By Kaitlyn Shikada, DC

Whether you are choosing to give birth at home, in a birthing center, or in a hospital; with an OB, Midwife, Doula or unassisted, this blog is for YOU!

Even for my ladies who are preconception, but know that someday you want to birth children, this blog is for YOU TOO!

Both Dr. Stan and I are PASSIONATE about serving mothers-to-be through their pregnancies. We seek to educate and empower women to trust their intuition throughout this process and also ensure proper neurologic and biomechanical function of their bodies.

We are both Webster Certified through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association.

So why is Chiropractic being sought out during pregnancy and how can Chiropractic care help you have Your BEST Birth?

Regular Chiropractic care during pregnancy is becoming NORMAL!

Birth is a natural process, in which the female body has the innate wisdom to carry-out without any intervention, as long as there are no interferences in the process.

The Top 3 reasons that interventions are necessary are:

1. Inadequate uterine function
2. Pelvic contraction
3. Baby malpositioning

Chiropractic adjustments can have a positive effect on ALL OF THESE.

The Webster Technique, which we use on all our pregnant mamas, is a specific assessment and adjustment utilized to enhance neuro-biomechanics. It restores neuro-biomechanical balance of the pelvis, and improved neurological and biomechanical function creates the potential for safer, easier births.

So let’s talk about the uterus: The POWER.

The uterus is a muscle. Every muscle is controlled by nerves. The uterus is specifically innervated by the inferior hypogastric plexus as well as parasympathetic and sympathetic fibers from the pelvic splanchnic nerves. An interference in the nervous system (aka subluxation) can cause insufficiently strong or inappropriately coordinated contractions, often stopping cervical dilation and stalling labor.

This is also why fear and emotional stress, creating sympathetic override, can affect birth!

The POWER of the uterus is related to the function of the Nervous System and the purpose of the chiropractic adjustment is to reduce interference and optimize nervous system function!

Now, to the pelvis: The PASSAGE.

The pelvis, specifically the sacrum, is the base of our spine. It is the structure that enables us to walk, run and jump, as well as what we sit on for the majority of the day. Especially in pregnancy, as you grow an ENTIRE human in your belly, your center of gravity shifts, gait is compensated and there is an increase of biomechanical load placed on the pelvis.

If there are abnormalities of the maternal bony pelvis or contraction of the pelvic diameter, labor can become difficult.

By analyzing the structure of the pelvis as well as critical muscles and ligaments that support it, Chiropractors are able to improve the PASSAGE by creating pelvic balance!

Lastly, but most importantly, let’s talk about baby: The PASSENGER.

When I was in the process of earning my Webster Certification, Godmother of Prenatal Chiropractic, Dr. Jeanne Ohm, said something that really shifted how I thought of pregnancy and birth:

“Baby is working just as hard as mom during labor to make it the easiest birth possible.”

How does baby know where to position itself?

How does baby know how to get there?

In utero, baby’s nervous system starts developing, just 20 days after conception. Through mom’s nervous system is how baby is perceiving its ENTIRE world. During the prenatal phase, baby is not only growing, but also learning and developing skills to be able to get into proper positioning for birth and to be able to eat, sleep and poop properly the moment they are born.

The nervous system of baby, the PASSENGER, is equally as important as mom’s, and getting adjusted throughout pregnancy starting in the first trimester allows optimal function for mom and baby’s health during and after birth!

There may be a lot of fear and uncertainty when it comes to pregnancy and birth. But we know, with certainty, that when the nervous system is functioning optimally without interference, the POWER, PASSAGE and PASSENGER are ready for it!

When your nervous system is clear, you are better able to connect deeply with your baby and trust your intuition. If there’s anyone in this world that knows your baby best, it’s YOU.

Whether it is your first pregnancy, second and beyond, or you might want to be pregnant in the future, we would be honored to be part of your team.

Our Future Generations family is here to help prepare you for Your BEST Birth possible and experience all that comes with the transition into motherhood.