During Pregnancy, our bodies change dramatically. We gain weight, our joints get "looser", and we move differently to accommodate a growing baby. All of these things can cause pain or discomfort. Having an evaluation by a chiropractor, particularly one trained in the Webster technique, and receiving frequent adjustments to help align and stabilize the pregnant body is beneficial. Chiropractic adjustments can help open up and balance the pelvis making room to birth a baby. Visiting a chiropractor after baby arrives can re-balance your non-pregnant body as well. And don't forget to get baby adjusted. Birth puts a lot of strain on a woman's body and baby's body. Getting adjusted will help both sleep and recover better.
As the baby grows, more pressure is put on our pelvic floor muscles as well. Going to a pelvic floor physical therapist during pregnancy can help teach ways to protect the pelvic floor during childbirth as well as teach ways to make birth and recovery easier. Incontinence after childbirth should not be a normal part of life. Learning proper techniques ahead of time can prevent many issues in postpartum.
An IBCLC or lactation consultant can be a very important professional to help make your parenthood journey easier. If you are planning to breastfeed, talking to an IBCLC ahead of time can help you prepare for the ups and downs of breastfeeding. If you are planning to pump or bottlefeed, an IBCLC can help you choose the best bottle or formula for your baby or help you set up a manageable pumping routine. Making a connection with an IBCLC or lactation consultant before baby arrives allows you to feel prepared and know where to turn if feeding doesn't go as planned.
Everyone loves a good massage, but getting a prenatal massage (or several) before birth can ease aches and tension during the last few weeks of pregnancy and might even help start labor if baby is overdue. Getting a massage after baby is born can help with aches from birth or from poor posture due to feeding or holding a baby.
Along with massage, acupressure or acupuncture, can release trauma or tension stored in tissues, can help with relaxation and possibly turn a baby into a better position for birth. If baby is "overdue", it might just be worth a visit to someone skilled in acupressure or acupuncture.
Doulas, both birth and postpartum, can offer support, education and hands on help to make birth or parenthood easier and more satisfying.
While you may not need all of these professionals, knowing who they are and what they do before baby arrives can be beneficial. The better prepared you are for birth and postpartum, the easier things will be. These professionals can help you.
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