How can chiropractic help during pregnancy?
During this time, the body undergoes significant physical and hormonal changes, including shifts in posture, increased joint laxity, and added strain on the spine and pelvis.
Chiropractic care aims to maintain proper spinal alignment, reduce musculoskeletal discomfort, and promote optimal nervous system function.
By improving pelvic balance antenatal chiropractic care may also help to create a more comfortable environment for the growing baby during their development.
Overall, this approach uses safe, non-invasive support to enhance maternal well-being and potentially contribute to a smoother pregnancy and delivery.
Pregnancy pillows are available for your comfort and we will always discuss your preferences and needs during treatment.
Common issues we treat:
- Lower back pain
- Pelvic imbalance
- Sciatica
- Pelvic girdle pain (inc. pubic symphysis dysfunction)
- Knee & foot pain
- Upper back & neck pain
Post-natal care for Mother...
How can chiropractic help my newborn?
Childbirth can place enormous strain on a baby’s musculoskeletal system (MSK). Whilst their bodies are designed exactly to withstand the birthing process, various factors can still lead to stress on the system, leading to potential muscular restrictions resulting in post-birth pain and discomfort.
Expertly trained chiropractors, like Phoebe Bavin of Riviera Wellbeing, use gentle techniques specifically designed for babies to improve spinal function and reduce discomfort, which may be causing difficulties settling, persistent crying and challenges getting baby to latch.
Specialist paediatric chiropractic care can help promote optimal growth and development as baby reaches new physical milestones and addresses MSK issues before they can become long-term concerns.
Phoebe works collaboratively with parents to assess the unique needs of every baby in her care, ensuring a holistic approach that delivers the best possible results for the baby. Sharing information in clear and simple terms, she will make sure parents feel totally confident and in control of the care their child receives.
- Birth related discomfort
- Challenges with latching
- Easing digestive discomfort (trapped wind, passing stool etc)
- Severe cranial tension
- Misshapen head shape
- Trouble getting baby to settle
To read more about Baby Chiropractic – click here.
What to expect for baby on the first visit...
The period after childbirth can be a stressful time following the rigours of childbirth on both Mum’s and baby’s bodies. In addition to hormonal changes, there are also the physical demands of caring for your newborn.
Chiropractic care can offer functional support to both that ease the challenges of this precious time. Expert adjustments from our chiropractor can offer mothers post-birth relief and also relieve musculoskeletal tension in the baby.
Mothers may seek relief from posture-related issues in the neck, shoulder and upper back tension linked to carrying and breastfeeding baby.
- Prior completion of an online Paediatric New Patient Intake Form (paper option is available)
- A one-hour initial consultation with Dr Phoebe Bavin (who specialises in chiropractic for mothers, babies and young children)
- A chiropractic treatment will take place (in most instances)
- For babies, we recommend having 3 follow up treatments over a 2 week period as improvement is often rapid
- Following initial treatment, it may be advised to book a follow up at key developmental milestones (if necessary)
Is Chiropractic treatment safe & effective for babies?
We understand how precious your baby is, how fragile they are and the desire to do everything to support their welfare and development.
Phoebe’s years of experience in practice, additional specialist training in paediatric chiropractic and as a mother herself she is very sensitive to your concerns and needs and will do all she can to support you as parents in caring for your baby.
She takes time to explain her recommendations for your child clearly and welcomes you bringing additional support with you, if needed. You can rest assured that treatment will always be a collaborative effort, and you will never experience any pressure from us.
Further reading is available on the efficacy and safety of chiropractic treatment on infants in a published study undertaken by the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic University College (AECC), which indicates that chiropractic care for infants is generally safe with a very low incidence of adverse effects. The study also identified high parental satisfaction and significant improvements in infant behaviour, sleep, and breastfeeding, particularly when addressing musculoskeletal issues or colic.
- Safety and Efficacy: Studies on infants treated at the AECC teaching clinic showed no serious complications, with only minor, self-limiting side effects, such as temporary fussiness or improved sleep.
- Colic and Crying: Research demonstrates that chiropractic manual therapy can significantly reduce crying time in infants with colic, with some studies suggesting the improvement is not due to parental bias.
- Breastfeeding Challenges: A case series found that chiropractic care, often targeting cervical spine dysfunction, helped improve breastfeeding in cases where infants had difficulties with latch or sucking.
- Long-Term Effects: Studies suggest that infants treated for colic with chiropractic care had reduced long-term issues, such as fewer temper tantrums and better sleep patterns at 2-3 years of age, compared to untreated infants.
- High Parental Satisfaction: Over 90% of parents reported high satisfaction with the care their babies received.
HOW LONG WILL MY BABY NEED TREATMENT?
A few treatments can make a big difference.
Babies have a unique musculoskeletal (MSK) system that is meant to be flexible to allow for the exertion of childbirth. This flexibility usually responds very quickly and requires only a handful of treatments to ease any remaining MSK stresses from birth and provide comfort.
The initial New Patient Consultation lasts for 1-hour and usually includes a treatment. It is normally then recommended for babies to follow the initial appointment with 3 x shorter 20-minute treatments within 10-14 days. However, all treatment plans are made for the individual patient and will be discussed in full before commencing care.