Prenatal/Postpardum Care
ACUPUNCTURE
Pregnancy is an exciting and wonderful time. However, with the many physical and hormonal changes that occur, it can also be a time of discomfort. Many pregnant women suffer from fatigue, nausea, backache and other conditions that are considered a “normal” part of pregnancy. Acupuncture is a safe, gentle and effective way to address these complaints, especially since many Western medications can’t be used during this time.
Regular acupuncture during pregnancy sets the foundation for a healthy mother and baby. In addition, women who receive acupuncture during pregnancy often have a shorter and easier birth experience than women who don’t receive acupuncture. Several European studies concluded that women who received acupuncture once a week during the last month of pregnancy had significantly shorter labor than women who did not receive any acupuncture.
Some of the conditions that acupuncture can treat are:
anemia
anxiety/depression
back pain and sciatica
breech presentation
carpal tunnel syndrome
certain types of threatened miscarriage
constipation
delayed labor
gestational diabetes
heartburn
high blood pressure (pre-eclampsia)
hyperemesis gravidarum
insomnia
labor pain
lactation problems
low energy
morning sickness
nausea
postpartum depression
pre-term labor
symphysis pubis pain
CHIROPRACTIC CARE- Prenatal
At Balance we offer your family a solid foundation for wellness. Throughout pregnancy, birth, and childhood, the chiropractic lifestyle offers choices and benefits for your greater health and well-being.
Chiropractic care in pregnancy is an essential ingredient to your prenatal care choices. A large percent of all pregnant women experience back discomfort/ pain during pregnancy. This is due to the rapid growth of the baby and interference to your body’s normal structural adaptations to that growth.
Preexisting unnoticed imbalances in your spine and pelvis become overtaxed during these times. The added stresses lead to discomfort and difficulty while performing routine, daily activities. Chiropractic care throughout pregnancy can relieve and even prevent the common discomforts experienced in pregnancy. Specific adjustments eliminate these stresses in your spine, restore balance to your pelvis and result in greater comfort and lifestyle improvements.
As your baby develops, your uterus enlarges to accommodate the rapid growth. So long as the pelvis is in a balanced state, the ligaments connected to the uterus maintain an equalized, supportive suspension for the uterus. If your pelvis is out of balance in any way, these ligaments become torqued and twisted, causing a condition known as constraint to your uterus. This constraint limits the space of the developing baby. Any compromised position for the baby throughout pregnancy will affect his or her optimal development.
Doctors of Chiropractic work specifically with your pelvis throughout pregnancy restoring a state of balance and creating an environment for an easier, safer delivery.
CHIROPRACTIC CARE – For children
More and more parents are seeking chiropractic care for their children. Many spinal problems seen in adults began as early as birth. Even so called ‘natural’ birthing methods can stress an infant’s spine and developing nerve system. The resulting irritation to the nerve system caused by spinal and cranial misalignment can be the cause of many newborn health complaints. Colic, breathing problems, nursing difficulties, sleep disturbances, allergic reactions and chronic infections can often be traced to nerve system stress.
Any interference to the vital nerve system will adversely affect the body’s ability to function at its best. Regular chiropractic checkups can identify potential spinal injury from traumas. Proper correction early in life helps avoid many of the health complaints seen later in adults. Chiropractic is an important key to better health.
DOULA CARE
Recognizes birth as a key life experience that the mother will remember all her life… Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor. Assists the woman and her partner in preparing for and carrying out their plans for the birth. Stays by the side of the laboring woman throughout the entire labor. Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures, an objective viewpoint and assistance to the woman in getting the information she needs to make good decisions. Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and clinical careproviders. Perceives her role as one who nurtures and protects the woman’s memory of her birth experience.
Doula Initial Consultation- each mother has individual needs- theses are discussed in the first initial visit and a suggested plan is set for her. Consultation (half hour long) followed by a 1 hour prenatal massage.
Doula Follow-up session- postpartum support (only a half hour long) can book as many follow-up sessions as needed.
MASSAGE THERAPY
Prenatal Lavender Massage decreases emotional stress, depression, and anxiety. It also helps increase circulation, lymphatic flow, and muscle flexibility. Reduces the strain of childbirth, calms the nervous system, and produces rest and relaxation for both mother and baby.
Baby Massage improves body awareness. Improves relaxation and release of accumulated stress . Stimulates circulation. Strengthens digestive, circulatory and gastrointestinal systems, which can lead to weight gain. Reduces discomfort from teething, congestion, gas, colic and emotional stress . Improves muscle tone coordination. Increases elimination, circulation and respiration. Improves sleep patterns. Increases hormonal function
NUTRITION
As soon as you start thinking about having a baby, you should start thinking about what you eat. Begin loading up on the foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals, learn the five food groups and balance your meals. And once you do become pregnant, make good nutrition a priority. Consult our Nutritionist about the foods that will provide the nutrients important to your baby’s growth, as well as to your own well-being
ENERGY WORK
Reiki and other forms of energy work are very helpful in preparing both the body and mind during pregnancy for the eventual birth.
Not only does a woman’s body go through amazing physical changes during pregnancy she also changes emotionally, mentally and energetically. By working with the energetic body she can help balance and grow into the changes that are growing within. Doing some simple breathing exercises and visualizations can help her keep her energy in balance. Balance is the key to wellness of the whole body.
YOGA & MEDITATION
Baby Groove Moms and dads, come move, groove and de-stress with your baby! This class will incorporate flowing yoga movements and slow methodical exercises for developing core strength, stability, and awareness. We will also do some contact improvisation (moving while holding your baby or having them attached to you) and creative movement, along with relaxation and breathing exercises to relieve tension.
Throughout the class, you will have the option to either involve your baby in the movements, to hold him or her, or to have your baby close to you on your blanket. Babies are also welcome to sleep breastfeed or bottle feed, or just enjoy the other babies around them. Fussing and crying is also totally normal, your babies are welcomed just as they are!
Prenatal Yoga During pregnancy, you want to stay in shape and do what is best for your baby-to-be. Prenatal yoga is a wonderful way to do both. Whether you are new to yoga or already an experienced practitioner, you can enjoy the benefits of yoga while pregnant. Yoga classes are a great way to prepare yourself for the birthing process as well as enjoy the company of other pregnant women.
Kids Yoga (Little Bodhi) is a fun, creative approach to yoga that can be very helpful for children whose bodies are still developing. The use of animated poses and basic stretching exercises promote strength, flexibility, coordination & body awareness. Breathing & visualization techniques teach kids how to focus, relax and develop self-control. Kids will improve concentration and focus, stimulate their imagination and help to release energy in a fun, safe environment. Using interactive games and animated postures, kids learn about animals, nature and basic anatomy through yoga. The program promotes inner-strength, confidence and self-esteem; a feeling of well-being and respect for others; and, love for one’s self, inside and out.
