5 Things to Look for in Your Prenatal Chiropractor

Are you expecting or looking to get pregnant soon? Pregnant women frequently experience back pain, and these mamas will often turn to chiropractic care for relief. When typical interventions for pain (like anti-inflammatory medications) are contraindicated during pregnancy, the natural, non-invasive methods offered by chiropractors can be the perfect solution.

Here are 5 things you should look for in your prenatal chiropractor to make sure you’re getting the right care.

1. Women’s health-specific training. Whether your chiropractor is certified in Webster Technique, is a BirthFit professional, practices DNS (Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization), is trained in pelvic floor therapy, or has another certification, you should look for a chiropractor who is trained to treat pregnant women. Pregnancy involves a lot of unique joint and ligament changes, so it’s important that your chiropractor has the training to safely manage your symptoms as your pregnancy progresses.

2. They understand postpartum recovery. Pregnancy is all about increasing mobility and balancing tension, especially in the pelvis to prepare for birth. After birth, the focus should be on regaining pelvic and low back stability. While a lot of prenatal chiropractors will help women with pain relief and maintaining mobility during pregnancy, many won’t address the lack of stability postpartum. Pelvic and core instability can present with symptoms like low back pain, pelvic pain, incontinence, pelvic clicking, and persistent abdominal separation. Look for a chiropractor trained in core and pelvic floor rehab to help you regain the stability you need to optimize your postpartum recovery.

3. You’re active at your appointments. If you’ve already birthed a baby, you know that birth is physically demanding — maybe even the most athletic event of your life. You wouldn’t try to run a marathon without training, so it doesn’t make much sense to take the same approach with labor and birth. A chiropractor who helps you with both exercise and adjusting can help you to 1) manage any discomfort you experience during pregnancy and 2) build strength and endurance to get ready for the physical challenge of birth.

4. They’re on your team. Your prenatal chiropractor should support you and your goals for labor and delivery. Whether you want your birth to be:

   • In a hospital, birth center, or at home

   • Intervention-free, with an epidural, or a planned c-section

   • With a doula or without

   … you should find a provider who will support you. Your birth is about you and your baby. If your chiropractor pushes her or his own ideas of what your birth should look like or shames you into thinking you’ve made a wrong decision, it may be time to find someone more supportive.

5. They talk the talk. Pregnancy discomfort often involves a lot more than the spine. Your prenatal chiro should also mention things like abdominal muscles, the pelvic floor, round ligaments, gluteal muscles, breathing mechanics, mobility, stability, tension, and relaxation. How your chiropractor talks to you and talks about your treatment can be a great indicator of what your treatment involves. Talking about more than just balancing/adjusting your spine can be a good indicator that your prenatal chiropractor is looking at the whole picture and will give you great care.

These qualities are important when choosing a prenatal chiropractor who’s right for you. At Midwest Movement, we understand human movement and we focus on actively involving patients in their own care, whether that’s preconception, during pregnancy, or postpartum.

Dr. Whitney Haase is Omaha’s only certified BirthFit Professional, is Webster Certified, is trained in Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation, and is also trained in DNS. She believes all mothers should feel strong and be confident in their ability to care for their children, and she’s passionate about working with and empowering women through all stages of motherhood.

If you have questions about chiropractic care during or after pregnancy, contact our office and we’d be happy to assist you. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Whitney Haase, click the link below.