How Chiropractic Care May Help Enhance & Promote Breastfeeding
As we learn more about chiropractic care as a discipline of alternative medicine, we become more aware of the benefits that chiropractic care may have for people of all ages. Recent applications of chiropractic care in the confines of pregnancy are showing positive results for both the infant and the mother alike.
When the mother becomes pregnant, there are numerous physiological changes that occur within the mother’s body that may be tough adjust to. The musculoskeletal system may be the biggest victim of these changes, as the development of a fetus within the body can put pressure on the hips. Additionally, the increased amount of weight being carried around by the mother may also place stress on the back.
Once the baby is born, the baby’s musculoskeletal system is instantly compromised, as the pressure of passing through the birth canal can put stress on the brand new bones in its body. Chiropractic care can help both the mother and the baby when it comes to musculoskeletal problems, from back pain from weight gain to helping infants with colic.
Another application of chiropractic care that may help new mothers and infants alike is in breastfeeding. The mother is able to provide necessary nutrients and antibodies for the infant through this process. While this process is quite necessary for mothers and newborn babies alike, it can also be quite frustrating.
In order to successfully complete the process of breastfeeding, the first step is for the baby to latch onto the mother. This can be the most difficult part because the ability for the baby to latch sometimes depends on the baby’s disposition. If latching is not completed then breastfeeding is impossible. Many mothers become frustrated when issues with latching occur, and may be inclined to give up completely due to this.
Through chiropractic care, both the mother and the newborn baby can improve their musculoskeletal health and spinal alignment, which can make the latching process much easier. The baby’s disposition may improve, the mother may be able to breastfeed easier with improved blood flow, and the nutrients may reach the baby much easier with the help of a chiropractic adjustment. It is important to remember that chiropractors are trained to treat every type of body, include those of expecting mothers and their babies.
Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of Glenn Beltz