There is more than one type of health-care system that can support you in having a great pregnancy, birth and postpartum. There are many options available to women to help them on their healing and healthy journey. With all the choices available you will find what works best for you and your baby. Your path to well-being is unique to you and by exploring different options you will be on your way to the best you-you can be. The following is a brief overview of some of the different options.
Massage therapy has many benefits for the pregnant woman including: reduces stress, relieves joint pain and sore muscles, improves sleep, reduces swelling, relieves headaches, alleviates heartburn, improves circulation, stabilizes hormones, improves nerve pain, makes delivery easier and relieves lower back pain. Overall having a pregnancy massage by a skilled therapist, using oils and aromatherapy can leave you with a feeling of wellbeing and it just feels good.
Craniosacral therapy (CST) involves the gentle manipulations and normalization of the cranial bones. CST involves the treatment of the connective tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord of the cranium as well as their continuation to the sacrum as they surround and support the brain and spinal cord. It addresses the soft tissue affecting the craniosacral system. A general principle of this work is that as the structure is normalized, function will follow. CST can also address emotional issues in addition to structure and function. It is especially beneficially for baby’s who will be getting a tongue/lip tie release. Sessions can support the breastfeeding dyad.
Chiropractic care during pregnancy can be an important part of health-care for mom. By supporting a woman’s body into alignment, a baby can find a way into an optimal fetal position for birth. Chiropractic care can support a woman during pregnancy as the hormone relaxin can contribute to spine, pelvis and body being out of place. During postpartum it can play a role for both baby and mom. Chiropractors can help baby stay healthy but can also help with developmental milestones, snoring, sleep apnea, feeding challenges, pooping, respiratory and digestive functions. Chiropractic care before a tongue lip/tie release can help baby get in the best alignment for the release to be optimal. A chiropractor will assess the cranial nerves which can affect function in all parts of the body.
Acupuncture pre-birth can help prepare a woman’s body for labour by tonifying and nourishing the body. The acupuncture points help to relax and soften uterine ligaments and bring blood flow to the pelvis. This encourages the baby to descend into the birth canal in the proper position, while preparing the cervix to soften and dilate and the uterine muscles to effectively contract when needed.
Naturopathic medicine helps women nourish a healthy pregnancy and baby. Using gentle and safe therapies, common concerns such as heartburn, nausea, leg cramps and fatigue can be effectively managed. With healthy diet and lifestyle guidance, women can reduce the likelihood of complications such as excess weight gain, gestational diabetes, group b strep, high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia. Clients also learn which supplements are most effective and what steps to take to reduce rates of familial diseases, autism, allergies and eczema in their newborns. By working with women to heal the gut, thyroid, gallbladder, uterine issues and more, naturopathic doctors can help bring health and vitality to a mother.
Homeopathic doctors can support women and babies in all areas of health and wellness. They can support babies and children who experience many types of ill-ness and dis-ease. “The relative safety of the homeopathic medicines makes them invaluable in pregnancy, labour and postpartum. There’s nothing safer .” says Amanda Zaren, a nurse, midwife and homeopath in Santa Barbara, California. She has used homeopathic medicines for hundreds of births. Besides being safe, the medicines are quite effective in treating various common problems of pregnancy. Zaren adds, “ the medicines help strengthen the woman physically and psychologically”.
Homeopathic cell salts are 12 inorganic biochemic compounds that are found in the blood and tissues. These salts can be the first line of defence in health and healing. They work at a cellular level and allow the cells of the body to properly access and utilize the nutrients in the diet. Cell salts are considered the building blocks of homeopathy. Wilhelm Heinrich Schuessler was a German medical doctor and naturopath who discovered these “therapeutic aids”. Different salts are needed for the building up of different tissues. The information for the use of cell salts can easily be found online and books such as “The biochemic handbook”.
Homeopathic medicines known as “remedies” are made from natural sources (e.g. plants and minerals) and are environmentally friendly and cruelty free. Most are available over the counter in grocery stores, drug stores, health food stores, homeopathic pharmacies and online. They are also extremely affordable. Homeopathic remedies, when used as directed, are completely safe for everyone, including pregnant and nursing women, infants, children and adults. They are given in such small doses that they don’t cause side effects. You don’t need to be an expert to use them but with a good guide and observation of your self and family you will soon learn what works best. Mother's can learn about homeopathic remedies to use for their families.
The original Bach flower remedies are a safe and natural method of healing discovered by dr. Bach from 1920-1930 in England. They gently restore the balance between mind and body by casting out negative emotions such as fear, worry, hatred and indecision which interfere with the equilibrium of the being as a whole. The Bach flower remedies allow peace and happiness to return to the sufferer so that the body is free to heal itself. The Bach flower remedies are made from wild flowers and are safe for the whole family including pets. Rescue remedy is a popular blend of five Bach flower remedies and is especially beneficial when you find yourself in traumatic or stressful situations.
It is important to think of well-ness from a place of whole-ness. It is easier for a strong body to heal than a deficient body. Holistic care thinks of the whole person, the body, mind and soul. Remember to also add in sunshine, fresh air, exercise, nutrition, and spiritual practice to your daily life. Try out some of the great healing and holistic health-care supports to help you and your baby to have a great and healthy pregnancy, birth and postpartum.
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