The rate of surgical births (c-sections) has declined from 32.2% to now 32.0% (as of 2015); a statistic that means close to 1 in 3 pregnant women will still be in the operating room to bring their baby into the world. While there are numerous ways to help prevent this from happening to you, the top of the list includes being educated. Understanding pregnancy, labor, birth, and the natural abilities of the body can lower the risk of delivering via c-section. However, the odds are against so many mothers, and unfortunately many of the mothers and infants in my practice began seeking my care after experiencing a surgical birth.
One of the first questions that I am asked by these mothers is, “Can I see a chiropractor after having a c-section?” The answer is an overwhelming, “Yes.”
There are several reasons for a c-section to take place, but even when completely necessary, the mother and newborn may have negative side effects. Chiropractic care can be life-changing for these families suffering from daily pain and problems with their baby.
During a C-Section:
· An epidural is given. This can cause issues within itself for both mother and baby in relation to chronic pain after delivery.
· The baby is pulled from the womb through a small incision, which means that the neck and head are forced into an unnatural angle, the plates of the skull do not experience the pressure they need for proper placement and development, and the lungs are not compressed through contractions as the baby passes through the birth canal. All of these issues are linked to weakening the immune system, as well as evoking stress hormones to be released.
You can imagine the impact this has on the infant’s alignment.
Babies born via c-section are at an increased risk of experiencing:
· Chronic Pain. Stress hormones are released and can cause mental and physical discomfort.
· Chronic Illness: Obesity, allergies, asthma, and diabetes top the list.
· Subluxations (neurostructural dysfunction) due to delivery method and position in the womb.
· Improper Microbiome Balance due to not passing through the birth canal and avoiding the absorbing of the mother’s bacteria meant to create the foundation of proper gut health in the baby.
Studies show that infants are affected for at least the first two year of life after being born by c-section. The research points to these problems continuing throughout childhood and into adulthood as well, but more time is needed to continue the studies.
Chiropractic care can eliminate the subluxations that cause the above-mentioned problems. Most women who choose chiropractic care do so because it is not invasive, there are no medications needed, and it is a safe and effective option for healing both mother and her baby. A highly-qualified family chiropractor can work wonders.