Postpartum Care

Chiropractic

The process of giving birth puts a lot of stress on many systems of the woman body.These may include, but are not limited to:

• Joints
• Muscles
• Ligaments
• Nervous system

There are many benefits of chiropractic for a post partum state.Some benefits include:

• Regaining proper function and stability of the pelvis
• Supporting the muscles and ligaments that have been stretched out during the pregnancy
• Relieving the stress for the mother that labor has placed on her body

Chiropractors keep the spine in proper alignment and the nervous system clear of obstacles.They will help to keep your body functioning the way it was intended to.

Acupuncture

The post-partum period refers to 6 weeks directly following the childbirth.While it is normal in the Western society to return to normal activities within a few weeks of childbirth, it is important to rest and take care of yourself during this time.

Acupuncture brings a kind of supplementation that promotes the body’s healing function to its highest potential.Taking care of your post partum state may help prevent more serious disharmonies in the future.

Acupuncture can help to replenish and rebalance your body and aid in treating the following conditions:

• Pain
• Fatigue
• Anxiety/Stress
• Insomnia
• Depression/Emotional Instability
• Insufficient breast milk production

 Massage Therapy

Motherhood brings on new demands.It’s very important that the new mother take time to heal herself.Massage is an excellent  way to find that healing and relief.The mother’s body will have changes brought upon them with the pregnancy, as well as possible surgical recoveries.Massage can help the mother to eliminate many of the pains and aches brought on by the pregnancy, as well as the internal traumas brought on by childbirth.

Physical Therapy and Exercise

Research shows that 50%-68.5% of women experience pelvic and low back pain while pregnant.

37% of women who report back pain during their pregnancy still report back pain at 18 months postpartum. Postpartum depression is 3X more likely in women who suffer from pelvic and low back pain than those without. (Gutke A. 2007) (Larsen E. 1999)

Other postpartum related musculoskeletal symptoms include:

• Headache
• Neck and low back pain
• Pelvic girdle pain
• Lower extremity pain
• Urinary incontinence
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Varicose veins

 Potential Benefits of physical therapy and exercise during pregnancy and postpartum include:

• Decrease risk of gestational diabetes mellitus
• Decrease risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension (pre-eclampsia)
• Decrease risk of urinary incontinence
• Decrease stretch marks
• Decrease the incidence of postpartum depression and anxiety
• Improved cardiovascular fitness
• Facilitate weight loss
• Increase energy
• Improve quality of sleep
• Improve core and pelvic floor stability

The doctors at Balancing Point follow the ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) exercise guidelines when developing an individualized treatment plan that is specific to the need of each patient and stage of pregnancy.