A Holistic Guide for Aspiring and Expecting Moms

Dr. Denise Ropers Offers a A Holistic Guide for Aspiring and Expecting Moms Through the Lens of a Perinatal Chiropractor.

The journey to motherhood is one of the most transformative experiences in a woman’s life. As a holistic perinatal nervous system-focused chiropractor, Dr. Denise Roper offers a hollistic Guide for aspiring and expecting Moms.  Preparing your body and mind prior to growing your family is just as important as prepping for birth and postpartum.  A holistic approach integrates an emphasis on optimized nervous system health, physical well-being, emotional support, and can help create a nurturing environment for your future baby that carries through from conception to after-birth. This guide will explore essential practices to implement during the preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum phases.

Preconception: Laying the Groundwork

1. Nervous System Optimization: Your nervous system plays a pivotal role in reproductive health.  Our chiropractic care focuses on enhancing the nervous system function, which reduces stress levels and creates a conducive environment for conception. It’s never too early to start prepping your body to sustain and carry life.
2. Comprehensive Health Check: Schedule a preconception checkup to discuss your health history, nutritional status, and lifestyle factors with a Midwife, OB/GYN, or Primary Care Physician. This is an opportunity to evaluate any chronic conditions, medications, or lifestyle habits that may affect conception.
3. Nutrition and Lifestyle: Consider consulting with a perinatal nutritionist specializing in fertility to create a personalized plan and to evaluate your nutrition to help your overall health. You should also discuss your movement preferences and how that can continue once you become pregnant with your care provider. Movement is a game changer in helping moms feel comfortable during their pregnancy and even helps in preparation for birth.
4. Stress Management: Pregnancy and motherhood bring a full spectrum of emotional and physical stressors. Focusing on stress reduction prior to becoming pregnant helps to cultivate healthier egg contributions from the mother when it comes time to conceive. Begin implementing stress management options, such as movement, prayer, journaling, or meditation to help you stay grounded and centered amid daily stressors.

Pregnancy: Nurturing and Supporting Your Body

1. Prenatal Chiropractic Care: Regular visits to a perinatal chiropractor while pregnant can significantly alleviate different discomforts and optimize nervous system functioning.  Specialized techniques are used to help your body adapt to the changes that occur and help with optimizing the baby’s positioning in the womb in preparation for delivery.
2. Birth Doulas: Consider hiring a birth doula who can provide emotional and physical support throughout labor. This support can help enhance your birth experience and create an environment where you feel empowered and secure.
3. Childbirth and Lactation Education: Attending childbirth education classes during pregnancy helps you understand the birthing process and empower you to make informed decisions. These classes often cover pain management techniques, birthing options, and how to advocate for your birth plan. Early lactation education and support can help you understand your options to nourish your baby and help you feel empowered
4. Unified Birth Team Communication: It is essential to be on the same page with your birth team, whether you choose to have a Midwife or an Obstetrician. Open communication and shared expectations can lead to a more positive and empowering birth experience. Discuss your preferences, concerns, and any questions you may have to ensure everyone is aligned with your birth plan.
5. Holistic Self-Care: During pregnancy, it is essential to maintain a balanced diet, stay active with safe exercise, and engage in self-care practices to nurture your mind and body. This also helps you to associate taking care of yourself to better serve your growing family.

Postpartum: Recovery and Transitioning into Motherhood

1. Postpartum Chiropractic Care: No matter the birth experience, healing takes time.  Chiropractic adjustments can help restore and balance your nervous system function, while alleviating discomfort that accompanies recovery. Many moms also choose to bring their newborns in for a nervous system check during postpartum visits to see how birth impacted their journey. Chiropractic care can help with challenges, such as a painful latch while breastfeeding, gassiness and colic, reflux, and challenged sleep.
2. Pelvic Floor Health: Getting evaluated by a pelvic floor physical therapist during postpartum can be crucial in helping to bridge the mind body connection and for regaining strength and function. This therapy can help address any discomfort or issues you may be experiencing, promoting recovery and physical well-being.
3. Postpartum Mental Health: The postpartum phase can bring on a range of emotions. If you experience mood changes, anxiety, or feelings of depression, seeking the support of a perinatal mental health counselor or psychologist can be beneficial. Your emotional well-being is vital for you and your baby during this time.
4. Leaning on Your Village: Surround yourself with a community of supportive friends, family, or new moms to help lessen feeling isolated, and to provide a valuable support system.
5. Postpartum Doulas: If you do not have family or friends close by hiring a postpartum doula can be invaluable as you transition into motherhood. They offer practical support with newborn care, assist with household tasks, and provide emotional support, enabling you to focus on recovery and bonding with your baby.
6. Postpartum Nutrition: Nutritious foods are essential to support recovery and breastfeeding, if you choose. Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet is crucial during the postpartum period as your body heals and adjusts to the demands of motherhood.
7. Grace: Postpartum is a rollercoaster and it is okay to not have it all together all the time.  You are doing an amazing job!

Conclusion

The journey to motherhood is a beautiful transition that encompasses a myriad of milestones and emotions, and embracing a holistic approach can enhance your experience at every stage.  By focusing on nervous system health, seeking supportive care, and prioritizing self-care, you create an optimal environment for both you and your child. As a perinatal chiropractor and mother, I encourage aspiring and expecting moms to embrace this journey and investigate your options to feel empowered and ready to set the stage for a healthy start for growing your family.

If you would like to start chiropractic care for yourself or know a mom who could benefit from care, WellHaus would be honored to be part of your perinatal team and connect you with other amazing resources in town.  Our team knows the best of the best, and you deserve nothing less.

Yours in Health,

Dr. Denise Roper, DC | Owner + Chiropractor | WellHaus Chiropractic | (254) 294-7671

www.wellhauschiro.com | [email protected]

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