perinatal Care
The care provided to a woman before, during and after pregnancy.
I never imagined myself working so closely with pregnant mamas and their babes. But, when my patients started asking for my help during this course of their lives, I knew I needed to get additional training. Lucky for me, Minneapolis was hosting a Webster Certification course the next month. As soon as I came back, I had nearly one new pregnant patient per week. Then they started asking me if I would check their babies. Looks like I needed more training.
In another bout of luck, the whole ICPA seminar series was coming to Winnipeg! The International Chiropractic Pediatrics Association is a "nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance chiropractic by establishing evidence-informed practice, supporting excellence in professional skills and delivering educational resources to the public."
We do get some pregnancy and pediatric training in school, but since I didn't anticipate I would really need that information, it went in one ear and out the other.
I still have a few courses left with with ICPA. I have also taken the Spinning Babies Practitioner Workshop and the Birthfit Professional Seminar. In fact, I'm officially a Birthfit Professional!
I've written on why I love working with pregnant mamas here. There is just something so fulfilling on helping another woman bring another human into the world. The more healthy and happy mamas we have around us, the more healthy and happy babies we will have!
Perinatal chiropractic treatments are gentle and non invasive. They help keep mama comfortable which means baby can be comfortable, too. After the initial assessment, treatment time is less than that of many other modalities which may help it fit into our often busy lives. And don't hesitate to bring the kiddos to your treatment! We love treating them, too.
Here are a few of my favorite pregnancy resources:
Books:
Real Food for Pregnancy
Nourishing Traditions of Baby and Child Care
The Mama Natural Week to Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth
Local Practitioners:
Omnia Manual Therapy
Jamie Wheaton (Donaldson) and Alison Pethrick at Prota Clinic: Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Jaime Angus at Essential Balance Health & Wellness: Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Family Acupuncture Wellness Clinic
A Prairie Doula: Doula services, hypnobirthing and Spinning Babies for Parents
Midwive's Association of Manitoba
Jenine Brown: Winnipeg Birth Services (doula and photography)
Birth Roots: Doulas and prenatal classes
Online Resources:
International Chiropractic Pediatric Association