What you'll learn
Webster Certification and Chiropractic Techniques Brooke Harmer and Dr. Carly discussed the Webster certification as a valuable technique for pregnant and postpartum women to optimize pelvic alignment (00:00:00) (00:07:12). Dr. Carly also mentioned CCSP (Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician) and ART (Active Release Technique) certifications as beneficial, as practitioners with these credentials often focus on muscles, ligaments, and rehabilitation exercises in addition to adjustments (00:08:11).
Rethinking Chiropractic Care Brooke Harmer shared a traditional view of chiropractors only "popping backs," but Dr. Carly explained that many modern chiropractic practitioners offer a more comprehensive approach (00:10:04). Dr. Carly described their own practice as a mix of chiropractic, PT, massage, athletic training, and personal training, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the body and the importance of addressing muscles, ligaments, and joints (00:11:00).
Common Issues During Pregnancy and Postpartum Dr. Carly stated that while some discomfort during pregnancy is common, debilitating pain is not normal and requires attention from various providers (00:12:13). Common pregnancy issues include low back pain and sciatica, while postpartum issues often involve upper back and neck pain due to nursing and holding the baby, as well as "mommy wrist" or "mommy thumb" (00:13:08).
Differentiating Normal Discomfort from Problematic Pain Brooke Harmer inquired about how to distinguish between typical pregnancy discomfort and pain requiring intervention (00:15:06). Dr. Carly advised that if pain changes how one moves or limits daily activities, it's time to seek help. Dr. Carly also advocated for preventative chiropractic care to optimize positioning and potentially improve labor outcomes (00:16:16) (00:21:03).
Chiropractic Care for Childbirth Preparation Dr. Carly noted that studies and anecdotal evidence suggest a correlation between chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy and shorter labor times (00:22:03). Optimizing the baby's position through pelvic alignment is another way chiropractic care can help prepare for delivery (00:21:03). Dr. Carly emphasized the need for a reevaluation postpartum due to the body being "brand new" (00:22:03).
The Importance of Core Work During Pregnancy Dr. Carly highly recommended focusing on core work during pregnancy, even more so than high-intensity workouts. They attributed feeling better in their third pregnancy at 40 to prioritizing core exercises, which they likened to prehab for labor and postpartum recovery (00:23:00).
Postpartum Chiropractic Care and the Nervous System Brooke Harmer and Dr. Carly discussed the benefits of postpartum chiropractic care, particularly for the nervous system (00:24:00). Dr. Carly highlighted the importance of retraining diaphragmatic breathing after pregnancy, as the diaphragm is often compressed, leading to reliance on accessory breathing muscles (00:25:59). Proper breathing downregulates the nervous system and supports core and pelvic floor healing (00:26:51).
Finding the Right Chiropractor Dr. Carly advised mothers to seek chiropractors who develop individualized treatment plans with clear goals, frequency, and at-home exercises, rather than a generic "cookie cutter" approach (00:29:52). They emphasized asking questions and advocating for oneself to ensure a clear understanding of the treatment plan (00:31:06). Dr. Carly acknowledged that treatment plans during pregnancy may be more flexible due to the body's constant changes (00:32:08).
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