Why New Moms Need a Chiropractor After Pregnancy

You spent the last several months creating life. You navigated morning sickness, changing hormones, labor, delivery, and the physical demands of pregnancy — and now you’re adjusting to life with your newborn.

While so much attention is placed on pregnancy and birth, postpartum recovery is just as important.

Your body continues going through significant physical changes after delivery. Between sleepless nights, feeding schedules, lifting car seats, carrying diaper bags, and constantly holding your baby, motherhood places a tremendous amount of stress on the body.

For many women, postpartum symptoms may include:

• low back pain,

• pelvic discomfort,

• neck and shoulder tension,

• hip pain,

• sciatica,

• wrist discomfort,

• headaches,

• and general physical exhaustion.

In fact, studies show that many women experience low back pain both during pregnancy and throughout the postpartum period.

At Renew & Restore Wellness, we support moms throughout pregnancy and postpartum recovery with gentle prenatal chiropractic care and personalized wellness support focused on mobility, alignment, nervous system function, and overall comfort.

You can also learn more about our approach to family chiropractic care and how we support moms beyond pregnancy.

How Pregnancy and Postpartum Changes Affect the Body

During pregnancy, the body releases a hormone called relaxin. Relaxin helps prepare the pelvis and surrounding joints for labor and delivery by loosening ligaments and increasing joint mobility.

While this process is important during pregnancy, it can also contribute to instability, pelvic imbalance, and discomfort both during and after delivery.

Research suggests relaxin may remain elevated for several months postpartum, especially while breastfeeding. As the body gradually begins recovering and stabilizing after birth, many women continue experiencing tension, discomfort, and movement restrictions.

Postpartum chiropractic care focuses on supporting the body during this recovery process by helping improve alignment, mobility, and overall function.

Many women seek postpartum chiropractic care for support with:

• low back pain after pregnancy,

• pelvic discomfort postpartum,

• posture changes from feeding and carrying baby,

• tension in the neck and shoulders,

• hip tightness,

• and physical stress related to new motherhood.

If you experienced similar discomfort during pregnancy, you may also enjoy reading our blog about pregnancy-related back pain and pelvic discomfort.

Postpartum Core Weakness and Spinal Support

Throughout pregnancy, the abdominal muscles and core naturally stretch and weaken as the baby grows. This change can impact spinal support, posture, and pelvic stability after delivery.

Combined with the repetitive movements of motherhood — feeding, lifting, rocking, carrying, and bending — many moms experience increased stress throughout the spine and pelvis during postpartum recovery.

A postpartum chiropractor may help support recovery by:

• restoring spinal alignment,

• supporting pelvic balance,

• improving mobility,

• reducing muscular tension,

• and recommending stretches or exercises that support rebuilding strength safely.

Every postpartum recovery experience is different, which is why care should always be individualized to your needs and comfort level.

Common Reasons Moms Seek Postpartum Chiropractic Care

Many women seek chiropractic care after pregnancy to help support recovery from the physical demands of pregnancy, birth, and caring for a newborn.

Common postpartum concerns may include:

• low back pain,

• pelvic pain,

• sciatica,

• neck and shoulder tension from feeding,

• headaches,

• hip discomfort,

• posture changes,

• and overall body tension.

Gentle chiropractic adjustments may help improve comfort, mobility, and nervous system regulation as the body heals postpartum.

When Should You Start Postpartum Chiropractic Care?

There is no single “perfect” time to begin postpartum chiropractic care.

Some women seek care shortly after delivery, while others begin care weeks or months later when physical discomfort becomes more noticeable.

Postpartum recovery looks different for every mom, and care plans should always be personalized based on:

• delivery experience,

• comfort level,

• healing process,

• activity level,

• and overall wellness goals.

Whether you experienced a vaginal delivery or C-section, support during postpartum recovery matters.

Postpartum Chiropractic Care in Las Colinas, Southlake, Arlington, and DFW

At Renew & Restore Wellness, our team provides gentle postpartum chiropractic care for moms throughout Las Colinas, Southlake, Arlington, and the surrounding DFW area.

We believe mothers deserve support not only during pregnancy, but throughout every stage of postpartum healing and recovery.

Whether you are experiencing low back pain, pelvic discomfort, neck tension, or simply looking for support as your body heals after pregnancy, our team is here to help.

Many moms continue care alongside pediatric chiropractic care for their growing babies and family wellness chiropractic visits as their families grow.

Schedule Postpartum Chiropractic Care in DFW

Your body has done something incredible — and postpartum recovery deserves support too.

At Renew & Restore Wellness, we provide personalized chiropractic care for moms throughout Las Colinas, Southlake, Arlington, and the surrounding DFW area.

If you are looking for a postpartum chiropractor in DFW, our team is here to support your healing, mobility, and wellness after pregnancy.

Call (469) 369-7958 or schedule online to book your consultation today.

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SOURCES

1. (n.d.). Pregnancy-related low back pain - NCBI. Retrieved January 26, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3306025/

2. (2016, October 2). Postpartum Yoga: For New Moms - Healthline. Retrieved January 26, 2020, from https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/postpartum-yoga-for-new-moms

3. (n.d.). Bookends: Prenatal and Postpartum Chiropractic Care | Baby .... Retrieved January 26, 2020, from https://www.babyandcompany.com/prenatal-postpartum-chiropractic-care/

4. (2018, November 19). Musculoskeletal pain and symptoms in pregnancy: a ... - NCBI. Retrieved January 26, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6262502/

5. (2019, March 1). Nursing Posture and its Role in Sympathetic Dominance .... Retrieved January 26, 2020, from http://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/Breastfeeding/nursing-posture-and-its-role-in-sympathetic-domininance.html

6. Ibid.

7. (2018, September 24). The Stress Series: Part 3 – Stress and Posture - Australian .... Retrieved January 26, 2020, from https://spinalresearch.com.au/the-stress-series-part-3-stress-and-posture/

8. (2019, March 1). Nursing Posture and its Role in Sympathetic Dominance .... Retrieved January 26, 2020, from http://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/Breastfeeding/nursing-posture-and-its-role-in-sympathetic-domininance.html

4 Things To Do Now Before You Have Your Baby

The big day is coming soon! You’ve finished your delivery classes and read pregnancy books. You’ve been diligent with your doctor appointments and taking your prenatal vitamins. And now that urge within you is starting to stir. You feel the need to get your home and yourself prepared for what’s to come after you give birth.

Most of the focus during pregnancy is on growing a healthy baby and preparing for your delivery day. Much less attention seems to go towards what you do when you bring this new life home. There’s no doubt that the postpartum experience can be quite challenging. You’re tending to a new baby and new routines — all while your body is exhausted and healing.

But a little planning can make a major difference during those first few weeks with your newborn. Here are four ways to help you get ready.

1. Prepare a Bathroom Care Kit

After delivery, you will be sore and wiped-out. If you had a vaginal birth, you might have had a vaginal tear or episiotomy during childbirth. This wound could hurt for a few weeks. Regardless of how you delivered, your body will begin to shed the lining of your uterus. This will result in a bloody discharge, much like having a heavy period.[1,2]

Having a care kit at home will prepare you for the challenges of caring for your body after delivery. Don’t get caught off-guard. Consider keeping a basket of the below items next to the toilet in every bathroom you have.

• Extra underwear. Save your favorite undies, and go with disposable or throwaway ones while you heal. The hospital will give you mesh underwear — take as many pairs as you can. Then buy a package or two of disposable, dark-colored underwear. “Granny panties”, or high-waisted panties, are great, especially if you had a C-section. Disposable and comfortable are key.

• Pads. Make sure you stock up on different sizes — from large, overnight maxis to regular-sized pads. Buy a few packages. You’ll be going through quite a few during your early days.

• Adult wet wipes. You can buy wipes that are flushable and designed to be gentle and soothing.

• Peri or squirt bottle. Most hospitals will give you one. Consider having an extra for your second bathroom or if you travel. This bottle will seriously become your new best friend in the bathroom. Fill it with warm, soapy water (use a mild soap), and have it on-hand to keep you clean as your perineal area heals.

To make it easier for you, some stores sell postpartum recovery kits already assembled. Click here to check out one from Target that even comes with a tote to store on top of your toilet.

2. Plan to Ease Aches and Pains

Coming home from the birthing center or hospital can be exciting and overwhelming. Your body has gone through a tremendous ordeal — one that can be painful or uncomfortable. Preparing in advance can help minimize discomfort. You may wish to include some of the noteworthy items below in your pain plan:

• Padsicles. These are lifesavers that help with pain and reduce swelling. And they’re simple to make.[3] Click here for a DIY guide. Ice packs can also work.

• Witch hazel. You can buy this in either pad or liquid form. It helps to soothe pain around your genital area.

• Lidocaine spray. This will help with the discomfort of postpartum hemorrhoids.

• Sitz bath. Use this to bring comfort to hemorrhoids or perineal tears. A sitz bath will cleanse the perineum and also bring relief to pain or itching in your genital area as you heal.

• Heating pad. Use this if you feel aches and pains in your breasts.

• Nipple cream and breast pads. This will help relieve discomfort, regardless of whether or not you breast-feed.

• Over-the-counter pain relievers. Talk with your health care provider about the best option for you.

• Stool softeners. Sometimes constipation can occur after delivery. Or there may be a fear hurting the perineum or episiotomy wound.[4] Eating plenty of fiber or taking a stool softener can help. Check with your doctor on what would work best for you.

3. Prepare Your Support Team

In our American culture, it’s difficult sometimes for women to ask for help. Remember to be kind to yourself, especially during these first few weeks. Having a newborn is hard. 

Preparing a support team before delivery can help. Here are a few areas to consider:

• Meal planning. From meal trains to cooking parties, your friends and family can prepare meals for you. Make sure they’re freezer-friendly, so, on those exhausting days, you can grab one and just reheat it. Aim to have at least one healthy, nutritional meal a day that you can easily pop in the oven or crockpot.

• A bouncer. Your family and friends are excited about your new baby. But you may be too tired or emotionally drained to entertain. Setting boundaries in advance can help, but what about those spur-of-the-moment requests? Consider asking a special someone to run interference on your behalf until you feel up to hosting.

• A social media SOS. Maybe you have a last-minute need or just want a friend to sit with you while you cry. Post where you feel comfortable or have some go-to friends in mind for when those moments strike.

• Postpartum doulas. Postpartum doulas can be true angels! Their main goals are to “mother the mother” and help transition the family during this new time.[5] They provide a wealth of services: breast-feeding support, light housekeeping, running errands, and assisting with your newborn’s care.

4. Attend a Workshop

Preparing for life after delivery can feel overwhelming. You know things will be significantly different, but maybe you aren’t sure what all you need to do. Sometimes it helps to have a person to talk to in real life.

Renew & Restore Wellness and DFW Birth Resource are joining together on an exciting new workshop. This workshop is specially designed for expecting moms and their partners. It’ll be an evening filled with tips and resources to help make your first few weeks at home with your baby much more comfortable.

If you’re in the Southlake area, come on by on Thursday, April 2. We’d love to help you and your partner prepare for this exciting new adventure. To ensure we have enough space, please RSVP through Facebook by clicking here. 

We look forward to partnering with you!

Sources

1.  (2018, May 11). Postpartum care: After a vaginal delivery - Mayo Clinic. Retrieved February 10, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/in-depth/postpartum-care/art-20047233

2.  (2018, May 11). C-section recovery: What to expect - Mayo Clinic. Retrieved February 10, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/in-depth/c-section-recovery/art-20047310

3.  (2019, December 18). Padsicles: How to Make Them, How To Use Them ... - Healthline. Retrieved February 10, 2020, from https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/padsicles

4.  (2018, May 11). Postpartum care: After a vaginal delivery - Mayo Clinic. Retrieved February 10, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/in-depth/postpartum-care/art-20047233

5.  (n.d.). Postpartum Doula - American Pregnancy Association. Retrieved February 10, 2020, from https://americanpregnancy.org/first-year-of-life/post-partum-doula/