Expecting mothers often face unique physical challenges during pregnancy, including back pain, sciatica, and alignment issues. One highly recommended solution is seeing a prenatal chiropractor in Waldwick NJ. I recently interviewed Dr. Jennifer Miano, an expert with over 25 years of experience, to share her insights on how chiropractic care can benefit mothers before, during, and after pregnancy.
Understanding Prenatal Chiropractic Care
Why Dr. Jennifer Miano Chose Prenatal Chiropractic
Dr. Miano knew from an early age she wanted a hands-on role in healthcare without prescribing medications or performing surgeries. Initially intending to become an eye doctor, her career path changed after a friend handed her a pamphlet highlighting chiropractic as a healthcare option. Chiropractic care resonated deeply with her because of its holistic approach to wellness: “I knew that chiropractic was natural health care…no surgery, just wellness.”
With 25 years in practice, Dr. Miano remains passionate about helping families, especially within the prenatal community, guiding expectant mothers to better understand their bodies and pregnancy journeys.
Common Reasons Moms Seek Chiropractic Care
Dr. Miano explains that prenatal chiropractic care commonly addresses concerns such as:
– Back, neck, and pelvic pain
– Breech or non-ideal fetal positions
– Growth restrictions and positioning issues
She emphasizes that prenatal chiropractic care does not involve adjustments directly to the baby or belly. Instead, practitioners focus on the mother’s spine and pelvis to create alignment, balance, and relieve restrictions and tension: “When we remove restriction and tension…the vast majority of the time, the baby will put itself in a better position.”
Addressing Misconceptions
Gentle, Effective Techniques
Addressing common misconceptions, Dr. Miano highlights the gentleness and safety of prenatal chiropractic care: “Most people think of chiropractic as cracking and crunching… It’s definitely not what we do in the prenatal community. Care is very gentle.”
She uses a specialized table designed for pregnant women’s comfort and emphasizes a conservative, gentle treatment approach: “Less is more when it comes to treatment. During pregnancy, the body is already working hard to grow a human, so it’s important not to overwhelm it.”
Benefits of Prenatal Chiropractic Care
Supporting a Healthy Pregnancy and Labor
Dr. Miano explains that chiropractic adjustments enhance alignment, balance, and nerve function, significantly contributing to smoother labor: “When the spine and pelvis are aligned, there’s literally less resistance. Labors tend to go quicker, deliveries easier, recovery smoother.”
Relief from Sciatica, Pelvic Pain, and Backaches
Prenatal chiropractic care effectively relieves common pregnancy discomforts from early pregnancy through postpartum recovery.
Techniques and Approaches
The Webster Technique
Dr. Miano specializes in the Webster Technique, beneficial for pregnant women due to its gentle yet effective balance creation: “Webster is a chiropractic technique used primarily on the prenatal community to create balance and alignment.”
It involves bony, muscle, and ligament releases performed with the patient lying face up and down, adaptable for all patients but especially effective for prenatal care.
Personalized Care Plans
Dr. Miano offers individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs throughout pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Chiropractic care is safe in all trimesters, adaptable to the mother’s sensitivity levels.
Her intake process includes an hour-long session covering comprehensive health histories and physical examinations. If necessary, she refers patients for X-rays before performing adjustments.
Postpartum and Newborn Care
Chiropractic for Postpartum Moms
Postpartum chiropractic care aids in recovery and realignment after birth: “Postpartum moms often experience low back pain after delivery. Chiropractic care helps stabilize and balance as the body heals.”
Dr. Miano emphasizes the importance of proper healing post-pregnancy to prevent future discomfort, offering guidance on correct positioning and body mechanics with baby wraps and car seats.
Newborn Chiropractic Adjustments
Surprising to many, newborn chiropractic care effectively addresses early-stage issues: “Newborn chiropractic care addresses common concerns like colic, latch issues, and sleep disruptions.”
Regular newborn assessments ensure alignment and address any behavioral abnormalities.
Collaborating for Holistic Care
Dr. Miano values collaboration with doulas, lactation consultants, and OB/GYNs, promoting comprehensive care: “When we all work together, we see better results faster.”
She consistently recommends pelvic floor therapy to her prenatal and postnatal patients.
Practical Tips for Expecting Moms
Dr. Miano’s key advice includes:
- Lead with curiosity.
- Lean on your support network and resources.
- Enjoy the positive moments of pregnancy.
- Listen to your body and seek help early.
- Be patient and gentle with yourself.
- Don’t engage with all advice given to you.
Conclusion
Prenatal chiropractic care provides invaluable benefits to expecting and postpartum mothers, easing discomfort and enhancing overall wellness. As a maternity and newborn photographer, I greatly appreciate Dr. Jennifer Miano’s holistic approach and dedication to supporting mothers in Waldwick, NJ..
To reach Dr. Miano, a Prenatal Chiropractor in Waldwick NJ visit her website or call her office at 201-746-0640.
If you’re currently expecting and want to feel supported every step of the way, I’d love to connect. Contact me today to learn more or to book your maternity or newborn session !
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