You’ve given birth, now what happens in your body? Pregnancy and birth can be hard, and motherhood can be an even greater challenge, requiring the endurance of a marathon runner on almost no sleep. Chiropractic can provide great support as your body and your family are changing.
Pregnancy was a huge event for your body. Your pelvis and sacrum likely created their widest openings to make space for baby (especially in vaginal deliveries). Your abs potentially stretched apart with a diastasis recti. You may have torn or weakened your pelvic floor. And now, all the organs and joints are trying to go back in a very short period of time... a change that could feel more abrupt than pregnancy!
After pregnancy, the hormone relaxin stays present in your system for at least six weeks. This is the chemical that helped your pelvis open and prepare for childbirth; now it is there to ease the changes after the birth. Moms making milk experience more relaxin into their systems everytime there is a letdown, keeping things in flux for months or even years. This means there is more flexibility and less stability... thus your (gentle!) adjustments in the postpartum period can be the most effective and important ones.
After your core and pelvic floor have been so stretched out, your body may feel less stable. Then add in frequent nursing and near-constant holding of baby which makes your muscles work so hard - it’s like you’ve become a weight-lifter when your body is at its most vulnerable! These rapid changes can feel like a lot... whether your pelvis feels wonky or you have a case of “mom back” - sore shoulders and neck from staring at your little sweet one's face. Fill up your own cup, and care for yourself. Postpartum adjustments also include gentle postnatal stretches and exercises that won't take you away from your infant.
Ready to take care of YOU and put a little more in your cup so you can keep being an amazing mom? Call us for a free consult or to schedule your exam.