This was no small study: 59, 334 women served as participants, and results applied to women who consumed carbonated and non-carbonated soft drinks containing artificial sweeteners. Moreover, no relationship was noted between soft drink consumption and increased risk of preterm delivery in women who consumed sugar-sweetened soft drinks (either carbonated or non-carbonated).

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition September 2010 92: 3, p 626-633; First published online June 30, 2010. doi:10.3945/ajcn.2009.28968

[Source: http://www.toyourhealth.com/mpacms/tyh/article.php?id=1408]

Thanks for taking the time to share your stories and opinions!

I really want to add personal success/birth stories of my practice members and would love it if you would be willing to share what your experience was, particularly of receiving chiropractic care with me during your pregnancy. You can either write your story below andemail me at chiropractor@dccnet.com or go to the following link to download the attached .pdf Book 2 Request For Stories and fill it in and mail or scan it then email it back to me. I truly appreciate your response and I want you to know that you can share your story anonymously or I can use your name (full name, initials etc. you decide).

My pregnancy chiropractic experience: _____________________________________________________

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Do you want your name published? ___ Yes ____ No.

If yes, please write exactly how you would like your name to be published in the book (i.e. D.M., Donna

M. or full name): ______________________________________________________________________.

Thank you once again for the opportunity to serve you, your family and friends – my life wouldn’t be the same without you!

Yours in health,

Dr. Stacey Rosenberg

 Recent research reported in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic reveals that chiropractic may play an important role in helping pregnant women with breech presentations deliver normally in such situations.

 The research is the first to report on the use of a hand held instrument to administer a specialized chiropractic technique developed for “In Utero Constraint”, a leading cause of breech presentations.

 ”Every day more clinical research is showing that chiropractic care can play a crucial role during pregnancy, labour and delivery” stated Dr. Drew Rubin, the author of the study. “Research showing that the Webster Technique can affect a breech presentation so that more aggressive interventions such as C-sections can be potentially avoided is growing. This study is the first to use a hand held adjusting instrument to perform Webster’s Technique” added Dr. Rubin.

 Despite widespread education and efforts to curb birthing interventions such as caesarean sections, their use remains high and concern amongst health care advocates is growing. The concern centers around the use of high risk interventions for “convenience” of the doctor or mother without taking into consideration the long term effects of a traumatic birth on the child.

 ”Some expectant mothers are hesitant to undergo chiropractic care for fear it might harm the baby” stated Dr. Matthew McCoy a researcher, public health expert and editor of the journal that published the study. “But the data shows this is simply not the case and chiropractic has been shown to be safe and effective during pregnancy. The findings from Dr. Rubin’s study add further options for the way pregnant women are adjusted” added McCoy.

 As pointed out in the paper, a hand held adjusting instrument was used to perform one part of the adjustment known as Webster’s Technique. The instrument produces a very light impulse that helps “reset” the spinal or pelvic joints. According to chiropractic specialists, distortions of the spine and pelvis either cause or add to the problem of “In Utero Constraint”, possibly causing breech pregnancies. Spinal and pelvic distortions, termed subluxations by chiropractors, result in structural and neurological interference to the spine and nerve system. It is this interference that may affect the birth process and chiropractors correct or reduce this interference, correct the imbalance and allow the fetus to turn in preparation for the birth process.

 ”The goal is for the mother to be checked prior to the time of delivery so that these problems can be corrected beforehand and a difficult labor avoided” remarked Dr. Rubin adding “While these are only three cases, coupled with numerous other case studies and some larger clinical studies, our hope is that is shows health care providers that chiropractors can play a very beneficial role in the management of pregnant patients.”

 All three mothers in this study were managed utilizing the Webster Technique and after 2-4 Webster Technique adjustments, the babies turned from a frank breech position to a vertex, head-down position.

 Dr. Rubin calls for more research on the role of chiropractic care in pregnancy and delivery.

 For more information on Webster technique and chiropractic care in pregnancy, contact Dr. Stacey Rosenberg at Gibsons Chiropractic (604) 886-7080 or your local family chiropractor. To find a listing of Webster Technique certified practitioners in your area, visit www.icpa4kids.com.

Chiropractic Table Modification for Pregnancy

Short answer – yes! Chiropractic techniques need to be modified for comfort and to accommodate the growing belly. Additionally, certain techniques should be avoided so you should see a chiropractor trained in the techniques that address in utero constraint or mal-presentations, who will check for misalignment of the pelvic bones, pubic bones, misalignment of the sacrum and vertebrae, and spasm of the ligaments that support the uterus and help hold the pelvis together (such as Webster Technique or Bagnell Pregnancy Technique).*

How can visiting a Chiropractor be beneficial to a pregnant woman?

Labour Helper Technique

Chiropractic care during pregnancy helps with the typical pregnancy backache, it ensures the pelvis is working and moving properly prior to and during labour. Chiropractic care throughout pregnancy can relieve and even prevent the common discomforts experienced in pregnancy. Specific adjustments eliminate these stresses in your spine, restore balance to your pelvis and result in greater comfort and lifestyle improvements. Chiropractic care throughout pregnancy restores balance to your pelvic muscles and ligaments and therefore leads to safer and easier deliveries for you and your baby. Additionally, the chiropractic adjustment removes interference to the nervous system allowing your uterus to function at its maximum potential. Published studies have indicated that chiropractic care does in fact reduce labour time. According to recent studies, chiropractic care may result in easier pregnancy including increased comfort during the third trimester and delivery, and reduced need for analgesics (pain medication). In one study, women receiving chiropractic care through their first pregnancy had twenty-four per cent shorter labour times [than average] and subjects giving birth for the second or third time reported thirty-nine per cent shorter labour times. In another study, the need for analgesics was reduced by fifty per cent in the patients who received adjustments. In addition, eighty-four per cent of women report relief of back pain during pregnancy with chiropractic care! And because the sacroiliac joints of the pelvis function better, there is significantly less likelihood of back labour (contractions and sharp pain felt in the lower back during labour) and dystocia when receiving chiropractic care through pregnancy. Chiropractic care has also been shown to increase breast milk production and breastfeeding comfort.

What common aliments do you see most when working with pregnant women?

The preventative check-ups, typical pregnancy backache, lower ribcage discomfort, pubic bone discomfort, upper back ache from increased breast size, breech presentation, in utero constraint, and delayed maturity (past due date).

At what age can children start seeing a Chiropractor?

My children were both checked within one hour of delivery. And even with their natural, non-invasive, midwife-delivered births, both had small misalignments in the upper neck area. Studies show that infants showed signs of nervous system injury and birth trauma in up to 40% of natural, non-traumatic births. A German physician (M.D.) found upper cervical (neck) misalignments and dysfunction in over 90% of neonates (newborns).

“The birth process and eager hands pulling and twisting can put a great deal of pressure on the spinal nerves and muscles of the infant’s neck (up to eighty pounds in some studies). In a difficult delivery, damage to the delicate tissues of the spine may occur, especially when vacuum extraction or forceps are used. While forceps injuries may be less common today, vacuum extraction can do just as much damage—up to 120 pounds of pressure goes through the baby’s head and neck to literally suck the baby out of the mother (decapitation can occur at 140 pounds of pressure, to give you an idea of the high forces involved).

Changing diapers may also place undue stress on the baby’s mid-back (thoracic spine). Raising the infant’s legs with one hand to place the diaper underneath can cause repetitive stress to these spinal joints. Spinal problems can also occur as a result of the frequent falls suffered by young infants in the first months of life. A fall from a bed, a sudden stop in an automobile, or any significant unsupported movement of the head and neck in an infant can induce excessive movement in the spine causing subluxations. At the other end of the spine, the act of learning to walk, and the number of simple falls encountered in this way, can induce trauma to the lower spinal segments and to the large sacroiliac joints of the pelvis.”*

NB: Adjustments for children and babies are safe and take into account the delicate nature of the pediatric spine. The amount of pressure used to check and adjust a child’s spine is very small, approximately the same as you would use to check a tomato for ripeness.

How could seeing a Chiropractor be beneficial to a child?

Unless a child has an obvious problem, it can be difficult for parents to recognize when a child has spinal subluxations (misalignments causing nerve interference). There are some signs, however, which parents may look for which can be an indicator of an infant with a spinal problem including: the child’s head consistently being tilted to one side; restricted head or neck motion to one side; disturbed sleeping patterns where the child sleeps for only an hour or two at a time; feeding difficulties in the young infant, for example, the infant may have difficulty nursing at the breast on one particular side; and the presence of any of the symptoms of ill-health mentioned previously. Nerve interference from subluxations is implicated in many common childhood health problems such as: sucking dysfunction, colic, irritability, reflux, unexplained crying, recurrent ear infections, frequent colds, headaches, asthma, lack of appetite, poor digestion, constipation , stomach aches, so called ‘growing pains ‘, back aches, bed-wetting , poor general health, and fatigue.*

*(From Natural Pregnancy, Natural Baby – Natural Remedies for Pregnancy, Birth and Post-Partum Discomforts)

[This article was originally posted in the October-November 2008 edition of Coastparents.ca Online Newsletter Parent Profile of Dr. Rosenberg]

Your Nervous System

A person’s spine is made of twenty-four moveable bones called vertebrae, plus the sacrum (tailbone), pelvis, and skull. From the brain, nerve impulses travel down the spinal cord, branch out into nerves, and exit between the vertebrae. When the vertebrae become misaligned or unable to move properly – a condition called vertebral subluxation – it irritates and interferes with the nerves. The message from the brain is slowed down and the life-energy carried by the nerve is unable to reach the organs and tissues at one hundred percent of its potential. A Doctor of Chiropractic aligns the vertebrae and pelvis through gentle adjustments to the spine, thereby relieving the pressure on the nerves and allowing one hundred percent of the nerve energy to reach the tissues it serves.

Chiropractic is a medical system based on the premise that disease and disorders are caused by nerve interference which is caused by a misalignment of the bones, especially in the spine. Specific chiropractic care throughout pregnancy works to enhance nervous system function providing greater health potential for both the mother and baby. It also removes interference to your nervous system allowing your uterus to work at its maximum potential. Chiropractors offer a conservative approach to treatment of pregnant women, without the use of any drug interventions. The aim is to alleviate the stresses and strains of pregnancy and to improve comfort for both mother and baby. [3, 4, 6]

Chiropractic care prior to conception promotes a more regular menstrual cycle and optimum uterine function. It prepares the body to be strong, flexible and as balanced as possible to carry the pregnancy. As your baby grows, your musculoskeletal system must also adjust accordingly to accommodate the growing uterus and prepare for delivery. [5] And adjusting women through pregnancy and labour is one of the most rewarding parts of our jobs as chiropractors, because a healthier pregnancy means an easier labour and delivery – a much better transition for the next generation into this world! [2]

Dr. Stacey and Udo Rosenberg Pregnancy Photo

As you gain weight, especially in the abdomen, this exerts a downward, forward pull on the lower spine. This extra weight combined with changes in your gait and centre of gravity can set the stage for backache and neck pain. Additionally, as labour approaches, your body secretes a hormone called Relaxin, which loosens ligaments. This may exaggerate the effects of an existing spinal or pelvis problem. [3, 11] The positioning of the baby and its movement as well as expansion of the lower part of the ribcage to accommodate your growing baby can also cause discomfort in the ribs and upper portion of the lower back. Additionally, your increasing breast size in preparation for lactation can create upper back subluxations. [3, 4, 8, 10, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24]

An imbalance in the spine and pelvis is likely to cause an imbalance in the pelvic muscles and ligaments which support the uterus. The uterus is suspended by eight ligaments and a node caused the perineal body. The uterus is connected to the pelvis by ligaments: the broad ligament, the uterosacral ligaments, and the round ligaments. Like a hot air balloon tethered to the ground, these ligaments work to keep the uterus in the proper place in the pelvis and allow support as the uterus grows to accommodate the growing baby. [12] Some of these ligaments attach directly to the pelvis and sacrum, some attach to the labia and are affected by the alignment of the pubic bones. [10, 11, 12, 13]

These suspensory ligaments must all function properly without tension or spasm for the uterus to be suspended properly and itself be without spasm. If the bones of the pelvis are out of alignment or subluxated, this will directly affect the way the uterus will be supported. Unequal ligament support will torque the uterus reducing the amount of room for the developing baby. When the ligaments are affected, they directly affect the position of the uterus which can result in the baby not being in an optimal position. This type of situation may result in a breech baby or a transverse (sideways) baby. This is called intrauterine constraint. This constraint restricts the baby’s positioning during pregnancy adversely affecting his/her developing spine and cranium. Additionally, these limitations on baby’s movement during pregnancy may prevent him/her from getting into the best possible position for the birth (ideal is vertex, occiput anterior). [3, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13]

Any position other than the ideal, including occiput posterior, breech, transverse, oblique or “sunny side up” (face up) lies, lead to longer, more painful labours with increased medical interventions. Any baby position even slightly off during birth will slow down labour, and add pain to both mother and baby. Many women have been told that their baby’s were too big of labour just slowed down when it was really the baby’s presentation interfering with the normal process and progression. Often interventions and c-sections are resorted to and both mother and baby miss the many benefits of a natural, vaginal birth. And because they are so common, many people forget that a c-section is major abdominal surgery and has risks to the mother and baby. [3, 14, 16, 17]

Specific gentle, chiropractic techniques address intrauterine constraint, with the greatest success rates at turning breech (or other less than optimum lies) babies being had if begun at 30 weeks gestation. After 35 weeks, it becomes more difficult to turn the baby due to a lack of room for the baby to make the move. The two most common techniques that address intrauterine constraint are Webster or Bagnell Chiropractic Techniques. [11, 17, 18]

Chiropractic Hip Capsule/Glut Muscle Release Technique - Elbow contact

According to recent studies, chiropractic care may result in easier pregnancy, including increased comfort during the third trimester and delivery and reduced need for analgesics. In one study, women receiving chiropractic care through their first pregnancy had twenty-four per cent shorter labour times and subjects giving birth for the second or third time reported thirty-nine per cent shorter labour times. In another study, the need for analgesics was reduced by fifty per cent in the patients who had received adjustments. In addition, eighty-four per cent of women report relief of back pain during pregnancy with chiropractic care! And because the sacroiliac joints of the pelvis function better, there is significantly less likelihood of back labour (contractions and sharp pain felt in the lower back/sacral area during labour) when receiving chiropractic care during pregnancy. Chiropractic care has helped new mothers become more comfortable breastfeeding (posture-wise) as well as to produce more milk. [8, 10, 12, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22]

Doctors of chiropractic specifically work with your pelvis, including the muscles and ligaments, throughout pregnancy restoring a state balance and thereby creating an environment for an easier safer birth. Gentle chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy can help relieve many of the physical discomforts caused by the shift in gravity and softening of the ligaments to accommodate your growing belly and in preparation for childbirth. Simply put, chiropractic care may keep your pelvis, spine and supporting muscles more flexible, resulting in an easier pregnancy and thereby alleviating the resulting aches and pains in the lower back, hips, sacroiliac joints, and lower ribs. As discomforts shift to the mid-back and neck during the post-partum period from breastfeeding and carrying a newborn, chiropractic care can also help keep you moving and improve your posture as the ligaments slowly tighten back into place. [3, 4, 10, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22]

Pregnancy chiropractic table modification

Choose a doctor of chiropractic who is experienced in treating pregnant women (you may need to call a few offices in your area to determine this if your primary care giver is unsure). Your chiropractor should be trained in gentle, pregnancy-specific, short-lever, minimal rotation techniques that address intrauterine constraint or foetal mal-positions (e.g. they should be Webster or Bagnell Technique certified) and be able to modify their technique for your comfort (e.g. a table with a drop-away thoraco-lumbar piece, a tilt-up pelvis piece or special pregnancy pillows to accommodate your growing belly). [11, 17, 23, 24]

As your pregnancy advances, some chiropractic techniques will need to be modified for your comfort. Your Chiropractor is aware of this and will make the necessary changes. In particular, special pregnancy pillows and/or tables with drop-away or tilt–up pelvic pieces are used to accommodate your growing belly and breasts. As little force as possible should be used to adjust a pregnant woman due to the Relaxin loosening all the ligaments in the body. In fact, very little force is necessary to accomplish the adjustment for the very same reason! In my opinion, side-lying twisting-type of manual adjustments and long lever lumbar or pelvic manipulation techniques should be avoided in the second and third trimester. Your chiropractor will check for misalignment of the pelvic bones (including the pubis), misalignment of the sacrum and vertebrae, and spasm of the ligaments that support the uterus and help hold the pelvis together. [11, 17, 23, 24]

[1] Foti T, Davids J et al. “A Biomechanical Analysis of Gait During Pregnancy.” The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. (2000) Vol 82: 625-632

[2] Collins M. “Pregnancy and Chiropractic.” www.planetchiropractic.com.

[3] Ohm J. “Chiropractic Care in Pregnancy for Safer, Easier Births.” ICPA Newsletter. May/June 2001.

[4] Bagnell KG. “How To Explain Chiropractic Care to the Mother-to-be.” Handout. www.pregnancychiropractic.com

[5] Beingessner M. (2008) Getting Ready for Baby: A Practical Five-Step Guide to Help You Prepare for Labour, Birth and For Life as a Family. Heartlights Publishing: Calgary AB.

[6] www.isischiropractic.co.uk/chiropractic_pregnancy.html

[7] Cunningham FG et al. (1989) ”Dystocia Due to Pelvic Contraction.” Williams Obstetrics, 19th edition.

[8] Alcantara J, Ohm J, Ohm J. “Chiropractic Care of a Patient with Dystocia and Pelvic Subluxation.” Journal of Pediatric, Maternal and Family Health. 2009: (Winter, Issue 1), p1-5.

[9] Towbin A. “Dystocia.” Brain Damage in the Newborn and its Neurologic Sequelle. 1998.

[10] Daly JM, Frame PS, Rapoza PA. “Sacroiliac Subluxation: A Common Treatable Cause of Low Back Pain in Pregnancy.” Fam Prac Res Journal. (1991) 11(2): 149-159.

[11] Bagnell K. (2005). Pre-Natal Chiropractic Care. Instantpublisher.com.

[12] Walters S. “Chiropractic Brings Better Birth Outcomes.” http://www.naturalnews.com/025669.html.

[13] Netter F. (1994) “Pelvic Viscera and Perineum.” Atlas of Human Anatomy.

[14] Gaskin IM. (2003). Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth. Bantam Books: USA.

[15] Hikel K. “The Real Risks for Caesareans: An Expert Interview With Pamela K. Spry, BSN, MS, PhD” www.medscape.com.

[16] Almeida ECS, Nogueira AA et al. “Caesarean Section as a Cause of Chronic Pelvic Pain.” International Journal of Gynaecology. (2002) Vol 79: 101-104.

[17] Ohm, J. “Webster Technique Defined.” ICPA Newsletter.

[18] www.cmaj.ca/content/full/176/4/455; www.icpa4kids.org; www.isischiropractic.co.uk/chiropractic_pregnancy.html.

[19] Berg G, Hammer M et al. “Lower Back Pain During Pregnancy and Labour.” Obstetrics and Gynaecology. (1988) 71: 701-775.

[20] Diakow P, Gladsby T et al. “Back Pain During Pregnancy and Labour.” Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. (1991) 14: 116-118.

[21] Fallon J. “The Effect of Chiropractic Treatment on Pregnancy and Labour: A Comprehensive Study.” Proceedings of the World Federation of Chiropractic. (1991) 24-31.

[22] Wang SM, Dezinno P et al. “Low back pain during pregnancy: prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes.” Obstet Gynecol July 2004;104(1):65-70. Source: www.toyourhealth.com/mpacms/tyh/article.php?id=573

[23] You can find a list of Webster certified practitioners on www.icpa4kids.org.

[24] Rosenberg S. (2008) Natural Pregnancy, Natural Baby – Natural Remedies for Pregnancy, Birth and Post-Partum Discomforts. USA: Xlibris Corp.

[Versions of this article were printed in the Winter 2008 ICPA Pathways Magazine; and January and March 2009 Canadian Chiropractor Magazines]

Dr Rosenberg Pregnancy Side Profile

1. Eat Well! Strive to take in approximately 200 extra calories per day, mainly from high-quality sources of protein – eat 3-to-4 servings of meat and protein alternatives every day. [1] Consume 3-to-4 calcium-rich foods (from dairy and/or non-dairy sources) daily. Get in at least five (5-to-10 is preferable) servings of fruits and vegetables each day, including two servings of fresh, green veggies, two servings of fruits or vegetables containing vitamin C (to promote iron absorption, boost immune function, improve protein synthesis, and decrease your risk of pre-eclampsia[2]), and at least one red, orange or yellow fruit or vegetable per day. Drink 6-to-8 glasses of pure water daily, and avoid pop/soda/soft drinks and juice as they can lead to excessive weight gain and may have harmful effects on the foetus. [2] Salt your food to taste. Use mainly olive oil for cooking and in your salads and avoid consuming products containing harmful hydrogenated oils and trans-fats. Supplement your diet by taking a pre-natal vitamin containing at least 0.4 mg (400 mcg) of folic acid and 20-to-60 mg of iron. Also consider taking fish oil to increase your consumption of Omega-3 essential fatty acids or incorporating at least 5 ounces of cooked fish per week. [3]

2. Exercise! Get regular, moderate, low-impact exercise. Research shows that regular exercise improves mood, enhances well-being, reduces stress, and contributes to a heavier, healthier baby and on-time delivery. Regular exercise prevents excessive weight-gain, can help prevent gestational diabetes and helps build the stamina needed for labour and delivery. [2] And do specific Kegel exercises to prepare and tone the pelvic floor muscles for delivery. (To do Kegels, contract the muscles around your urethra, vagina, and rectum (imagine you’re trying to prevent yourself from urinating). Hold for several seconds, then release. Repeat in sets of 10, several times each day).

Some pregnancy exercise tips:

• Don’t exercise for longer than 30 minutes at a time.
• Always include a warm-up and a cool-down period (in addition to the 30 minutes of exercise).
• Avoid forced, passive stretches, such as reaching for your toes or doing hamstring stretches. Pregnancy hormones make your joints looser, so overstretching – which can cause a muscle injury – is a greater risk during pregnancy. Also, avoid sudden jerking or bouncing movements or quick changes in position.
• Limit aerobic activity to the low-impact variety, especially if you weren’t exercising regularly before getting pregnant. Brisk walking, swimming, and riding a stationary bicycle are good choices.
• Measure your heart rate at peak activity to be sure you are not exceeding 140 beats per minute.
• Avoid overheating: Drink plenty of water, and don’t exercise in hot, humid conditions.
• Avoid activities that put you at high risk for injury, such as horseback riding or downhill skiing.
• Avoid sports in which you could get hit in the abdomen.
• Especially after the third month, avoid exercises that require you to lie flat on your back.
• Never scuba dive because it can cause dangerous gas bubbles in the baby’s circulatory system.
• And remember; always check with your health care provider before starting any new exercise routine during pregnancy.

3. Reduce Stress! Pregnancy can be a time of great anticipation and heightened emotions. Take regular deep breaths, take a prenatal yoga class, practice meditation, practice pre-natal bonding and visualisation, say daily affirmations (including birth affirmations), remember to take special time just for yourself to reflect on your pregnancy experience and consider keeping a journal of your thoughts during this exciting time. Get a relaxing pregnancy massage, chiropractic adjustments and regular exercise. Talk to a trusted friend or family member, and make sure you have a support system in place for after the baby is born. And remember to have (or find!) a sense of humour about all the changes taking place physically, mentally and emotionally as you prepare to welcome this new life into your family!

4. Educate yourself! Prepare for your baby’s birth and delivery. Think about the type of birth you would like to have, find out about all the different options and then put it into a birth plan. [4] Interview your prospective pregnancy health care provider with your birth plan in mind and choose the one you feel the most comfortable with – who will honour and support your choices and preferences – do not just settle for who is available! Read lots of books, take Lamaze, Bradley Birth, Spirit of Childbirth, or Hypnobirthing® classes to get better informed. Practice your Kegels, perineal massage (in the last trimester), relaxation and birth breathing, and birth visualisation and relaxation exercises. Knowledge is power!

5. Get adjusted! Regular chiropractic care by an experienced prenatal chiropractor has been shown to prevent and treat pregnancy back pain, sciatica and in-utero constraint by ensuring that your pelvis can open easily during labour and that your pelvic bones, muscles ligaments and nerves are in a balanced state. Chiropractic care has been shown to shorten labour times (24% in first time pregnancies, 39% in second or third pregnancies); reduce the need for analgesics (pain medication) by 50% in labour; and furthermore, 84% of women report relief of back pain during pregnancy. Chiropractic care has also been shown to increase breast milk production and breastfeeding comfort. [2]

[2] All references available in Natural Pregnancy, Natural Baby – Natural Remedies for Pregnancy, Birth and Post-Partum Discomforts by Dr. Stacey Rosenberg (© 2008, Xlibris Corporation, USA).

[3] Increased fish consumption is linked to increased foetal intelligence and birth length as well as decreased risk of maternal depression. See www.mercola.com and http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/pubs/nutrition/omega3-eng.php for references as well as a list of the fish containing less environmental toxins such as methyl mercury that are considered safe for consumption during pregnancy.

[4] www.birthplan.com is a great resource to get you started.

Dr. Stacey Rosenberg

Meet Dr. Stacey Rosenberg. Chiropractor, wife and mother of 2 busy children. Dr. Stacey can now add author to her many accomplishments as she published her first book entitled, Natural Pregnancy, Natural Baby – Natural Remedies for Pregnancy, Birth and Post-Partum Discomforts.

“Natural Pregnancy, Natural Baby” is 150+ pages of prevention, tips, techniques, remedies, and resources to help ease the common complaints of pregnancy, birth and the post-partum period. It includes nutrition, pre-natal bonding, comfort measures, herbs, homeopathy, ergonomics, chiropractic, acupressure, yoga, breast-feeding advice, Hypnobirthing® and much more!

Dr. Stacey and her staff have been providing chiropractic care in Gibsons, BC since March 2001. While pregnant with her second child in 2006, she also expanded her practice into an integrated health clinic called the Gibsons Health and Wellness Centre®. But balancing a busy life in itself is a full time job. Dr. Rosenberg has some simple strategies for keeping ‘all the balls in the air at once.’ “I try to make sure that work stays at work and I am present at home when I am home. I have a wonderful husband who takes care of the children while I am at work; also, I use a coach to help with time management, business planning, reminding me to exercise, relax/meditate and breathe, eat well and take care of myself and my family. Whew!”

You may be wondering where a busy Mom with a thriving Chiropractic practice finds time to write a book… Dr. Stacey credits her “work-a-holic, stick-it-out-until-you-finish personality and third trimester nesting instinct! (And a great family and support network!)” Dr. Stacey was pregnant with her second child, and feeling the third trimester “nesting urge.” This being her second child, she didn’t need to shop for baby essentials so she decided to channel the energy into re-organising and re-vamping a few handouts on herbs and homeopathy used in pregnancy and labour that she had received from Bellies and Babies Group and her midwives. “I had a file folder about 3 inches thick full of photocopied sections from pregnancy books and herb books, chiropractic technique and obstetrics textbooks as well as the Hypnobirthing® course notes but a lot of it was bits and pieces from here and there and no one source had all the information that I found personally helpful all together in one place,” explains Dr. Stacey. “So as I finished the re-doing the herbs handout, I decided that it looked more like a chapter than a brochure so I added the homeopathy and chiropractic and from there it just grew and grew…”

Click here to read an exerpt from Natural Pregnancy, Natural Baby – Natural Remedies for Pregnancy, Birth and Post-Partum Discomforts. 

DISCLAIMER: The information and opinions contained in this book have been compiled by many hours of research and years of hands-on experience. This information is believed to be accurate using the best research and clinical experience available. This information is not meant to diagnose or treat and should be considered for educational purposes only. Anyone who utilizes the information and opinions contained herein agrees and understands that they are assuming all responsibility and risk for doing so.

Reviews:

“Dr Stacey has compiled essential information for a woman´s safe and effective health needs throughout pregnancy. It is an ideal resource for both practitioners and parents. I love it!” - Jeanne Ohm, DC ICPA Executive Coordinator and family wellness practitioner

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“Natural Pregnancy, Natural Baby” is a well thought out compendium for the expectant mother, put together by an author who has first hand knowledge of the process and can back it up with the right dose of research and scientific background thus allowing the reader to critically sort through the advice and opinions available whether or not they choose a natural pregnancy.

One can read the book from front to cover or simply pluck out the passages or chapters most relevant to ones situation. From getting a recipe using herbs to counter iron deficiency or clarifying the nutritional supplementation guidelines, to describing & illustrating exercises to facilitate the birth process, Dr Rosenberg’s book shines a light on the myriad of alternatives and empowers the reader to not only enjoy the fruits of ones ‘labour’ but to savor the ride as well.

The pleasant bonus of this book is that its audience, in addition to those involved in welcoming a baby and their caretakers, expands to all individuals who have an interest in preventative and natural care or merely wish to use complementary methods to enhance their own health and wellbeing. - Ingrid Ferrer, BSc., BSc.(clinical), DC.

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Thank you so much for your book. It really puts a lot of amazing tips and relevant information at one’s fingers. I read it in a night — easy, accessible, understandable — what health should be! - Keira Collins, BSc., BAppSci.(Clinical) /BChiroSci., DC

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“Natural Pregnancy, Natural Baby’ is an excellent reference book that enriches the positive experience of natural pregnancy and childbirth.  This is an engaging read with valuable and practical information.  I highly recommend this book.”  -Dr. Penelope Seuren. Chiropractor.  B.App.Sc (H Biol); B.App.Sc (Clinical)/B.Chiro Sc., Mother of 1, soon to be 2

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Click here to purchase Natural Pregnancy, Natural Baby – Natural Remedies for Pregnancy, Birth and Post-Partum Discomforts.

Natural Pregnancy Natural Baby Book Cover