More and more pregnant women are looking for ways to improve their experience during pregnancy and delivery.  Many expectant mothers are prone to back pain, neck pain and other issues throughout their pregnancy as their bodies make very dramatic physiological and endocrinological changes during this time.  What many women are finding out is that chiropractic care is a safe and effective way to help cope with the stress that is placed on the body amidst all the changes.  Furthermore, it is appealing to pregnant women who want to avoid taking medication and may even have an effect on reducing labor time. 

Here is some research on the topic:

"An interview of 170 consecutive female patients: of the 170 pregnancies with reported back pain, 72% also reported back labor...The treated group experienced less pain during labor.Eighty-four per-cent of patients receiving spinal manipulative therapy [ADJUSTMENTS] reported relief of back pain during pregnancy.  There was significantly less likelihood of back labor when spinal manipulative therapy was administered during pregnancy."

Back pain during pregnancy and labor.   Diakow, PRP, Gadsby, TA, Gadsby JB et al. J Manipulative Physiol Ther Vol. 14, No. 2 Feb. 1991.

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"The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can change the shape of the spinal curves and overall posture which can affect organ systems.  In this study Dr. Fallon describes her work with 65 women who received chiropractic care from at least the tenth week of pregnancy through labor and delivery.  These women experienced mean labor times significantly reduced compared to controls."

The effects of chiropractic treatment on pregnancy and labor: a comprehensive study.  Fallon J. Proceedings of the world chiropractic congress. 1991; 24-31.

Clinical trials have shown that acupuncture is significantly effective in treating postpartum depression.  Acupuncture has been proven to regulate hormone and enzyme levels, modulate blood flow and facilitate healing.  We have helped many of our patients with postpartum depression using Acupuncture. 

Key points from recent publications:

• A Stanford University study has found that acupuncture is effective in treating postpartum depression. (more)
• Acupuncture was found to be able to alter the levels of hormones and enzymes involved in depression. (more)
• Acupuncture was found to alter the proliferation of cells in the hippocampus of the brain, a key element in many cases of depression. (more)

Below is list of specific postpartum depression symptoms that acupuncture can address, as well as other accompanying symptoms following childbirth:

Overall hormonal balance

Sadness

Anger/irritability

Impatience

Worry

Anxiety

Pensiveness/Over thinking

Stress relief

Fatigue

Insomnia/dream-disturbed sleep

Frequent mood changes

Chest restriction/heart palpitations

Other Postpartum Symptoms

Low back pain

Perineal pain

Headaches

Abdominal pain

Lochial Retention

Lack of Appetite

Mastitis

Lactation support

As individuals we want what is best for ourselves.  As mothers we want what is best for our children. During Pregnancy, that means double duty!  Pregnancy massage is not only good for our changing bodies, but it also benefits the life growing within.  Everything we do and feel as an expectant mother is felt by our babies. If we are stressed and uncomfortable our baby feels it. Think about it, at no other time in your life will you be as connected as you are now.  

Women's bodies go through a myriad of changes during pregnancy both emotionally and physically. Swedish massage is most recommended for pregnancy as it addresses many common discomforts associated with the skeletal and circulatory changes brought on by hormone shifts during pregnancy. By reducing anxiety, decreasing symptoms of depression, increasing circulation and relieving muscle aches and pains, you are maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for your unborn child.   

We also want a safe labor and delivery and want our newborn to be healthy. Studies show that therapeutic massage incorporated into regular prenatal care can improve labor outcomes and newborn health. In the past 10 years studies have shown that hormone levels associated with relaxation and stress are significantly altered, leading to mood regulation and improved cardiovascular health. These changes led to fewer complications during birth and fewer instances of newborn complications, such as low birth weight.  

Once we are holding our little miracle in our arms, our body begins to recuperate from the changes and stresses of pregnancy, labor and delivery as well as the new stresses on the body that comes with caring for our newborn. Post-natal massage gives nurturing and emotional support to help regain lost energy, helps restore our body to it's pre-pregnancy condition, and helps relieve the muscle aches and pains that result from nursing, holding and carrying our newborn.   

Pregnancy massage is a safe and proven technique to add to your regular pre and post-natal care. For more information visit the American Pregnancy Association website and click on pregnancy wellness.

Smoothies are an easy way to get the extra nutrition needed during pregnancy to build a healthy baby and keep mom strong.  And for the little one's at home, they are an easy & tasty treat that they won't even know is healthy.  

Consuming Raw Fruits and Vegetables in a smoothie every day will do several things for you:

• Ensure you are properly hydrated  
• Provide you with the full spectrum of nature's bioavailable vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants
• Give you plenty of natural fiber to ensure excellent digestion
• Provide you with the scientifically proven best "brain fuel" in the form of fructose
• Help empower your immune system to protect you from illness

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