By: Dr. Brenda Fairchild, D.C.

Many questions are asked in my office about chiropractic care during pregnancy

especially since I have recently had a baby.  Moms-to-be often seek out Webster Certified Chiropractors because we are specifically trained in treating pregnant women naturally without any medications. Most are looking for help with their back pain/sciatica from increased weight gain, headaches from hormones, and in some cases, help with breech presentation. The first question that comes to every mom’s mind is:

Q: Will the adjustment hurt my baby?
A: Absolutely NOT!! We use different table positions and special pillows to make mom and baby as comfortable as possible. Because of the increased hormones such as Relaxin, which causes the muscles and ligaments to misalign more easily, a low force technique is used. Many times after the adjustments, the babies move more than usual due to balancing the pelvis which gives them more room.

Q: What are all the different ways chiropractic care can help pregnant women?
A: Backache of Pregnancy * Improve Posture Sciatica * Maintain Healthier Pregnancy * Headaches * Help with Nausea and Vomiting * Neck Pain * Reduce Labor and Delivery Time * Hip Pain * Pre-Term Labor * Symphysis Pubis Pain * Carpal Tunnel Syndrome * Feet and Leg Pain * Bell’s Palsy * Breech/Transverse Position * Reduce the Possibility of C-Section * Posterior Presentation* Decrease Dystocia (difficult birth) * Heartburn * Enhance the Baby’s Health * Pre-Eclampsia * Meralgia Paresthetica (Pain and Numbness on the side of Thigh) * High Blood Pressure * Diet and Nutrition

Q: Can Chiropractic help with abnormal positioned babies such as breech?
A: Yes we can! The Webster Technique** is specifically for pregnant women and their babies.  The technique is a gentle ligament and muscle release along with a sacral adjustment to balance the pelvis. When your body is in proper alignment, the pelvis and uterus allow maximum room for your baby to go into a head down position. Studies have shown an 82% success rate of turning the baby vertex*. This is not an obstetric external cephalic version, but rather a correction of the pelvic neuro-biomechanics. Treatment can take anywhere from 1-6 weeks. But, the sooner, the better.

Q: Does the baby have to be in an abnormal position to use the Webster Technique?
A: Not at all. Most chiropractors who are certified in the Webster Technique will use it on all their moms-to-be.  This way we can try to PREVENT abnormal positioning. After the Webster analysis, the rest of the spine will be examined to make sure your body is functioning at 100% throughout your pregnancy.

Q: So what does all of this mean for the baby and me?
A: The overall effect of chiropractic care during pregnancy is:
• Allows for easier pregnancy and birth due to optimal baby position
• Proper body alignment means less aches and pains from the increased weight gain and hormones
• Baby has maximum room to move and develop their spine and cranium
• Can decrease birth trauma and dystocia (difficult birth)
• Optimize health benefits
• Mom and baby will be getting all the oxygen and nutrients they need

http://www.jmptonline.org/article/PIIS0161475402000155/fulltext
http://www.icpa4kids.com/about/webster_technique.htm

If you have any questions, comments, or topics for
future issues, feel free to submit through
The Women’s Journal or at: dr.brendafairchild@gmail.com

Dr. Brenda Fairchild, RT(R)(M), B.A., B.S.,  D.C., works out of Spinal Specialists of Delaware in Newark where her main focus of chiropractic is in the treatment of women (including prenatal care) and children. Dr. Brenda is a graduate of Parker College of Chiropractic where she received her Doctorate of Chiropractic, along with Bachelor of Science degrees in Anatomy, and Health and Wellness. She also has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from University Nevada Las Vegas and is currently working on her diplomate in children’s chiropractic care. Prior to becoming a chiropractor, Dr. Fairchild worked in the medical field as a radiological technologist in a Level 1 Trauma unit and in the cardiac cath labs for several years.

Dr. Brenda is one of the few chiropractors in Delaware that is Webster Certified to treat pregnant women and their babies. She is a member of International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, the American Pregnancy Association, and I am proud to support the Chiropractic Cancer Foundation for Children (www.ccffc.org) by offering free chiropractic care for children with cancer. Locally, Dr. Fairchild is involved in the Lion’s Club, the Blue Hen Parrot Head Club, and also volunteers at the Emmaus House.

In Dr. Brenda’s spare time, she loves to spend time with her husband Joe and their one year old daughter Madelyn Jaymes. They have three miniature dachshunds; Hunter, Mousse, and Sparky. Everyone enjoys going to the park to play and going for walks outside when the weather permits.

Testimonial:
I have only been a patient of Dr. Brenda Fairchild for a few months but she has helped me out significantly. I am currently pregnant so I need a chiropractor who was Webster Certified. I went in with constant back pain to the point I couldn’t walk or stand for more than 5 minutes without doubling over in pain or having to sit down. Now I can go through a whole day with no back pain!! Dr. Brenda is very friendly and full of information, she even takes the time to talk to my kids, who by the way, absolutely adore her.      ~ Rebecca Z.