Post Baby Recovery

05.08.15

In office, we’ll see many expecting mothers during their pregnancy, all the way up to delivery. With the changes in weight distribution, ligament laxity, overall fatigue and stress on the body, there are a number of areas that regularly need to be treated pre and post delivery. I still remember when my boss and mentor helped induce multiple patients with gentle chiropractic and light Active Release Technique (ART). It was like the body knew it was in better alignment and came to a relaxed state while preparing for what was to come.

Pregnant mom measuring belly
Whether it’s a natural birth or C-Section, the delivery process definitely takes a toll on the female body. Having witnessed a C-Section firsthand, I know how intense the surgery is. It was all I could do to keep a steady grip on my cell phone as I held it up over the protective barrier. Peaking over every so often to get a first hand view, I felt more comfortable watching it on the tiny screen. It seemed less real.

Unlike the majority of post surgical cases we see in office, most moms are not given a formal prescription for rehab after delivery. C-section or not, giving birth is a stressful event for the body. Other than saying “don’t lift anything for 6 weeks”, there is not much direction given. This can be frustrating to new mothers as their body transitions from carrying a baby to caring for a newborn.

To find out more about returning to exercise after recovery, this article by Jessie Mundell sums it up nicely and has some great exercises listed. If you are an expecting mother or looking to get back into exercise after pregnancy, she’d be a great person to follow on Facebook and Twitter.

 

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About the Author

Dr. Tommer Arbuckle received his doctorate from Palmer College of Chiropractic West in San Jose, CA, and continued his post-graduate education to become a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician. Dr. Arbuckle strives to maintain integrity, passion, and commitment with each patient he works with, allowing them to achieve their goals of optimal performance; he has committed himself to maintain a standard of care that utilizes the most up-to-date and effective techniques.