Supporting a Healthy Pregnancy

Pregnancy and childbirth needless to say are life changing events. Your body grows, shifts, and changes in ways only someone who has been through it can imagine. A paradigm shift occurs from taking care of you to supporting another being. With all the changes and stresses (chemical, emotional, and physical) it is great to get yourself set with an excellent support team to make this transition as fun and enjoyable as it can be. This is a time to figure out what professionals will be part of your process, whether this is the first or the fifth time.

Your support staff should include only the persons that are necessary for you. There are so many birthing options and your support team should reflect your birthing choice. Deciding what is right for your and your family will then help you figure out who will be part of your team. Where you plan on having your child may dictate who you want or need present. Mainstream birthing in the United States calls for an OB/GYN followed by a Pediatrician. Many women look to do things their own way and consider some alternative professionals. These pregnancy and birth specialists include Doulas, Pediatric Chiropractors, Acupuncturists, and Midwives. Adding one or all of these to your team can keep things smooth sailing or will be able to assist you when things veer away from ideal.

The doula's purpose is to provide non-medical assistance to mom during the prenatal, labor, and postpartum times. This person helps mom with emotional concerns and informed consent issues. They can help make sure the details of your birth plan are followed even when you are feeling stressed or pressured by those around you. While you can have a untrained person act as a doula, the resources and help you can receive from a trained doula are well worth it. Some doulas even perform simple tasks such as transportation and light house cleaning.

All chiropractors are primary care physicians trained to take care of all ages. Some have decided to focus on building a family or pediatric practice. These doctors undergo additional training in the areas of pregnancy, birth, and pediatric care. Most commonly mothers, who are not already under, seek the care of a chiropractor for breech position, back pain, neck pain or pubic bone discomfort. By realigning the spine the body can return to normal and function at its best. Chiropractic is an excellent choice for a mother since it is one of the few drug free options. During the end of pregnancy keeping the pelvis properly aligned helps assist baby into the preferred head-down position. If you find yourself at the end to your pregnancy and your baby is not in this position, chiropractors have specific techniques that have been shown to help allow the baby to turn. Research has shown that when compared to non-chiropractic moms, the chiropractic moms in this group had almost a four hour decrease in labor time. To find a chiropractor with these specialties check www.icapediatrics.com or www.icpa4kids.org. As with anyone on your team the chiropractor is part of the whole process. Typically your chiropractor will not be present at the birth and will perform a well baby check-up between 3 days and 3 weeks after birth.

Acupuncturists, though not primary care physicians, are also trained in many ways to keep mom's and baby's bodies working healthily and optimally. These professionals most likely will not be present at the birth, but are useful for many portions of the pregnancy and birthing process. Acupuncturists also assist in helping baby reach the head-down position as well as keeping mom feeling great.

The midwife is one of the most varied personnel in the birthing process. Some work in a hospital under the direction of a medical doctor group and to the other end of the spectrum performing home births. As well as being primary care givers providing general women's health care they help women have a healthy pregnancy and natural birth experience. Midwives are trained to recognize and deal with deviations from the norm and research shows that births directed by a midwife have less intervention and are just as safe as doctor directed deliveries. Looking for a midwife that fits your needs is essential. Knowing what the midwife specializes in is important in knowing s/he will be right for you.

Supporting yourself and having a great support team around you during this time is the best way to have an excellent pregnancy and a great birthing experience. Keep your eye on the big three (physical, chemical and emotional) stressors. Make sure you have spent time planning how you would like your pregnancy and delivery to go while preparing for the "what if". Pulling on the expertise of many professionals during a new experience will enhance and empower you to have the experience you desire.

By Dr. Jill Aardema