Why am I a Chiropractor? Part 1: Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy
It seems only appropriate that this month’s blog be all about my second son’s birth story because December is his birth month!! It’s a big birthday for him this year because he’ll be turning 6 – no more holding up 1 hand to show how old he is which also means that I’ve been on my chiropractic journey for 6 years now.
I started under chiropractic care not because I had low back pain, neck pain, or headaches, which are all very typical chiropractic stories. I started under care because I wanted a VBAC – a vaginal birth after c-section. I had an emotionally, physically, and mentally traumatic emergency c-section with my first son. I remember being 41+ weeks, wondering if my baby would ever come, and then after 27 hours of labor, I ended up with an emergency c-section. Nothing went as planned, and so fast forward 3 years to my next pregnancy; I didn’t want to go through that again.
I had remembered with my first pregnancy that my best friend mentioned chiropractic care, and I somewhat shrugged it off. However, second time around, I was listening! I wanted to do what I could to help support my desire for a VBAC, so I went for my first chiropractic adjustment ever at 36 weeks pregnant. I ended up going into labor just a few days before my estimated due date, and after 6 hours of labor, I was able to have my second son and have my VBAC. It was such a stark difference from my first experience.
It’s well documented that second pregnancies are very different from first pregnancies, and same goes for labor and delivery. I knew part of the stark difference in my experiences was due to the fact that this was my second time around however, I did not need a double-blind randomized control trial study to tell me that chiropractic had made the difference. This is coming from a former research molecular biologist too 😊 I had such similar pregnancies; I continued to run and exercise through both and didn’t experience extreme aches and pains in either one. The one big difference was chiropractic care.
So, what does chiropractic care look like for pregnant patients. Webster technique is a specific sacral analysis and adjustment that is used for pregnant patients. Chiropractors can elect to have additional training to become Webster certified. The goal of the adjustment is to remove nervous system irritation or subluxations to the sacral joints and allow for proper neuro-biomechanical function of the pelvis, and to balance maternal pelvic muscles and ligaments.
Birth is such a powerful experience. As I reflect on the birth stories for both of my children, I still struggle with how my first was born however, had I not had that c-section and sought out ways to not repeat it, I might never have found chiropractic. I might not be in the position I am now, a Webster certified chiropractor, trained to work with pregnant patients with the intention of being a part of their birth support team. I know that a big factor in my successful VBAC was the fact that my nervous system was functioning optimally.
There are also things I would have done differently still, and I share those thoughts with my patients. I would have had a doula. I would have taken some more childbirth preparation classes. I would have learned more ways to labor naturally. I would have just researched everything more.
Just as we are all unique, each pregnancy and mom-to-be are unique. What I’ve written in no way shape or form guarantees a successful VBAC. What I want is for women and families to make informed decisions, and to make those decisions from a place of peace and not fear. I want families to know that I am on their side, and that I will support them in one of the most important times of their lives.
Go to the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association www.icpa4kids.org to find more information on chiropractic care during pregnancy and Webster technique.
Stayed tuned for parts 2 and 3 as to why I’m a chiropractor…..
Dr. Shannon