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How Does Self-Care Increase the Success of Home Birth?

Writer's picture: Clover Leaf MidwiferyClover Leaf Midwifery

Growing little humans can be challenging, especially as you continue further along into pregnancy. However there are ways to help ease discomforts and reduce stress, both physically and mentally, as well as prepare your body for the marathon that is childbirth! Just as you would take good care of yourself in preparation for some other big physical challenge, pregnancy and birth are no different! You deserve to be well cared for and you deserve to feel good.

Here are practical and holistic ways to practice self-care throughout your pregnancy!


Chiropractic Care

According to the American Pregnancy Association, “There are no known contraindications to chiropractic care throughout pregnancy.” As all chiropractors receive training on working with pregnant patients, finding one who is Webster certified will bring additional pelvic balancing knowledge to the table. Some of the benefits of receiving regular adjustments include, helping control nausea symptoms, shortening labor and delivery time, relief from back, neck and joint pain, and optimal positioning for baby. Here are some fascinating findings:


“A retrospective review of statistics reported that primigravida women who seek chiropractic care throughout gestation have, on average, a 25% shorter labor time whereas multiparous women who seek chiropractic care throughout their pregnancy have, on average, 31% shorter labor times.”


“To evaluate the Webster Technique, surveys were mailed to chiropractors of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, an organization that offers training in this

specialized technique, and 82% of responding doctors reported using this technique. The doctors reported that they found favorable results in relieving the constraints that may be contributory to the malposition of the fetus, and 92% of cases resulted in resolution of the breech position.”

“A retrospective case series was performed to describe the results of chiropractic treatment offered to a sample of pregnant women. Of 17 patients, 16 demonstrated clinically important improvement. The average time until relief was found to be a mean of 4.5 days after the initial treatment. The average number of treatments when substantial relief was achieved was 1.8 treatments. No adverse effects of treatment were reported. This observed evidence supports the hypothesis that chiropractic treatment may be effective in reducing the intensity of low back pain during pregnancy.”


Many chiropractors participate in network with insurance companies, offer discounted rates for midwifery clients or may even accept medicaid! So definitely ask your midwife for some referrals! This is much more accessible than you may realize!


Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves inserting tiny metal “needles” into the skin at specific points on your body. Don’t be afraid, these “needles” are thin and small, rounded tips. So they cause no damage to the skin nor do they hurt! While stimulating these specific points, practitioners attempt to balance the yin (cold, slow) and yang (hot, excited) forces in the body to allow a flow of qi, or life force. While this practice originates over 3000 years ago, the current data for effectiveness is growing rapidly as it’s uses are wide-reaching and is practiced in nearly all countries around the world!


Impressively, there is a long list of uses during pregnancy (and even childbirth for pain relief!): hyperemesis gravidarum (severe nausea and vomiting), stress & anxiety, headaches, insomnia, constipation, edema (swelling), turning a breech baby, labor induction and many more indications. We recommend consulting with a knowledgable practitioner to determine number of treatments and timeframe necessary for your specific needs or goals. While there are no major adverse effects associated with this modality, there is a the possibility of pain, redness or bleeding at insertion site, dizziness or feeling hot.


Exercise

It is not about your weight! There are SO many benefits to exercise in general, but especially during pregnancy. Exercise mobilizes your energy molecules such as glucose and fat that have been stored, so exercise will assist in keeping your blood sugar normal.


Exercise releases endorphins which make you feel good, ease stress & anxiety and help provide the stamina and strength necessary for childbirth. But, did you know, the hormones released during exercise, actually prepare your body for the pain caused by contractions? Studies show that pregnant persons who exercise throughout their pregnancy show an increased amount of beta-endorphins, the hormones responsible for alleviating pain and promoting feelings of pleasure. So walk, dance, or spin your way to a stronger you and in preparation for the all sensations of labor!


Do make sure when planning to start your exercise routine, that you set goals that are realistic for yourself. No need to spend money at a gym if you know you can't make the time to go. Start by walking a couple of days per week and slowly increase the length, frequency and intensity of your walks or begin to add in other forms of exercise or cardio.


Diet & Hydration

Maintaining a well-rounded diet is important for both you and baby. Keeping yourself fed well and often will help with nausea, headaches, energy and good rest/sleep! Remember, your diet is where your body is getting it’s vitamins and nutrients - so ensuring a diet that incorporates vegetables, fruits, proteins and carbohydrates will help support your body as it undergoes significant changes throughout the 10 months of pregnancy. Additionally, there is no one perfect diet. Cultures from all over the world utilize different sources of proteins and nutrients or revolve around specific carb bases. Don't stray from the foods that you've grown up with in your culture or what is available to you through state assistance. We are here to help you, free of judgment, should you be struggling with food scarcity, diet/cultural restrictions, etc.


Keeping yourself well hydrated and well nourished is important for growing your sweet babe, but will also help alleviate common discomforts of growing tiny humans. Staying hydrated will help ease constipation, muscle pain, headaches, swelling and more.


We recommend consuming at least half your body weight in ounces of water every day; so find ways to make hydrating enjoyable, whether it’s a cute water bottle, infusing with fruits, vegetables or herbs, or setting reminders for yourself! Remember that if you are adding in caffeine, exercise or spending time outside in the heat, you'll want to increase your water intake.


Pregnancy can be really challenging! We know this and want our Clover Leaf families to feel good before, during and after pregnancy. While it isn’t always glamorous or easy - incorporating these suggestions should help you feel well in your body and mind. Take the time to care for yourself, as your well-being is equally as important as the growing babe in your belly.



If you would like us to cover additional topics or if you’re curious about our stance on things, such as common herbal induction methods, pre-labor release of membranes, newborn medications or *anything* else… Please don’t hesitate to comment here or send your thoughts and suggestions through our website or emailed to: support{at}cloverleafmidwifery{dot}com


Love, Light and Informed Consent!


Resources

- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2647084/#bib8

- J.M. Fallon. Textbook on chiropractic & pregnancy. Arlington, VA: International Chiropractic Association; 1994: 52, 109.

- Pistolese R.A. The Webster Technique: a chiropractic technique with obstetric implications. J Manip Physiol Ther. 2002;25(6):e1–e9.

- Lisi A.J. Chiropractic spinal manipulation for low back pain of pregnancy: a retrospective case series. J Midwifery Women's Health. 2006;51(1):e7–e10.


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