Millions of mothers prepare to give birth every year. C-section delivery being one of the more common ways to give birth. Childbirth represents one of the most amazing moments and gifts experienced by any parent. Expecting mothers and fathers usually respond to questions about a preferred baby gender with greater hopes that the baby comes out healthy and with all fingers and toes accounted for. Parents tend to value healthy delivery over all other variables.

A recent study evaluated two million full-term children born via cesarean (C-Section). The study analyzed chronic immune disease records over a 30-year period. The study concluded that children delivered via C-section delivery, experienced significantly increased risk of asthma, systemic connective tissue disorders, juvenile arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, immune deficiencies, and leukemia compared to non-cesarean delivered infants.

Chronic disease with C-section?

Two primary mechanisms help explain why chronic disease and C-section birth have a direct relationship. The first pertains to mechanical stress placed on the upper cervical spine of the baby during birth. This type of stress has proven to interfere with central nervous system function through vertebral subluxation in the upper neck. The second component of a C-section birth contributing to poor health outcomes involves disruption of the digestive system. A major aspect of immune health directly connects to the balance of bacteria and living organisms in the lining of the gut. A baby born vaginally consumes an all-important number of bacteria utilized in the beginning moments of life outside the womb. The bacteria create a specific layer of digestive chemicals and enzymes critical to brain and immune health.

Both issues must be assessed and addressed in children born via C-section in order to minimize or avoid preventable illness. Proper gut assessment and nutritional recommendations for a nursing mother improve gut health in a baby. Scientifically trained Chiropractors use skillful processes to improve mechanical spine-related abnormalities that influence the nervous system. Spinal health plays a significant role in human health because of an intimate connection between the brain and the central nervous system. Most healthcare professionals misunderstand the power existing within the structure, function, and overall health of the spine. These components directly relate to all aspects of human health for all ages, especially during the formational days and years of a newborn.

Can chiropractic help?

Chiropractors specialize in improving the function of the nervous system by detecting and correcting vertebral subluxation in adults, children, and infants. This 30-year study linking chronic disease and C-sections proves a need for all newborns to have a life-changing Chiropractic spinal evaluation soon after birth. Parents value a healthy birth above all else during those tense moments in the delivery room. Research proves that a healthy birthday need only be the first of many days full of vibrant life for every child of the next generation. Chiropractic care works alongside healthy lifestyle recommendations to play a significant role in reversing the effects of delivery stress. Unlock unlimited health potential for children of any age by partnering with Chiropractic care.

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Wait Until She’s Ready for Visitors

Everyone is so excited to see, snuggle and ‘ooh and ahh’ over the latest family addition, however, it’s critical to take cues from the new parents on when to visit. Some parents want space, i.e., no visitors for a bit, while others are ready to show off their pride and joy almost right away. Even if you’re a close family member, be sure to ask the mother when she feels up to having visitors. Don’t be offended if she’s not ready for others to hold the newborn, her top priority is the health and safety of her child, and she just might not feel comfortable yet.

Offer to Help and Leave the Baby to Her

In the days and weeks following birth, for many women, one of the best things to hear is, “how can I help?” Many people are anxious to see and take the baby off the momma’s hands so she can get a break, however, those first days and weeks are a critical time of bonding for the baby and new mother, especially if she is establishing breastfeeding. What the exhausted new parent(s) often need is help with all the other stuff. You could offer to:

• Pick up groceries
• Bring by some freezer meals
• Do some laundry
• Mow the lawn
• Take the older kids out for an afternoon
• Drop off a gift card to a local food delivery spot

If you’re really comfortable and close with the new mom, and you know she wouldn’t mind, take things into your own hands: Tidy up the kitchen, clean out the fridge, fold the pile of laundry in the family room, wipe down the bathroom, etc. And, if the mama tells you she needs a break from the baby to take a nap, shower or eat something, by all means, snuggle up!

Many people have a hard time saying yes to help, so a great way to word it is: “It would make me feel wonderful to be able to help you, may I [pick up some groceries or diapers? drop off a dinner? do a few chores around the house]?” Depending on how close you are to the family and their comfort level, sometimes a card or a gift card is perfect.

It truly does take a village—to raise a child and raise up a mother! Those weeks and months after a baby arrives can be some of the toughest, and most beautiful, in a woman’s life. Kudos to you for giving her your love and friendship.

The post Ways to Help a New Mom first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.

1. 800 mg of iron- this ensures the proper production of RBC.  Iron is found in lean red meat, most dark leafy vegetables or a liquid supplement is often available. (Vit C helps in iron digestion)

2. Folic acid (folate) is important to nervous system development and must not be omitted.  Luckily it’s found in most of the same foods you find iron.

3. 1200 mg of calcium.  This is found in dairy, and also almonds.  (Vit D helps in the absorption of calcium)

*Luckily with the advancement of technology, there have been many great “pre-natal vitamins” created to make the consumption of these vitamins and minerals a cinch, but don’t rely purely on a supplement and neglect the food intake.  You want to get as close to the source as possible.

Weight Gain

It wasn’t that long ago when mothers-to-be were told to restrict weight gain to 8-10 pounds.  This is no longer the case.  The latest research shows that weight gain of 25-35 pounds or more is healthy as long as it’s on a high protein diet that is well balanced and the foods are not laden with chemicals, preservatives or refined sugars.  Be cautious when taking too much Vitamin B when pregnant because it tends to reduce the amount of available breast milk.  Another interesting facts are that babies do not like garlic so try to avoid that if breastfeeding and too much chocolate can lead to diarrhea in babies.  Moms have also been told to restrict their salt intake but natural sodium is important in the production of extra blood volume and a lack can be disastrous.  I recommend salting your food to taste with Celtic or Sea Salt.  In the end, listen to what your body tells you.  With our first, my wife craved saltine crackers and pickles (she must have needed the sodium).  And boy, does my daughter love crackers and pickles still to this day.

Pregnancy No-Nos

1. Alcohol- this has been shown to cause problems with the baby’s nervous system.  Some researchers say a little is okay, but error on the side of caution and avoid it if possible.

2. Caffeine- found in coffee, soda, teas and chocolate.  Too much has been linked to birth defects so it’s best to limit your intake or again, avoid it completely.

3. Artificial sugars and sweeteners- it’s a good rule of thumb for all of us to avoid these but it’s an absolute necessity if you are pregnant.  Avoid these at all costs.

4. Medications- be cautious with medications because many have the tendency to cross the placental barrier and affect the baby.

One of the most common nuisances in pregnant moms is morning sickness.  It affects everyone differently and it is often caused by hypoglycemia or “low blood sugar”.  Since your baby steals your food as you sleep, you’ll generally wake up in the morning with very low blood sugar which is often what causes the sickness.  A trick that worked for my wife was to keep a snack near the bed.  The moment her eyes opened in the morning, she was consuming something and she didn’t suffer like others (maybe she was just lucky?).

Can you receive chiropractic care while pregnant?

This is a fantastic question and one that I have talked extensively about and even made some videos for social media.  Not only is chiropractic care okay during pregnancy, but it’s encouraged.  The main reason you’ll want chiropractic care during pregnancy is that your body will be going through so many rapid changes which often lead to pain and discomfort especially in the lower back and sciatic nerve.  We can often facilitate the changes to happen more smoothly and avoid the pain.  Many moms also swear that chiropractic care during pregnancy makes delivery much more tolerable and some state that it reduces labor times.  And lastly, chiropractic care has been shown to aid in the proper positioning of babies when moms present early on with breech presentations.  A combination of chiropractic, acupuncture and exercises/stretching can do wonders for these situations.

As always, the first step on the road to health is a consultation with Dr. Travis Ring of Eastern Oklahoma Chiropractic.  It’s as easy as a phone call to 918-940-4630 and we can get you started down the right path.  Moms that experience chiropractic care often says they wish they had known about it during their previous pregnancies.  Don’t be the one who wishes they would’ve made the call.

The post How should I change my habits now that I’m pregnant? first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.