position for birth, and the crisis and worry associated with breech and posterior presentations may be avoided altogether. Optimal baby positioning at the time of birth also eliminates the potential for dystocia (difficult labor) and therefore results in easier and safer deliveries for both the mother and baby.
Baby’s Position for a Safe & Healthy Birth (VIDEO)
In the video to the left, Dr. Doug Sullivan & Amy Lynch, RN, BSN of the Broome County Childbirth Advocates present ways to help your baby find the best possible position for a safe and healthy birth process. Dr. Doug reviews the Webster Technique in great detail at 23:28 mark of the video.