I didn’t set out on a mission to empower pregnant moms, but that is exactly what I’m doing in my Chiropractic clinic today. My mission, as it turns out, began with a young, soon-to-be mom named Kelly who hoped I could help her low back pain. Kelly was in the midst of a divorce, working long hours to earn as much money as she could before having her baby. She was extremely stressed, scared of having a C-section and in a lot of pain. I tried everything I could to help her, including eventually changing the way I practiced.
Early into Kelly’s pregnancy care plan, an ultrasound revealed that her baby was breech. While the adjustments I was administering helped significantly reduce her back pain and improve her quality of sleep, her focus quickly shifted to the health of her baby and the risks associated with the breech presentation. Kelly was taking Childbirth Classes and was very upset at the idea of having a C-section. She thought she didn’t have any alternatives until she shared her concerns with me.
During our conversation I told her I was certified in the Webster Technique which helps evaluate pelvic alignment and could improve her chances of achieving the natural vaginal delivery that she desired. While not yet fully certified at the time, I was able to begin helping Kelly immediately. Little did I realize our conversation would have such an impactful effect on me and the future of my practice.
Kelly noticed results immediately. I added the Webster Pelvic Analysis to my traditional chiropractic care to align her pelvis and relax the abnormal tension in her abdomen. Uterine ligaments help center the uterus and ensure the baby doesn’t jostle around during pregnancy. If the ligament tone is imbalanced, the tension may be enough to prevent a breech baby from comfortably aligning in the normal head down position.
During the next few weeks of her pregnancy, I saw Kelly multiple times per week. I showed her stretches and exercises to do at home and worked to balance her pelvis and abdomen each visit, comparing where she had been to where she ought to be. Each visit, we would talk about her birth plan and the importance of Low Belly Breathing throughout pregnancy and especially during labor. We discussed her daily exercise routine, patterned sleep habits, healthful food choices and everyday emotional stress. Around the 7th visit, I could feel a significant difference in the baby’s positioning and sent Kelly to her OBGYN to verify the baby’s alignment.
On her 8th visit, Kelly greeted me with a knowing smile and a great, big hug. She excitedly described the ‘normal’ position of her baby and her cancelled C-section surgery. For the first time in over 30 weeks, Kelly finally relaxed and savored her pregnancy and the fresh new start to her baby’s life.
Kelly continued to see me once a week to ensure her baby’s position was ideal throughout the rest of her pregnancy and would be born as nature intended. To this day, I enjoy adjusting Kelly, her new husband and her sons, Ryan and Thomas. Ryan doesn’t know it yet but I am eternally grateful to him; he inspired me to pursue certification in Pregnancy & Pediatric Care which has already allowed me to change more lives than I could ever imagine!
Well over 100 moms who first presented in my office as New Patients, breech and scared, have cherished celebrating normal vaginal deliveries instead of C-Section surgeries. Many OBGYNs, Midwives & Doulas routinely refer their patients to our office for care to help ensure the best possible birth experience.
Wondering if chiropractic care could make a difference in your pregnancy? Dr. Coombs welcomes your questions. Reach out at 732-899-9600 or drrob@coombschiropractic.com.
