With all the joy and excitement of welcoming a new bundle of joy, comes the challenges of transitioning away from the physical and hormonal changes of pregnancy. A chiropractic principle states that, “There is no process that does not require time.” Postpartum is no exception and it is called a journey for a reason. Did you know, chiropractic care can assist you in navigating through this new life chapter?
1. Healing after birth
All bodies, all births and all postnatal periods are different. While some mums are at a turning point in their healing journey after 6-8 weeks, for some it may take less time, or for some it can take a lot longer. During the 9 months of pregnancy the woman’s body undergoes important hormonal and physical changes to nurture the developing foetus and prepare the mother for labour and delivery. It then takes time for the body to recover from those changes. The relaxin hormone, which makes all of your joints loosen, doesn’t disappear once baby is born and can stay as long as 12 months within mamas’ bodies. It also takes several weeks for the placenta wound bleeding to cease. Shortly after birth, the body goes back to an adequate backwards centre of gravity which can lead to discomfort in the lower back area. By adjusting the spine and the nerve system, the body becomes more adaptable to those changes and can optimise the body’s ability to heal and self-regulate.
2. Breastfeeding
According to the WHO recommendations, exclusive breastfeeding for up the 6 months is the optimal form of nutrition for infants, but it can come with REAL challenges. Poor baby latch or suction, low milk supply, sore nipples amongst others, are some of the reasons why there is only 1% of women who are still exclusively breastfeeding at 6 months. Lactation consultants are experts in the field, but did you know you chiropractor can help too? Chiropractors are trained to locate and correct imbalances to babies’ spine/nerve systems due to in utero position or delivery - (both from intervention during labour or even vaginal birth). Chiropractic for babies and children is very gentle and safe and research shows great outcomes in improvement of breastfeeding outcomes.
Another reason why our mums like to get checked during their postpartum journey is because breastfeeding can be difficult on their body, neck discomfort from prolonged forward head carriage when feeding baby is commonly reported.
3. Pelvic floor
The pelvic floor muscles are an important layer of muscles acting like a hammock from the front to the back of the pelvis. The contraction of those muscles has two major functions, it provides support for the internal organs and assists the control of the opening of the bladder, bowel, and uterus. During the birth process, the relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles also plays an important role in guidance of the baby’s head down the birth canal. The ability to relax and contract those muscles at the right time plays an important role in faster, easier delivery and prevent post-partum urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse. Research findings suggest chiropractic care improves pelvic floor muscle control.
4. Postnatal depression (PND)
National statistics are alarming: postpartum depression affects about 1 of every 8 NZ mums. Symptoms may vary from woman to woman, from persistent sadness, frequent episodes of crying or weepiness, heavy tiredness (fatigue), feelings of inadequacy or guilt, lack of interest in the baby, feel anxious or uncertain all the time amongst others.
Research suggests that postpartum depression is associated with reduced breastfeeding from alterations in neuroendocrine function. By optimising spinal and nerve system function of both mum and bubs, it supports chances of successful lactation and therefore a reduction in risk factor for PND.
A recent study conducted on an individual suffering chronic lower back pain showed a reduction in both anxiety and depression whilst undergoing chiropractic care using a PHQ-4 instrument, which is regularly used to screen patients for mental health disorders. Chiropractors are primary health care professionals who can also assist with adequate referral when required.
To all our Mamas out there who are going through their 4th trimester, we see you and we need you to know they are not alone. We, as chiropractors, are also here to help you after birth. By looking after you, it creates a ripple effect, spreading and allowing you and your family to thrive. Give us a call to help, we would love to help you navigating this journey.