How Prenatal Chiropractic Care Can Support Your Pregnancy Journey | Harrisburg, PA Newborn Photographer Interviews a Prenatal Chiropractor
Pregnancy can be one of the most magical times in a woman's life, but let's face it - it can also come with a list of aches and pains.
When I was pregnant, I visited a prenatal chiropractor regularly, and let me tell you, IT MADE A DIFFERENCE!
But what exactly is prenatal chiropractic care? How does it work, and what can you expect from a session? And most importantly, is it safe for you and your growing baby?
Today, I’m talking with Dr. Richelle Demers, a prenatal chiropractor, to answer all your questions about chiropractic care during pregnancy!
Hi Dr. Richelle! Please introduce yourself.
My name is Dr. Richelle Demers, and I am a local prenatal, postpartum, and pediatric chiropractor. I am certified in the Webster technique, a specific pregnancy/postpartum chiropractic technique. In 2020, I opened Harrisburg Joint and Muscle with my partner, Dr. Dan Bruner, in Lemoyne, Pennsylvania.
Our approach to chiropractic care, utilizing myofascial therapy, muscle stretching, and adjustments, was received well in the area. We spend 15-20 minutes with every patient (even our little one-month-old baby patients) to ensure their muscular system is relaxed before the joints are adjusted.
Can you explain prenatal chiropractic care and how it can benefit pregnant women?
Prenatal Chiropractic care, or the Webster technique, is about balancing the pelvis to reduce nervous system stress on the mom and the baby. Using this technique, we assess which joints, muscles, and ligaments must be balanced to optimize pelvic function throughout the pregnancy, for birth, and postpartum recovery. By improving the movement of the pelvis, the baby can move freely and assume the best position for birth. This also helps reduce pain in the mom’s pelvis, lower back, and ribs and improves labor as the baby’s head is already engaged and ready to go.
How did you become interested in prenatal chiropractic care, and what drew you to this area of practice?
During chiropractic college, I started adjusting pregnant patients and babies and had great successes, such as decreasing colic in the babies and shorter labors in the moms!
I fell in love with it—how can you not want to look at the cutest babies all day?
After graduating, I took more pregnancy, postpartum, and pediatrics courses and was officially certified in the Webster technique in 2020. I have been very grateful to be able to use this every day in my practice and even trained my husband so he could work on me during my pregnancy!
What are common pregnancy-related conditions that you treat with chiropractic care?
The most common pregnancy-related conditions I treat are low back, hip, and pelvic pain. As well as round ligament spasms and sciatic pain.
Pregnancy can also come with other stressors like swelling. I often treat carpal tunnel and foot and ankle pain, as well as jaw pain from clenching and grinding due to stress.
Can you walk us through a typical prenatal chiropractic session? What can a pregnant woman expect?
We first have an initial new patient appointment where we do an exam.
This includes a range of motion, joint assessments, and muscle tone assessments.
We then determine how to improve the overall pregnancy pain, baby position, or general comfortability.
Let’s assume we are treating low back, pelvic, and round ligament pain. We use this amazing table with a huge opening for the belly, so you can lay face down for the first time in months! I would first use myofascial techniques to work on your pelvic, hip, and lower back muscles.
We next use a technique called flexion-distraction, followed by the drop technique to adjust the lower back and pelvis (as a previously pregnant woman, this was always my favorite part!).
Then, we assess for tightness in your sacrotuberous ligament and pelvic floor muscles, such as your piriformis, and stretch any that need it.
You will then lay on your back briefly so we can stretch your hip flexors, round ligaments, and any other pelvic adjustments that need to be done.
How frequently should pregnant women see a chiropractor during their pregnancy, and is it necessary to continue chiropractic care after giving birth?
I typically suggest treatments as often as you see your OB.
At the beginning of pregnancy, it is less frequent, 1-2x/ month, and then after 35 weeks, typically 1x/week. Of course, there are reasons that the number of treatments may have to increase, such as breech presentation or intense low back or hip pain.
I also recommend following up with your chiropractor after delivery (which is a great time to get your newborn in for their first adjustment!).
Labor can be traumatic on your body. Your pelvis's ligaments, joints, and muscles stretch to their maximum, and you sometimes have to push in awkward positions.
A “reset” adjustment following labor is ideal within about a month postpartum, but as a mom myself, I understand how difficult those first few weeks can be and never want to force a mom out of their house before they are ready.
Anything else you want to share with us?
You know your body best! If you need extra support for your changing body, a chiropractor, massage therapist, acupuncturist, or pelvic floor physical therapist are all great resources. Many patients find their ideal combination of the above specialists and use them when needed. Pregnancy is a little miracle; you deserve to feel the best throughout the journey!
Check out the links below for more information and to find published research on the benefits of chiropractic care:
Now you know all about the magic of prenatal chiropractic care! We hope this post has given you some ideas about making your pregnancy more comfortable and supported. Happy pregnancy, mama! *
Rachael Thompson - Harrisburg PA Newborn Photographer
Beestone Creative Co.
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