Women have discovered the benefit of chiropractic care to ease discomfort during pregnancy, and many have found the treatments to even help mitigate the pain of childbirth. But once they hear their baby’s first cry, many new moms tend to put their own welfare to the side in order to put all of their care and attention on their child. Self-care can fall by the wayside in the weeks and months following the birth of the baby, but that is precisely the time women should seek help with postpartum recovery.
Pregnancy causes changes to the body that are both visible and invisible, subtle and overt. When a baby is carried to term, the body does not revert 100% back to the way it once functioned. Some changes that women might notice postpartum include:
Body size – While many believe that getting back into the gym will bring the body back to its pre-baby proportions, the rib cage has expanded during the pregnancy and often remains broader in size indefinitely.
Swollen feet and fingers – While swollen feet and hands during pregnancy are common, many women recovering from pregnancy suffer from fallen arches and may experience permanently swollen knuckles. Some women realize their shoe size has enlarged permanently as well.
Discoloration – The vertical line that appears down the belly of a pregnant female is caused by hormonal changes in the body. It may fade postpartum, but it’s also normal for the discoloration to become permanent.
Muscle and Ligament Recovery
A mother’s muscles and ligaments have been strained for nine months, with the pelvis and spine being most affected by pregnancy. Therefore, the body requires postpartum attention to heal. Initiating the recovery process as early as possible gives women the most significant advantage.
The round ligaments hold the uterus in place, and they change during pregnancy and delivery. Adjustments to the pelvis postpartum can minimize painful symptoms associated with stretched ligaments and help ligaments to return to their proper placement.
Post-partum migraines are relatively common — approximately 25 percent of new mothers have a migraine headache within two weeks of giving birth – and are often caused by changes in estrogen and progesterone levels. A chiropractor helps to alleviate the symptoms of postpartum migraines through spinal manipulation. Massage may also be utilized in conjunction with adjustments to loosen tense muscles and ease them back into position.
Recovery Through Exercise
Rest is the most effective option for recovering from childbirth, but this rest is often elusive for new parents. There are exercises women can try at home to alleviate symptoms and speed up the healing process. A chiropractor experienced in pre-natal and post-partum care can advise and help a new mother to safely proceed with these exercises.
Returning to routine chiropractic care is one way to begin to feel more comfortable in your post-pregnancy body – as well as to introduce the baby to the same holistic preventive care you enjoy. Infants and children significantly benefit from chiropractic adjustments as their bodies are growing and changing rapidly – and a chiropractor is adept at monitoring these changes and noticing any issues early on. Visiting a chiropractor can be a unique bonding experience for a mother and baby as well.
For new mothers, maintaining their health is essential to be prepared for the new life ahead. Self-care and visits to the chiropractor will provide the postpartum support required to feel your best more quickly.
Dr. Ryan Johnson is experienced in both pre-and postpartum care, as well as infant and pediatric chiropractic treatments. If you are expecting a child and looking for ways to navigate your pregnancy and labor in the strongest and most healthy way, call today to schedule your appointment.
