Guest Blog – Chiropractic Care for Mom and Baby 

Hi everyone! I am Dr. Kerry, a Chiropractor in the Hamilton area at Waterview Physiotherapy in Grimsby and The Health Centre Dundas! I provide chiropractic and acupuncture treatments to people of all ages but am very passionate about chiropractic care for pregnant moms, babies, and kids, ensuring the whole family is well cared for. I am Webster Certified through the ICPA and have a special interest and experience in treating children. I am also certified in medical acupuncture through McMaster University. In treatments, we chat about all of our technique options so that the treatment is comfortable for you and you are well-informed! Chiropractic techniques can include diversified adjustments, activator methods, Thompson drop, flexion and distraction along with soft tissue therapies such as massage, cupping, therapeutic exercises, and lifestyle modifications! Whether it is birth trauma, slips and trips, or sports injuries, I want to ensure your little ones are supported from the start!

Can you share a little about your background and what led you to specialize in pediatric and perinatal chiropractic care?

I have always had a special interest in the body through my years as a competitive Irish dancer and have always had a love for children. When I decided on chiropractic as my career, I knew this was the population I wanted to focus on. I want to support them from moms tummy to their first birthday, continuing throughout their entire childhood, so they are able to participate and thrive in whatever activities they may want to do. As someone who competed at high levels and trained very hard as a kid, I wish that my body had the support that I now offer to kids. I find it amazing to see the whole family thrive through treatment and be supported so they can do all that they want to, without limitation!

What do you wish more people knew about chiropractic care, especially when it comes to pregnancy and children?

I wish more people knew that chiropractic care is not just for pain relief but for overall wellness. It’s a safe, natural approach that supports the nervous system and overall health. It’s a proactive, preventive approach to health that can have lifelong benefits. Chiropractic care can be part of a holistic approach to wellness. Kiddos are constantly running around, moving, bumping and getting into trouble, so it is amazing that parents can bring their children in for regular maintenance visits to ensure their nervous system, joints and muscles are functioning optimally. This can include helping with posture, balance, coordination, and general wellness. It’s like going to the dentist for regular cleanings — it’s about maintaining health, not just addressing problems.

At what age is it safe to start chiropractic care for children, and what are some signs a child might benefit from seeing a chiropractor?

Chiropractic care can start as early as the day after birth. In fact, gentle adjustments for newborns can help alleviate birth-related stress and encourage proper nervous system function.  There doesn’t need to be “something wrong” to seek out treatment from a chiropractor for you, your baby or your kiddo. It can also just be about supporting them through their development. Everyone can benefit from chiropractic care whether you are 1 day old or 100 years old. The treatments will just look a little different throughout those years!

In saying that, what are some common pediatric conditions that chiropractic care can help treat?

Some signs that a child might benefit from seeing a chiropractor include difficulty sleeping, poor posture, frequent ear infections, constipation, or delays in reaching developmental milestones or just being a kid! Children with a history of birth trauma or those who experienced difficult births may also benefit from early chiropractic care. Chiropractic care can also help kids with a variety of pediatric conditions, such as colic, reflux, sleep issues, and torticollis (a condition where the neck muscles tighten and cause the head to tilt). Children also benefit from chiropractic care to promote optimal growth and development, as they go through every stage of life.

How is chiropractic treatment different for young children?

For children, the adjustments are tailored to their smaller, more delicate bodies. Especially for babies and toddlers, the approach is very gentle and focuses on promoting the nervous system’s development, spinal alignment, and overall growth. The techniques are adapted to the age and physical condition of the patient, ensuring the safest and most effective care. One common misconception is that chiropractic care for babies is harsh or uncomfortable. In reality, the techniques used on infants are extremely gentle, often no more than the pressure you would use to check if an avocado is ripe!

How will my baby feel after treatment?

It is very common for your baby to feel relaxed post treatment. Their nervous system has been regulated and supported so it is common to have more movement, easier feeds, and easier poops – be prepared for a blow out! Sleep will be improved, as well. Their little bodies are no longer trying to fight to be supported so they can relax and rest with ease!

Is chiropractic care safe for pregnant women? Are there any precautions or considerations that parents should keep in mind?

Yes, chiropractic care is very safe for pregnant women. For pregnant women, chiropractors are trained to use gentle techniques that are safe throughout the pregnancy, and adjustments are modified to accommodate the growing baby bump and changes in posture. The focus is on supporting their changing body as it adapts to the demands of pregnancy. A balanced pelvis and mom supports not only the mom throughout pregnancy, but supports the baby inside and its exit into the world!

How can chiropractic care benefit expectant mothers, both physically and emotionally, during pregnancy? 

Chiropractic care during pregnancy with the Webster technique can significantly reduce physical discomforts like back pain, pelvic pain, and sciatic nerve pain. It can also help improve posture and alignment, which can reduce the strain on the muscles and joints as the body changes. Emotionally, chiropractic care helps to balance the nervous system, which can reduce stress and anxiety during pregnancy. Additionally, it can improve sleep, enhance overall mood, and promote a greater sense of well-being. While pain relief is one of the primary benefits, chiropractic care can also help with improving the function of the pelvis, which is important to support during pregnancy and labor.

How can chiropractic care support a more natural and comfortable birth process for mothers?

Chiropractic care using the Webster technique helps align the pelvis, which can support your baby and reduce the restrictions in the pelvis and surrounding structures. When the spine and pelvis are properly aligned, the muscles surrounding them are also better able to function, helping with uterine contractions and promoting smoother, more efficient labor. By addressing any misalignments in the spine and pelvis, chiropractic care allows the body to be free from muscle, joint and ligament restriction to help support you and your baby in your birthing process.

What is the Webster technique?

The Webster technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and gentle chiropractic adjustment. The technique consists of a protocol that assesses the muscles, ligaments and joints surrounding the pelvis to allow it to function optimally through pregnancy. This can reduce soft tissue tension which allows for an ideal environment for the baby to grow and move. Webster technique is helpful in providing relief for common lower back and sciatic pains that pregnant women often experience. The treatment is gentle, specific and provides benefits to both mom and baby!

What can acupuncture be used to treat?

Acupuncture can treat a wide variety of injuries or issues. The main principle of acupuncture is that the needles provide a microtrauma to the body where it needs support so that the body knows to heal there. This can be nerve irritation, tight muscle, joint restriction or arthritic joints. The body then brings healing, including blood flow, oxygenation and decreases inflammation, to the area. I always say acupuncture to supplement chiropractic care and muscle work is like the triple threat!

Where can someone connect with you if they’d like to book an appointment with you?

Two clinic options – Dundas and Grimsby.

Waterview Physiotherapy in Grimsby.

The Health Centre in Dundas.

 

Thank you Kerry for sharing your knowledge with us all.

Have an idea for a guest blog you want to hear from? Drop me an email (chelsea@littlesleepspace.ca) and let me know your idea :)

Chelsea is Mom of 2 and a Baby, Toddler and Child Sleep Consultant. She has advanced certification in Infant and Early Mental Health and Pediatric Sleep Health and has a Master’s of Professional Education with a specialization in Applied Behaviour Analysis. Chelsea supports families within Hamilton and beyond with hands-on responsive methods towards longer naps and better nights. Chelsea works collaboratively with families to empower them with the confidence and tools they need to reach their unique sleep goals. Hear from rested families here and book a free call with Chelsea here to discuss how she can support your family’s journey to more sleep.