Having seen our fair share of mums go through pregnancy and birth, we’ve definitely seen mothers go through births that weren’t their “ideal” birth plan. We have had mummies who ended up having to schedule c-sections due to factors out of their control, even mummies who dilated the full 10cm(!!) only to be wheeled off for an emergency c-sec for the safety of them and their baby.
Prenatal Chiropractic and the Webster technique are big advocates for natural birth, as your body allows. But what happens if you didn’t get the natural birth that you were hoping for? Would Chiropractic care be pointless?
Needless to say, it still benefits mums greatly regardless of the type of birth they have planned/end up having. The intention of Webster adjustments is to facilitate your body for a smoother pregnancy, leading to a smoother birthing process (click here to know more about Webster adjustments). If your baby does not exit your birth canal, it might seem redundant to “balance your pelvis” and “improve your birth outcomes”. However, there is a lot more to prenatal care than just the birth story.
Addressing in-utero malpositioning
Our babies sit and grow in our pelvic inlets for a long period of time, and maintaining a balanced pelvis is a big determining factor of how comfortable they feel as well as how comfortable you are.
Babies in-utero can be malpositioned (meaning stuck in an abnormal position) for prolonged periods of time due to limited space in their environment (the pelvis and all its relevant muscles/ligaments). It’s pretty much the same if we sleep in an awkward position the whole night – we’ll wake up feeling uncomfortable, sore, and grumpy. In babies who are still growing and maturing, this can result in strains to their already delicate head and neck. (Click here to understand how babies can be adjusted!)
Strain to these areas can result in:
- Extended labour (which might necessitate further assistance like vacuum or forceps, leading to further trauma for baby)
- Breastfeeding challenges for baby
- Movement challenges for baby
Webster adjustments help to create the appropriate space and environment so that your baby can be as comfortable as they can be. When everything is in balance, they can not only assume a more comfortable position in-utero, but also be more prepared for when birth occurs.
Improving functional goals post-birth
A c-section is an incision through multiple layers of tissue, including pulling apart your core muscles and cutting through fascia that function to protect your abdomen. This usually causes more core weakness and pelvic instability postpartum, which can lead to pain, weakness, and possible complications like Diastasis Recti (read more about it here).
Adjustments in the prenatal AND postpartum period helps to speed up the recovery process by:
- improving posture and activation of the correct muscles
- reducing aches and pains
Once clearance is given to start exercise postpartum, perinatal-certified Chiropractors or health practitioners would be able to provide the best breathing and core activation exercises to help mums return to their usual activities and more!
Encouraging mothers on their journey
Our intention of supporting mothers through their journey is not to ONLY achieve a natural birth, nor to only follow a specific set of rules. It is so that they can be prepared to make educated choices that are right by them and their baby’s health. This is regardless of whether mums have a natural birth, a surgical birth, a fast one, or a “complicated” one.
Your birth story doesn’t determine how your health was or will be, neither does it determine your baby’s health. We’re here to help you with that! If you are a c-sec momma who needs some help, reach out to us at 011-62626038 (Welo Chiro PJ) or 010-5526038 (Welo Chiro KL).