post-partum recovery
Post-Natal Chiropractic
Chiropractic care can also help after childbirth. In the eight weeks following labor and delivery, the ligaments that loosened during pregnancy begin to tighten up again. Often after birth, whether vaginally or via c-section, the mother’s pelvic biomechanics change – these changes can bring discomfort with walking, nursing and sleeping. With gentle adjustments and soft tissue work, our chiropractors can help you feel relief in your fourth trimester.
We address post-partum aches and pains with spinal adjustments, exercises and stretches that are like those in prenatal care.
Activities that can create pain post-partum are:
- Nursing
- Bottle feeding
- Rocking baby
- Carrying car seat
- Chasing after an older sibling
- Contorted/weird sleep positions
We are here for you during this post-partum period! Baby and siblings are always invited to your chiropractic appointments!
We also offer lactation consulting to support feeding, comfort, and overall postpartum recovery.
Pelvic Floor
Pelvic floor dysfunction, which can include incontinence, pelvic pain, constipation and pain with sex. Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs due to abnormal activity or function of the pelvic floor musculature. Pelvic floor dysfunction is most commonly associated with pregnancy but can have other causes as well.
Symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction are often ignored or thought to be irreparable, especially after a pregnancy. While this is a common belief, many pelvic floor issues actually can be successfully resolved with targeted therapy.
At Division Chiropractic, we assess for pelvic floor dysfunction using a thorough history, functional/orthopedic testing and gentle external evaluation techniques. After evaluation, we will develop a treatment plan to address your concerns and exam findings. Treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction may involve therapeutic exercise in office, manual or instrument assisted adjustments, external soft tissue release and home exercises.
Pelvic floor dysfunction can negatively impact multiple aspects of daily life and we encourage anyone who thinks they may be experiencing symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards a better quality of life.
Post-Natal Massage
Integration of postpartum bodywork may add welcome value to your healing journey and transition to motherhood. Our therapists are here for you. They can aid in pain reduction from delivery, breastfeeding, and childcare. They can provide a quiet space to just be, relax or take a catnap. Massage can help with stress reduction during any period of your life and is incredibly beneficial in postpartum care.
Pain relief – Adding breastfeeding and childcare can intensify arm, shoulder and back pain. Massage is an effective holistic approach that relaxes muscles and relieves pain without medication.
Stress Reduction – Anxiety and depression respond very well to skilled therapy. About two-thirds of new moms experience temporary postpartum blues related to hormonal changes, new responsibilities and adjustment frustrations. Emotional support and the other benefits of massage can help during this transition. Postpartum depression is a more serious, longer-lasting condition that affects 10-15% of mothers. Studies show massage to be beneficial for treating postpartum depression.
Better sleep – Most new moms feel exhausted after labor and delivery, complicated with around-the-clock baby care. Massage will ease the fatigue, promote relaxation and assist with sleep. Studies have shown an increase in delta brain waves (those that accompany deep sleep) with massage therapy. That is why it is very common to fall asleep during a massage.
Increased milk production – Breastfeeding is a beautiful gift to your newborn, but can also be a challenge for some moms. Massage therapy relaxes the body, increases circulation and increases milk production. Studies show that massage increases prolactin levels, a lactation hormone. Relaxation in the chest muscles opens the shoulders and improves lactation. Your therapists will position you comfortably if your abdomen or breasts are sore.
