Why See a Chiropractor During Pregnancy?
Chiropractic care during pregnancy is a great way to ease pregnancy discomforts and prepare your body for an easier birth. At Birth Boot Camp, we think seeing a prenatal chiropractor is so important that it is included throughout our curriculum. Our classes support proper baby positioning and teach ways to stay healthy and low risk. Chiropractic care is a great tool for achieving these goals and expecting moms are sometimes surprised by how much it improves their pregnancy and labor experience.
Today, Dr. Pam Kendall of Kendall Acupuncture & Chiropractic in Southlake, Texas is going to tell us more about chiropractic care during pregnancy. We will discuss its benefits and how to find a a skilled prenatal chiropractor near you. I hope this information helps you feel your best during your pregnancy and prepares you for an amazing birth!
Benefits of Prenatal Chiropractic Care
Q: What are the goals of chiropractic care during pregnancy? How is it helpful?
A: In my opinion, so much about birth is based upon the position of the baby. Good position=optimum birth with ease. As a prenatal certified chiropractor I can help to assure that your pelvis has proper alignment and that the biomechanics of your spine will be in the best condition possible for the birth that you want to achieve.
Q: When should women begin seeing a chiropractor during pregnancy?
A: I love to see women as early as possible during pregnancy! It just helps to keep away some of the nagging aches and pains that can come along with the process. It’s sort of like using it as a preventative care. Keeping the body in alignment and feeling good. Optimally, Women have been coming to me before they get pregnant. Chiropractic and acupuncture care can prove so vital to achieving a healthy pregnancy.
Q: How is an adjustment done? What does it feel like?
A: I’ve been doing this now since 2001. I was certified way back then and do things pretty standard. I use pregnancy pillows, so you will actually be laying on your belly one of the few times during pregnancy. 🙂 My table has a drop piece. So, the table actually does the work for me. The adjustment is very safe and not at all painful. I am very gentle with my technique. I practice Webster Technique on almost all pregnant moms.
Q: How do I find a chiropractor that specializes in pregnant moms and babies?
A: It’s important to find a chiropractor who is Webster technique certified. However, an even better option would be to find someone who has a pediatric certification. I achieved mine back in 2001 and was one of the first few hundred chiropractors to go through the program. There are now several thousand throughout the country. Icpa4kids.com is a fantastic website for more information.
Q: What are the benefits of chiropractic care for mom and baby during the postpartum period?
A: It is truly one of my biggest honors to be able to adjust a baby after I’ve cared for the mother through her pregnancy. It just touches my heart. In terms of mama, helping her to get her body back into a state where she is able to care for her baby with ease and in a pain-free manner is important. Sometimes birth can be quite “labor”-ous for mom’s body. And adjustment afterwards can just get her feeling like herself again. If she’s nursing, it becomes even more important as this can take quite a toll on the body. And let’s not even talk about the sleep loss. In terms of babies… There’s so much benefit from chiropractic care. It can help with nursing, creating a successful latch, colic, digestive issues, constipation issues. The list really goes on from there. As a pediatric certified chiropractor I’ve had much training on adjusting infants. Honestly, the adjustment on a tiny baby is something that you as a layman will probably not even realize it’s happening because it is so gentle.… I use my pinky finger :). I love the practice that I’ve created because I get to cuddle some super cute babies!
Prenatal Chiropractor in Southlake
Thanks so much to Dr. Pam Kendall for sharing about the benefits of chiropractic care in pregnancy and beyond. If you would like to contact her or learn more about her practice in Southlake, a suburb of Dallas Fort Worth, visit www.kendallcare.com.
Dr. Pam Kendall graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2001 from Cleveland Chiropractic College in Kansas City, Missouri. She is certified in pediatrics by the ICPA and is also certified in acupuncture. Since 2015 she’s also been a certified 200 hour yoga teacher. For many years, she practiced from the playroom of her home as she raised her three kids, all of which were born in the comfort of home. So, she practices what she preaches. Attachment parenting and adjustments all the way in the Kendall home. Since 2011, she and her husband, Dr. Jud, have been practicing together in Southlake. They were high school sweethearts, meeting in 9th grade and dating at the age of 14…that lead to college and then chiropractic college together. They live in Keller with their three kids, two dogs, a cat, a hamster and a turtle.
My sister is going into her third trimester, so I wanted tips and advice that’ll help relieve her pain. I didn’t know you could alignment your pelvis and spine better for birth at the chiropractor. I’ll have to keep that in mind and find a clinic that can cater to my sister’s belly and needs, thanks to this post!