Why is postpartum chiropractic care important?
Postpartum chiropractic care is just as important as care during pregnancy. After giving birth, your body is recovering, undergoing hormonal changes, taking care of your bundle of joy and your other kiddos. So your body is working triple time to sustain yourself and give you the energy to take care of your family.
So what’s happening to the body during postpartum?
Physical Changes: The uterus contracts to its pre-pregnancy size, which can cause cramping (afterpains). Release of Lochia, a vaginal discharge containing blood, mucus, and uterine tissue, occurs and gradually decreases over several weeks. Breasts may become engorged, tender, and swollen as they start producing milk for breastfeeding. If there were tears or episiotomy during delivery, the perineal area might be sore and require care. Hormone levels, especially estrogen and progesterone, fluctuate significantly, which can affect mood and energy levels.
Emotional Changes: Many women experience mood swings, tearfulness, and mild depression, often referred to as baby blues, in the first few weeks after childbirth. Some women experience more intense and prolonged feelings of sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion, leading to postpartum depression.
Ways to support your body during postpartum?
Nutritious Diet: Eat nutritious meals to promote healing and overall well-being. Mammas should eat warm, soft, cooked, easy-to-digest foods like soups, stews, and broths. A good way to keep yourself on a nutritious diet during this stage is to meal prep before giving birth and freezing the food or look into a postpartum meal delivery service.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated especially if you are nursing. And add electrolytes to your water to help your body stay hydrated.
Rest and Sleep: Try to rest as much as possible, especially when the baby is sleeping. Lack of sleep can worsen pain. Create a comfortable sleep environment. Consider earplugs and an eye mask to block out disturbances during naps.
Warm Baths: Warm baths can help relax sore muscles and provide relief especially with Epson Salt. Create a fun and relaxing environment for yourself. Maybe add some essential oils to your bath, light some candles, put on a podcast or anything that will make you feel calm and relaxed.
Breastfeeding Support: Breastfeeding can be very challenging and stressful. Prepare yourself by attending classes, find your gadgets and goodies and find a lactation consultant. They can literally save your breastfeeding journey!
Emotional Support: Seek emotional support from your partner, family, and friends. Postpartum pain can be mentally challenging, and talking about your feelings can help. Accept help for daily chores and baby care tasks. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance when needed.
How does Chiropractic Care help during postpartum?
Pelvic Balance: Childbirth can cause changes in pelvic alignment. Chiropractic adjustments aim to restore balance, potentially reducing pain and discomfort in the pelvic region.
Breastfeeding Support: For breastfeeding mothers, thoracic spine adjustments might improve nerve function and posture, which can aid in breastfeeding comfortably. Thoracic spine adjustments can help with upper back, mid back, shoulders and neck pain from breastfeeding, holding baby, pumping and feeding baby.
Stress Reduction: Postpartum Chiropractors can teach relaxation techniques and exercises that can help in managing stress, which is important for postpartum women dealing with the demands of new motherhood.
Improve Mobility and Strength: Postpartum Chiropractors can recommend exercises to improve flexibility and range of motion, making it easier for postpartum women to perform daily activities with less discomfort. Postpartum Chiropractors can recommend exercises to strengthen the core to help with low back pain and prevent diastasis recti.
Overall Wellness: Chiropractic care often takes a holistic approach to health, focusing not only on physical adjustments but also on lifestyle factors, nutrition, and exercise, which can benefit overall well-being postpartum.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact.
To schedule an appointment, please call or text us at 657-845-1669 or use the online schedular.