A symptom appears. Something hurts. A diagnosis is given. A treatment is applied.

While that approach certainly has its place, there is another way to look at health — one that focuses not only on fixing problems, but on building health in the first place.

This approach is called salutogenesis, a term that literally means the creation of health.

And it’s the perspective that guides the care we provide in our practice.

The Body Is Designed to Heal

Your body is not fragile.
It is adaptive, intelligent, and constantly working to maintain balance.

Every second of every day your nervous system is coordinating:

• movement

• digestion

• immune function

• hormone balance

• sleep

• growth and development

In children, this coordination is even more remarkable as their bodies rapidly grow and develop.

When the nervous system is functioning well, the body is better able to adapt to stress, heal from challenges, and express health fully.

Our goal in chiropractic care is to support that process.

A Different Question

Instead of asking only:

“What disease does this person have?”

We also ask:

“How well is this person adapting and functioning?”

Health is not simply the absence of disease. It is the ability to adapt, grow, and thrive despite the stresses of life.

Those stresses can include:

• physical stress (falls, posture, sports, birth stress in infants)

• chemical stress (nutrition, environmental exposures)

• emotional stress (school, work, family dynamics)

Over time, these stresses can affect how the nervous system coordinates the body.

Chiropractic care focuses on supporting the spine and nervous system so the body can respond to those stresses more effectively.

Why Families Choose Chiropractic Care

Many families initially visit a chiropractor because of a specific concern — back pain, headaches, pregnancy discomfort, or a child struggling with sleep or regulation.

But something interesting often happens along the way.

Families begin to notice broader changes:

• children sleeping better

• improved resilience to illness

• easier pregnancy experiences

• improved posture and movement

• better overall sense of wellbeing

This happens because chiropractic care is not simply addressing symptoms — it is supporting the body’s overall ability to function and adapt.

Health Is a Journey

True health is not something that happens in a single visit.

It is built over time through the small daily choices we make:

• how we move

• how we eat

• how we sleep

• how we manage stress

• how we care for our nervous system

Chiropractic care is one piece of that bigger picture — helping ensure that the communication between the brain and body remains clear and efficient.

Growing Healthy Families

One of the most rewarding parts of family practice is watching health develop across generations.

We see:

• babies receiving gentle care after birth

• children growing and developing with strong nervous system support

• parents navigating pregnancy and the stresses of modern life

• grandparents staying active and engaged

Health becomes something that families cultivate together.

And that is the heart of a wellness practice.

The next day my son and I had to leave by 6am to make it to the first of 3 baseball games back at home. He didn’t want to go, he wanted to stay at the campground with the wolf pack (his cousins) but I forced him because we made a commitment to the team. He lost it on the drive that morning, he was hysterical. After letting him vent for 30 minutes, he asked me with tear filled eyes, “how do I calm down?”. I took his hand and showed him how to slow his breath and after a few moments started to explain how only he can change his perspective. He turned it around. Dad Win #2.

Heading back up to the campground last night my two older daughters (18 and 15) decided to join us. They’re at the point where they are “over camping”. So I woke up this Father’s Day morning to let the dogs out with all four of my kids and my wife sleeping in the old camper one more time. Dad Win #3

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there that, especially my dad, who made me the man I am today. Thanks dad.

In the first half of the 20th century, birth was dominated by a perversion of the masculine element of control—the control was external and imposed. Mothers were sometimes forced to be unconscious, and professionals took over. This form of control was absent of knowledge, respect, or trust for the natural physiology of the body. It led to suffering and a cultural wound that still exists today. 

The pendulum began to swing in the second half of the 20th century, when midwives and women renewed a trust for the birth process to let it happen naturally. Once freed to do so, many families began to re-discover birth, unearthing physical, emotional, and spiritual gifts along the way. Soon, many families wanted a similar experience of a natural birth. 

During this shift, some families wanted to discover a harmonious inclusion of the masculine polarity. Nothing like what the world suffered decades earlier, these families learned how to achieve an intrinsic control by preparing for birth as an activity, applying skills and practices that would hone their behaviors for the journey through labor. Their skills and practice would lead to a powerful symbiosis: On one hand, they’d have a trust in the body’s normal physiology, and simultaneously, they’d achieve a trust and confidence in themselves to better navigate the ups and downs of the birth process. 

Birth is a process of opening the physical body to allow a baby into the world. Amid the baby’s efforts to be born, the body can open or close, soften or tighten, and our conscious behaviors have a direct effect on which one unfolds. Through practice, we can hone our behaviors of breathing, focused relaxation, internal awareness, pelvic balance, movement, tissue preparation, teamwork, etc. (“birth skills”) that allow us to stay open and soft amid labor. 

Practicing for birth is a novel idea, and one question is: How do we “practice” giving birth before actually doing it? First, by observing others at birth, by watching videos, or listening to stories. Then, most importantly, by learning skills and techniques that are beneficial and shared by others. Among many benefits of this new birth work, one major gift is how it permits fathers (or partners) to engage in the birthing activity with an awakened purpose, adding a sense of coherence, stability, and pragmatic help for the one giving birth. 

Alongside our hope to find trust, and surrender to the natural processes of birth, there is an equal hope to find comprehension, manageability, and a sense of control through the activity together.

In one of her latest remarks on the subject, Jeanne Ohm said something to me that echoes louder than ever: “The key to healing birth exists in fathers.” I see fathers symbolizing a potential for balance in the birth conversation at large, to recognize that birth is an activity that involves more than the family’s choices or desires. Alongside our hope to find trust, and surrender to the natural processes of birth, there is an equal hope to find comprehension, manageability, and a sense of control through the activity together. This makes birth the dance that it is. 

In any birth, a mother can bring her skillful focus to this dance, and a father can do this with her. Once the rhythm is found, so too is the power. Then nothing can take it away. Because the family will have discovered their inalienable strength within the journey itself, within the dance of life. And with it, they will look forward to each birth for what it truly is— a small window in time where there is so much love to be found. 

With great love for who you are and what you do, 

John Ohm

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]]>Love of BirthFamily Wellness LifestyleChildren's HealthJustin OhmWed, 05 Jul 2023 19:38:00 +0000https://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/chiropractic/the-body-adapts.html626ffeaa6cbd437f75a3781d:62bb130c2ada1a0d4f5d670f:64a5c6d105ef5a730598975cby Justin Ohm

Regardless of what we do, our bodies will continue to adapt. Leave a plant in a stationary position and it will grow predictably towards the window. This isn’t wrong, it’s not a condition, and it doesn’t warrant a diagnosis. It’s a perfect example of that plant adapting to its environment.

If there is one thing that humans are really good at, it’s adaptation. We are certainly not unique in our abil­ity to adapt to our environment compared to living organisms, but we might be the best at it. We’ve kind of mastered it. Our ability to adapt has landed us at the top of the hierarchy, quite literally able to live and thrive almost anywhere on this planet. Where we can’t adapt, we employ a neat trick called consciousness and intellect to shape and tame our environment, which expands our adaptability beyond our own intrinsic qualities. Despite this amazing capacity, this seemingly miraculous ability to adapt to our condition, we have a tendency to label such adaptations as a condition, a malady, a diagnosis.

Conditions are, well, conditional. They are dependent on the myriad of factors we are subjected to, including physical factors, chemical factors, and emotional factors. Our current condition is the net result of all the circumstances we have been exposed to throughout our life and right up to the present. We’ve all experienced adaptation throughout our lives. If we are subjected to a physical factor in the form of a trauma, like falling off your bicycle, your body will have to adapt to that injury. What about the physical factor of sitting, all day, every day, when perhaps we are structurally supposed to be standing? What about the physical changes that occur throughout pregnancy? I bring this example up because pregnancy is perhaps the most perfect example of the brilliance of human adaptability. Everything from conception to hormonal changes to the wonder that is birth demonstrates that the body is really good at adapting. Like amazingly good. Yet, so often those adaptations are viewed through the lens of something having gone wrong. Difficulty with conception? Something is wrong. Low back pain in third trimester? Something is wrong. Baby is in a breech position? Something is wrong. Labor isn’t starting or isn’t progressing? There must be some­thing wrong, right?

We, people I mean, love to find what’s wrong. We can learn from our mistakes, so it serves a purpose, but we can also get carried away. Allopathic medicine is a good example. While a diagnosis, the name we give a constellation of symptoms, can serve us in research and treatments, it loses sight that ALL of those changes are simply the body adapting to its condition, intentionally, brilliantly.

Allopathic medicine is a good example. While a diagnosis, the name we give a constellation of symptoms, can serve us in research and treatments, it loses sight that ALL of those changes are simply the body adapting to its condition, intentionally, brilliantly.

Hearing over and over that our body has a problem, a condition, a diagnosis, and not that our body is adapting quite predictably to our circumstances starts to take a toll. Remember I mentioned physical, chemical, and emotional factors? Hearing that what we are experi­encing is a wrongness rather than a rightness tends to affect our emotional and even chemical response. If we go back to our example of pregnancy, this can be especially nefarious. Undermining trust in the body at a time when we could be focusing on strengthening that trust will have a tremendous impact on birth and birth outcomes. I have never given birth myself, but I have been privileged to witness my wife deliver our four children at home. I can tell you with complete certainty that strength, determination, empowerment, and most importantly trust, are paramount.

Most of the families that consider home birth or birth center births are looking to put themselves in a situation where they can feel empowered and supported to accom­plish the complex task of birth. Perhaps they are motivated by avoiding intervention, perhaps they are fearful of a hospital setting, or perhaps they don’t want their pregnancy and birth to be treated like a condition. Regardless of the mo­tivation behind pregnancy birth choices, the act of birth and the adaptation required to accomplish that task still need to occur. So, how can we improve our adaptability, especially during pregnancy? I’m glad you asked; let’s explore.

The world and all of its factors, physical, chemical, and emotional, are happening all around us externally, all the time. Those factors impact us internally based on how we interpret and respond to them. The main system that facili­tates this process is the nervous system. Take any physical factor that we are exposed to whether it causes pain or plea­sure, we feel it, respond to it biochemically, and it makes us feel a certain way emotionally. All of that is coordinated through the nervous system. Let’s flip it around a little bit. Take any chemical factor we are exposed to, good or bad, we respond to it, we feel it, and it makes us feel a certain way. How about emotional factors or stressors? Same thing, it makes us feel a certain way, we respond to it biochemical­ly, and we can feel it physically. Think about an emotional challenge you’ve been through. That absolutely affected your biochemistry and how you felt physically.

Minimizing physical, chemical, and emotional stressors is a logical approach to facilitate a higher state of wellness or well-being, but what if we could increase our capacity to adapt to those stressors? To do that, we would need to focus on strengthening the functional capacity of the nervous system itself. Stimulating the nervous system in specific ways can have a direct impact on the state we find ourselves in, or something researchers refer to as “sense of coher­ence.” Without getting into the technical components that make up one’s sense of coherence, it revolves around how we feel in our own bodies and how we relate to our environ­ments. Those with a higher sense of coherence are more resilient to daily stressors and tend to improve their health.

It should come as no surprise that those with higher sense of coherence also have an improved quality of life.

Interestingly, this is a two-way street, so incorporating simple activities that improve quality of life also improves one’s sense of coherence. Things like exercising, eating healthy, and meditating or praying have long been known to improve sense of coherence. More recently, breathing exercises, specifically prolonged exhalations, will acti­vate the vagus nerve and improve sense of coherence by affecting the nervous system indirectly. Chiropractic care takes a much more deliberate approach by affecting the nervous system directly. A 2018 study by the ICPA found that pregnant women who were under chiropractic care showed measurable improvements to their quality of life and therefore sense of coherence.

The implications of these findings are exciting because we know how important of a predictor a high sense of coherence is for birth outcomes. Everything from better perceived couple relationships, and natural spontaneous childbirth to higher birth satisfaction, less or no use of epidural, and less complicated deliveries occur with a higher sense of coherence. These are self-evident clinical findings that thousands of perinatal chiropractors have seen in practice. Not to mention the hundreds of thousands of individuals who have experienced it for themselves in their own pregnancies while under chiropractic care. This gives us a roadmap to hopefully improve maternal well-being from what amounts to a pretty embarrassing record in the United States to something that we all can be proud of, and excited about.

Enhancing adaptability of the nervous system isn’t hard to do, but it does require us as individuals to do it. Regardless of what we do, our bodies will continue to adapt. Leave a plant in a stationary position and it will grow predictably towards the window. This isn’t wrong, it’s not a condition, and it doesn’t warrant a diagnosis. It’s a perfect example of that plant adapting to its environment. The simple intervention would be to adjust the position of that plant to facilitate beautiful, resilient growth. This is precisely what chiropractic offers, to achieve improved adaptability, quality of life, and sense of coherence.

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]]>The Body AdaptsFamily Wellness LifestylePathways Magazine EditorialsJustin OhmThu, 06 Oct 2022 20:31:41 +0000https://www.ohmchiropractic.com/blog/a-long-journey626ffeaa6cbd437f75a3781d:62bb130c2ada1a0d4f5d670f:633f31174412fa513497d50dby Justin Ohm, DC

This has been a long journey. We knew we had a huge responsibility to spotlight the treasure trove of archived articles with a new website but we didn’t think it would be this much work.

If you aren’t aware, my mom started Pathways to Family Wellness magazine in 2004 because she was frustrated with all of the magazines in the waiting room of her home office. You see as a chiropractor she believed that the body is intelligent and symptoms were not to be suppressed but rather appreciated for what they are, your body trying to adapt to a stressor. Why would you want to surprise that?

As a woman who got things done, she decided to do something about it. So she started her own magazine, and Pathways was born. I use that word very deliberately because she often described Pathways as her seventh child. Yes, there are six of us, and yes, Pathways took a tremendous amount of her time.

After 18 years, there is a highly curated list of 1200+ wellness articles that can help anyone expand their understanding of vitalism, salutogenesis, chiropractic, parenting, birth and informed decision making. We needed to make this content highly sharable, look beautiful (like the magazine), and searchable (both internally on the website and online with the major search engines).

I remember early on in the conversation, the company we hired to help in this endeavor asked the question: “how will you monetize this website?” The magazine (like most magazines) was seeing declining subscriptions and we were undercharging for the subscriptions that were still there based on increasing costs of materials and shipping. Still, questions of monetization didn’t feel right to us. This wasn’t about creating a new revenue stream for the magazine. It was about getting this content out to the next generation of families.

We decided to make everything, all 74 past issues, free for everyone, and rely on a supporting membeship fee which gives you early access to the most current issue and its content. Can readers just wait a few months and get it for free? Yes, but then you wouldn’t be supporting Pathways and everything it stands for. We believe people want to support the organizations that stand for the values they stand for.

Please feel free to take a look around, and if you’re so inclined, consider becoming a supporting member. It’s an incredible value and it supports Pathways to continue to offer ad free content that promotes family wellness, informed choice, and birth skills.

A good man creates a great legacy. This is my dad, looking on calmly as his kids and grandkids jump off a waterfall. He is confident in their ability and loves to see them overcome a challenge. This is how he raised us.

I have been practicing alongside my father as a family chiropractor for 16 years. He taught me how to care for people. Not just how to give an excellent adjustment but how to really care for people. This comes from your intention to do good and to release the full healing power of the body.

Some say chiropractic care is a science, others call it a philosophy, fewer still revere it as an art. I've always resonated with the later. There is an art to the adjustment and to how you care for people. The man in this photo is an expert at that. That intangible thing that makes you feel complete after an adjustment.

When kids get adjusted in our office we say "you've got your Power On!" Doesn't matter if you're 8 days or 85 years old, that's what it feels like. Like your power is turned on. What an amazing job I have, to be a family chiropractor, to help turn on people's power, and to have learned from a master.

Many blessings, from our family to yours.

More and more parents are seeking chiropractic care for their children.Many spinal problems seen in adults began as early as birth. Even so called 'natural' birthing methods can stress an infant's spine and developing nerve system. The resulting irritation to the nerve system caused by spinal and cranial misalignment can be the cause of many newborn health complaints. Colic, breathing problems, nursing difficulties, sleep disturbances, allergic reactions and chronic infections can often be traced to nerve system stress. Since significant spinal trauma can occur at birth, many parents have their newborns checked right away. As the infant grows, learning to hold up the head, sit, crawl and walk are all activities that affect spinal alignment and are important times to have a child checked by a Doctor of Chiropractic.

As the child begins to participate in regular childhood activities like skating or riding a bike, small yet significant spinal misalignments (subluxations) may occur. If neglected, the injuries during this period of rapid growth may lead to more serious problems later in life. Subtle trauma throughout childhood will affect the future development of the spine leading to impaired nervous system function. Any interference to the vital nerve system will adversely affect the body’s ability to function at its best.

One of the most common reason parents seek care for their child is trauma from an injury of some sort. These misalignments may or may not result in immediate pain or symptoms. Regular chiropractic checkups can identify potential spinal injury from these traumas, make the correction early in life and help avoid many of the health complaints seen later in adults. Proper spinal hygiene is an important key to better health.

Another sought out reason for care is the resolution of a particular symptom or condition. Parents seek care for conditions such as colic, ear infections, asthma, allergies and headaches (to name a few) because they have heard from other parents that chiropractic care can help.

It is important to understand that the doctor of chiropractic does not treat conditions or diseases. The expertise of the chiropractor is in checking the child’s spine for misalignments that impair nervous system function therefore affecting overall body function. The bones of the spine, the vertebrae, house and protect the spinal cord. The spinal cord is an extension of the brain and carries information from the brain to the body parts and back to the brain again. Subluxations interfere with the nerves’ ability to transmit this vital information.

The nerve system controls and coordinates the function of all the systems in the body: circulatory, respiratory, digestive, hormonal, eliminative and immune system. Any aspect of health may be impaired by nerve interference. The chiropractic adjustment restores nerve system function allowing the body the ability to express a greater state of health and well-being.

The doctor of chiropractic will take a case history and perform a chiropractic exam to determine if spinal subluxations exist. Chiropractic adjusting procedures are modified to fit a child's size, weight, and unique spinal condition. They are both gentle and specific to the child’s developing spinal structures. Most parents report that their children enjoy their chiropractic adjustments and look forward to subsequent visits. They also report that their children experience a greater level of health while under regular chiropractic care.

To enhance your child’s ability to function in a greater state of health, we can help you find a doctor of chiropractic near you who is dedicated to serving children with the utmost of care. Once your family has experienced the many benefits of chiropractic care—please help us tell others!

After a recent ICPA E- Newsletter went out discussing the Webster technique , I received an e-mail from Ann Sommers a midwife in Southern California. Her comments were supportive and enthusiastic about her experiences with Doctors of Chiropractic in her 11 years as a midwife and doula. She always has and continues to recommend chiropractic care as part of her clients’ prenatal care. About the Technique, she had this to say: “I have never known the Webster Technique not to work in supporting a breech baby to turn except for one case where there was placenta previa. I have, however, known of the external version not to work!

I have been recommending the Webster Technique for close to 11 years. During that time I have encountered many breeches and have only experienced 3 breech deliveries. One woman did not choose to do the Webster Technique and had her baby by c-section. Another was a last minute client whose doctor said her baby was vertex (not) and refused to do an ultrasound to confirm it. She delivered breech in a hospital. Another client of mine had a baby that was vertex until the last week - her baby did a surprise turn.”

In following up with a phone conversation, Ann and I were able to discuss the numerous reasons why chiropractic care in pregnancy allows for safer and easier deliveries for both the mother and baby. Her referrals over the years to Doctors of Chiropractic always left her midwifery clients feeling well taken care of and appreciative of her recommendations. The Doctors of Chiropractic further supported the midwifery philosophy in for natural birthing. Those mutual clients approached their births with a greater sense of confidence and trust in their body’s ability to function normally. This on-going support from both practitioners is an incredible asset to the pregnant mother throughout pregnancy and in birth.

Find practitioners who support the natural process of birth. Make regular chiropractic care a part of your prenatal choices as well. Birth is an amazing experience and how you prepare throughout pregnancy along with who you work with will in fact lead to a more fulfilling birth experience.

Anne Sommers, L.M. has been directly involved in midwifery since 1986, when she began her apprenticeship. In 1996 she completed Seattle Midwifery School's Challenge Process, and the NARM exam (supervised by the California Medical Board) qualifying her for midwifery licensure. She is the mother of two children, born at home, with the attendance of midwives.

Anne's philosophy is one of non-interference and informed choice with the natural process of birth. She spends time at her prenatal visits addressing questions and educating her clients on all aspects of birth, and believes that the mother is in control. She can be visited at: http://www.dear-midwife.com/

The drug cyotec (misoprostol) is gaining much attention in the birthing community. Originally approved by the FDA for the treatment of ulcers, cyotec is being used "off label" as a quick, inexpensive way to induce labor. Although there is great zeal for it ability to soften a woman's cervix and speed up the delivery process, there is growing concern about its life-threatening side effects.

Searle, the manufacturers of this drug have specific warnings in their package inserts. "Uterine rupture has been reported when cyotec was administered intravaginally in pregnant women to induce labor…"1 One national magazine did an article on the use of cyotec citing cases of uterine hemorrhage leading to hysterectomy, maternal death and even fetal death.2

Marsden Wagner, MD, a neonatologist and perinatal epidemiologist. wrote an outstanding article on the misuse of cyotec in Midwifery Today, Issue 49, 1999.3 Although he includes "testimonials" from cyotec advocates in the birthing community, Dr. Wagner strongly cautions about the potential dangers of its unintended use for induction. His article offers critical review of the published studies on the use of cyotec and cites significant weaknesses in their approaches and findings.

The following excerpt was published in Midwifery Today's E-Newsletter, Vol 3. Issue 49:

Induction with Cytotec should never be attempted anywhere, most especially in out-of-hospital settings. Incredibly, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recently approved Cytotec induction in spite of lack of FDA approval; in spite of a letter to doctors from Searle, the manufacturer of Cytotec, imploring doctors not to use it for induction; in spite of lack of approval from the Cochrane Library (the best scientific opinion); and in spite of the fact that it is not approved or used for induction in any country in Western Europe.

ACOG quotes studies of Cytotec induction, none of which have a sufficient number of research subjects, and consequently none of the studies quoted have sufficient statistical power to detect small but potentially important risks such as uterine hyperstimulation and uterine rupture. Furthermore, because published studies of Cytotec induction have such wide methodological variability, meta-analysis is impossible and the published attempts at such meta-analysis are seriously flawed.... Midwives should stay as far away as possible from such vigilante obstetrics--obstetricians taking matters into their own hands while ignoring the recommendations of the real judges.- excerpted from "Midwives and Cytotec: A True Story, by Marsden Wagner, MD, Midwifery Today Issue 57.4,5

Searle, the makers of cyotec have strongly warned ob/gyns about the use of cyotec for induction. They put out a letter to birth providers stating the gruesome side-effects cyotec may have on both the mother and baby.6 It has been shown to be particularly harmful causing hemorrhage when used in a vaginal birth after cesarean.7 In spite of the above referenced warnings, its use continues to rise. Because of the published protocols in ob/gyn journals for the use of cyotec in induction and the popularity this drug is gaining in the ob/gyn circles, we can expect an increase in its use.8.9

When it comes to our own health and well-being and the safety of our children, making informed decisions is the key. It is my suggestion that you visit the web addresses below and print out copies of this information for your personal resource.

References:
1) http://www.motherjones.com/mother_jones/JF01/cytotec_label.pdf
2) http://www.motherjones.com/mother_jones/JF01/labor.html
3) http://www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/default.asp?t=cytotecwagner
4) http://www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/default.asp?t=misoprostol
5) http://www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/default.asp?t=midwivescytotec
6) http://www.birthlove.com/pages/devil_cytotec.html#info
7) http://www.mothering.com/11-0-0/html/11-2-0/11-2-cytotec107.shtml
8) http://www.mercola.com/2001/feb/4/cytotec_pregnancy.htm
9) http://www.acog.org/from_home/publications/press_releases/nr11-30-00-3.htm

Epidurals during birthing have become so routine, as mothers are being convinced that pain during labor is unnatural. Convinced that they should not endure pain during the birth process, mothers are set up to believe in a drug instead of their bodies’ own natural capabilities. Sixty four percent of certified nurse midwives reported concern over the increased number of their clients who desire epidural anesthesia, and a majority of certified nurse-midwives surveyed (53%) reported a negative attitude toward the increased use of epidurals. 1

We started including questions about births years ago on our children's case history and 9 times out of 10, mothers will check off that they had a "natural childbirth" and in the next question, they check off that they had an epidural. In other words, if they delivered vaginally, and their eyes were open, they are being led to believe that they delivered naturally.

What is not being provided to the parents is the increased complications which are a result of epidural usage. The PDR2 cautions that "local anesthesia rapidly crosses the placenta...and when used for epidural blocks, anesthesia can cause varying degrees of maternal, fetal and neonatal toxicity." It continues, "this toxicity can result in the following side effects: hypotension, urinary retention, fecal and urinary incontinence, paralysis of lower extremities, loss of feeling in the limbs headache, backache, septic meningitis, slowing of labor, increased need for forceps and vacuum deliveries, cranial nerve palsies, allergic reactions, respiratory depression, nausea, vomiting and seizures." Many of these side effects result in multiple complications. For example, maternal hypotension causes bradycardia (decreased heart rate) in the fetus. This altered heart rate can lead to fetal distress and operative deliveries.3 This has led doctors to warn "a high concentration anesthetics and epinephrine should be avoided, as they may influence labor."  
Things To Know About Epidurals

1. Causes longer labors with slower progress.5 6 

2. Can cause fevers in mothers during childbirth. 7 

3. Increase use of pitocin by as much as 3 ½ times, which causes slow and irregular contractions. 5 8 

4. Increases use of antibiotics in your baby by as much as 4 times. 4 

5. Increases use of forceps by as much 4½ - 20 times.5 

6. Causes neonatal jaundice due to altered red blood cells. 9 

7. Increases the incidence of birth trauma due to the use of mechanically assisted deliveries. 10 11 

8. Causes adverse behavioral effects of the neonate. 12

In order to bring about a reversal in epidural usage, mothers must become educated not only on its potential side effects, but on their bodies' own ability to give birth naturally. The overwhelming fear associated with birth has become a learned behavior in our culture. Fear causes additional muscular tension in the body, resulting in decreased blood supply to organs and therefore impaired uterine function. It is the  privilege and obligation of Chiropractors to care for these women throughout their pregnancies, offer them encouragement and educate them about choices for their upcoming experience. I have been told by many chiropractors (and have heard it in our own practice) how women look forward to their visit with us because we treat the process of pregnancy with respect, and we enhance the mothers confidence in her own innate abilities.  

References:

1. Graninger EM; McCool WP. Nurse-midwives' use of and attitudes toward epidural analgesia. J Nurse Midwifery 1998; 43(4):250-61 

2. 1996 Physicians Desk Reference 

3. Stavrou C; Hofmeyr GJ; Boezaart AP. Prolonged fetal bradycardia during epidural analgesia. Incidence, timing and significance. S Afr Med J 1990; 77(2):66-8 

4. Thompson TT; Thorp JM Jr; Mayer D; Kuller JA; Bowes WA Jr . Does epidural analgesia cause dystocia? J Clin Anesth 1998; 10(1):58-65 

5. Studd JW; Crawford JS; Duignan NM; Rowbotham CJ; Hughes AO. The effect of lumbar epidural analgesia on the rate of cervical dilatation and the outcome of labour of spontaneous onset. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1980; 87(11):1015-21 

6. Alexander JM; Lucas MJ; Ramin SM; McIntire DD; Leveno KJ. The course of labor with and without epidural analgesia. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1998; 178(3):516-20 

7. Lieberman E, Lang JM, Frigoletto F Jr, Richardson DK, Ringer SA, Cohen A, Epidural analgesia, intrapartum fever, and neonatal sepsis evaluation. Pediatrics 1997; 99(3): 415-9 

8. McRae-Bergeron CE; Andrews CM; Lupe PJ. The effect of epidural analgesia on the second stage of labor. AANA J 1998; 66(2):177-82 

9. Clark DA; Landaw SA. Bupivacaine alters red blood cell properties: a possible explanation for neonatal jaundice associated with maternal anesthesia. Pediatr Res 1985; 19(4):341-3 

10.   Town A. Latent spinal cord and brain stem injuries in newborn infants Develop Ed Child Neural 1969, 11; 54-68 

11.   Menticoglou SM; Perlman M; Manning FA; High cervical spinal cord injury in neonates delivered with forceps: report of 15 cases. Obstet Gynecol 1995; 86(4 Pt 1):589-94 

12.   Murray AD; Dolby RM; Nation RL; Thomas DB. Effects of epidural anesthesia on newborns and their mothers. Child Dev1981; 52(1):71-82

In one day's time I received two calls asking about the relationship between the administration of pitocin and neurologically compromised infants at birth and my intuitive antennas went off. Pitocin is a synthetic version of oxytocin the naturally produced hormone in the laboring woman. It is preferably administered through IV. As with all drugs, it does not come without its side effects, the most common being increased blood pressure in both the mother and child. Even the American Academy of Pediatrics agrees that no drug has been tested as safe for the baby in utero.

Pitocin is used for either labor induction or labor enhancement (what an inappropriate use of that term!) The use of pitocin does not, however, duplicate the natural progression of labor. Pit induced labors have longer, harder and more painful uterine contractions. Additional reported risks of induction are:  

For the mother: higher rate of complicated labors and deliveries, greater need for analgesics and anesthetics, postpartum hemorrhage and a higher rate of placental rupture and separation life-threatening to both the mother and baby.  

For the baby: induction causes fetal distress, a higher rate of jaundice, a greater chance of a prematurity, low apgar scores at 5 minutes, permanent central nervous system or brain damage and fetal death. 1

In either induced or enhanced use of pitocin, the blood supply (and therefore the oxygen source) to the uterus is greatly reduced. With naturally paced contractions, there is a time interval between contractions allowing for the baby to be fully oxygenated before the next contraction. In induced or stimulated labor, the contractions are closer together and last for a longer time thus shortening the interval where the baby receives its oxygen supply. Reduced oxygen could have life-long consequences on the baby's brain.

It is the belief (not necessarily the practice) in the medical profession that induction should occur when the risk of continuing pregnancy presents a threat to the life of the mother or baby. These situations include: some severe diabetics, kidney disease, severe preclampsia, severe high blood pressure, kidney disease, and an overdue pregnancy where a danger to the fetus has been proven. If induction were carried out only when these conditions were present, at most, an estimate of 3% of births would be induced. 2  

In reality though, due date paranoia remains the most common reason for induction and the consequent use of pitocin. Surprisingly, studies on the due date calculations revealed frightening evidence. Firstly, the due date varies significantly between first time pregnancies and subsequent pregnancies. 3 Also, maternal race has been shown to be a determining factor in gestation time. 4 Another variable to the accuracy of the due date is the recent dependence of ultrasound as a reliable criteria for infant size and gestational age. First trimester measurements have an error bar of ± 5 days, increasing to ± 8 days in the second trimester and are as high as ± 25 days in the third trimester! 5 Bigger fetuses are assumed to be older and in studies where the ovulation date was known 70% of women who were classified as postdates were incorrectly dated. 6  

Furthermore, studies on induction have shown that 30% of fetuses testing normal developed fetal distress when labor was electively induced and the cesarean rate was 15% verses 2% for spontaneous labor. 7  

Using pitocin to enhance labor leads to an increase in epidurals, and therefore obstetric intervention during birth adding additional risks to both the mother and baby. (See ICPA Newsletter Jan/Feb, 1999). And finally, a controlled randomized study showed that the use of pitocin to stimulate labor was not as productive for the progression of labor as allowing mothers to change positions during labor by walking, sitting or standing. 8 Giving the mother back control of her body--what a novel idea and topic for a future newsletter.

As more and more interventions are added to the birth process, the cause of birth trauma is proportionately rising. It is the job of chiropractors to continue to educate mothers about the choices they have in birth and help reduce the devastating effects birth trauma is having on their babies’ delicate nervous systems. It is a huge job ahead of us, yet I know chiropractors have the passion and the means to make it happen!

1. "A Good Birth, A Safe Birth" Diana Korte and Roberta Scaer

2. Caldeyro-Barcia R.  "Some consequences of obstetrical interference. Birth Spring 1975; 2(2)  

3. Mittendorf R, Williams MA, Berkey CS, Cotter PF. The Length of uncomplicated human gestation. Obstet Gynecol 1990; 75(6): 929-932

4. ibid

5. Otto C, Platt LD.   Fetal growth and development. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am 1991; 18(4) 907-931

6. Nichols CW. Postdate pregnancy. Part I. A literature review. J Nurse Midwifery. 1985; 30(4):222-39

7. Devoe LD, Sholl JS.  Postdates pregnancy. Assessment of fetal risk and obstetric management. J Reprod Med 1983; 28(9); 576-580

8. Read JA, Miller FC, Paul RH.   Randomized trial of ambulation versus oxytocin for labor enhancement: a preliminary report.   Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1981;139(6):669-72

A woman’s body is exquisitely designed to conceive, nurture, and birth another human being. After conception, a woman and unborn child will unite in an oceanic blend of energy and identity... where one ends and the other begins no one knows.

A woman becomes a parent at the moment of conception. Every decision made from that moment on will affect her unborn child in some way. In order for her influence to have a positive affect, a woman must be prepared to make educated and informed decisions concerning the foods she will consume, the thoughts and images she will imprint on her baby’s developing brain, and the birth model she will embrace - technological, holistic, or humanistic. A female child spends her entire early life preparing for the possibility of motherhood so she can inadvertently make those decisions.

During childhood, a young girl learns to parent by example. She watches her mother and records subconsciously what she observes. Later, a teenage girl prepares her body for motherhood. Without her conscious knowledge, a teenager stores some of the nutrients she consumes to insure she has the building blocks to form a body for future children. For example, she must consume folic acid to prevent birth defects; essential fatty acids to build the central nervous system and peripheral nerves of a future embryo; and calcium for future fetal bone growth. Nature does its best to insure that a woman is prepared for parenting, but the forces of nature are not enough if she is not an active participant. Her body can not store what she does not consume. Consequently, we must educate our young girls early on about the concept of preparing their bodies for conception.

Conceiving and nurturing the unborn child are only two of the most important concepts we must teach future parents. Entrusted with the guardianship of a new life, a pregnant mother must also learn that all decisions surrounding her pregnancy, labor, and delivery should be based on knowledge and confidence rather than fear or impatience. Therefore, one of the most important concepts a parent must educate herself about is the birth model she will choose to adopt.

There are three basic philosophical models that a pregnant parent may choose from. The first and most commonly adopted is the technocratic model. In this paradigm, a parent accepts that the human body functions like a machine. Robbie Davis-Floyd in Birth As An American Rite of Passage demonstrates how this model, which is the foundation of modern obstetrics, views the female body as unpredictable and inherently defective. Consequently, it may malfunction at any time. The basic tenet of this model of birth holds that some degree of intervention is necessary in all births. Women who embrace the technocratic model enter the birthing room believing that science is there to take care of them and save them from the pain and anguish of childbirth.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is the holistic model. Within this paradigm of birth, the family is the significant social unit instead of the hospital. Under the holistic model, the human body is a living organism with its own innate wisdom, an energy field constantly responding to all other energy fields. Female physiological processes, including birth, are healthy and safe and need no medical intervention. Under this model, the mother’s mental and emotional attitudes affect her performance during birth, as do the beliefs and actions of the partner. It is almost impossible for a parent who adopts the holistic paradigm to deliver within the hospital environment because of the inherent institutional management of birth associated with the technocratic approach.

In-between these two diametrically opposed models of birth lie the humanistic model. When adopting this paradigm, a mother believes she is an individual and must be treated as such. She believes she has the right to promote shared decision-making and responsibility for all aspects of the birth process. This model views the parent holistically while remaining open to the use of technology if applied judiciously. When a pregnant parent adopts a humanistic model, she surrounds herself with loving people who are willing to assist her by walking with her, rubbing her back, helping her move in and out of the bath, holding her, encouraging her, and providing support for any decision she makes. Her birth may occur either in the home, a birthing center, or a hospital if she has a birth attendant who also adopts the humanistic model.

Before women can make decisions concerning which birth model best suits her own philosophical beliefs, she must know that she has several options. As a profession, we must educate ourselves and our patients about the two models that are most suited to our vitalistic belief system. If we all learn how to honor the inherent wisdom of women and developing newborns, we can have a positive impact on the mental, physical, and spiritual growth and development of the next generation.

In my professional experience as a chiropractor I have had the opportunity to work with many midwives. I have come to learn that there are many similarities in the approach to healthcare between midwives and chiropractors. Both groups share an acknowledgement of, and trust in, the body’s inner wisdom. Chiropractors call this wisdom “innate intelligence”. When allowed to perform without interference, innate intelligence coordinates the responses to the body’s needs at any given moment, thus maintaining the body’s optimal health.

In chiropractic, we recognize that this inborn wisdom uses the nervous system as its conduit to transmit electrical impulses of intelligence to all systems and functions of the body, thus maintaining a state of homeostasis and balance. Mechanical pressure on the nervous system by the bones of the cranium and spine may interfere with this normal transmission of intelligence and result in a state of dis-ease. Chiropractors call this mechanical pressure on a nerve by the spine “vertebral subluxation”. The specific chiropractic adjustment removes the pressure from the nervous system, restoring the pathways of transmission and therefore allowing for better overall function of the body.  

Moreover, within both professions is profound support and commitment to non-invasive birthing procedures. Chiropractors and midwives alike share a genuine respect for the process of natural birthing, encouraging the mother to follow her intuition for guidance throughout the process. Managing labor from within rather than through the use of external drugs and obstetrical procedures allows for safer and easier deliveries for both the mother and baby. When subjected to unnecessary interventions not only is a mother’s well being at risk, but many times the baby is also put at risk.      

A particular concern of chiropractors is when there is force applied to the baby’s head and neck during delivery, as this is a cause of much birth trauma. 1 Unnatural birthing positions also add to the risk of birth trauma. 2 The use of drugs during labor and delivery that may interfere with the mothers’ intuition of natural birthing can also contribute to the use of additional force during delivery. 3 External forces applied during delivery may cause undetected injury to the baby’s spine and cranium as well as to the delicate nervous system they are protecting. 4Sometimes these injuries are obvious, but more often than not injury has occurred during the course of normal obstetric delivery procedures that is not detected. Birth trauma may have long lasting effects on the child’s future health status. 5 Midwives and chiropractors also offer care that is personal to each individual and specific to every case. Midwives and chiropractors also share the unique ability to assess a patient’s status with their own hands, and both professions are blessed with the privilege of touching others to bring about a greater expression of life.  

These three common bonds have been enough to establish life-long supportive relationships between the two groups. 6  However there is a fourth cause for alliance and reciprocity between them. It is a specific chiropractic adjustment called the Webster Technique. Developed by Dr. Larry Webster and formerly called the Webster In-utero Constraint Technique, this particular chiropractic adjustment was classically used during the seventh through ninth months of pregnancy. It is primarily focused on women whose babies are presenting breech or transverse. Doctors of Chiropractic reported an >85% success rate in its ability to balance pelvic structures and remove constraint to the woman’s uterus therefore allowing the baby to turn into the vertex position.  

This specific technique, along with other chiropractic adjustments, benefit the mother and baby throughout pregnancy. Because we are working specifically to balance pelvic muscles and ligaments with our adjustments, we are removing constraint to the woman’s uterus. This allows the baby to get into the best possible position for birth in a timely manner and the need for “crisis care” in the last couple of months of pregnancy is being eliminated.  

Midwives around the country are hearing about the benefits of chiropractic care throughout pregnancy and are seeking out chiropractors who care for pregnant mothers. Alliances are forming in communities and both mothers and babies are spared the irreparable damage caused by the growing number of c-sections. Midwives are referring patients to chiropractors even before malpresentations are evident, and their practices are reaping the benefits of overall easier, safer deliveries for both the mother and baby.  

Working with chiropractors almost every weekend, I know that one of their greatest objectives is to eliminate as many variables that lead to traumatic birth and therefore injury of the newborn’s spine, cranium and nervous system. To achieve this goal, chiropractors and midwives need to support each other. We need each others valuable services and care to the women in our communities. Our growing alliance will fulfill both of our missions for natural birthing..  

Specific chiropractic care helps to provide an environment for safer, easier, faster deliveries. 7 8 Midwifery care is known to do so as well. 9 Chiropractors, make the effort to meet with and educate the midwives in your area about your valuable services. Midwives, find Doctors of Chiropractic in your area who are working with pregnant mothers offering these special skills. Mothers, find these practitioners in your area who have respect for and strive towards natural birthing.  Together we will restore the sanctity and right of healthy pregnancy and natural childbirth..  

References:

• Towbin A. Latent spinal cord and brain stem injury in newborn infants. Develop Med Child Neurol 1969; 11:54-68

• Gardosi J, Hutson N. Randomised controlled trial of squatting in the second stage of labour. Lancet 1989; 2(8654): 74-7

• Studd JW, Crawford JS, Duignan NM, Rowbotham CJ, Hughes AO. The effect of lumbar epidural analgesia on the rate of cervical dilatation and the outcome of labour of spontaneous onset. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1980; 87(11): 1015-21

• Yashon, David, “Birth Injury”, Spinal Injury 1996,8, 347-352

• Biedermann H. Kinematic imbalance due to suboccipital strain in newborns. Manuelle Medizin 1992; 6:151-6

• Allaire AD, Moos MK, Wells SR. Complementary and alternative medicine in pregnancy: a survey of North Carolina certified nurse-midwives. Obstet Gynecol 2000; 95(1): 19-23

• Forrester J, Anrig C. The prenatal and perinatal period. In: Anrig C, Plaugher G, Eds. Pediatric Chiropractic. Baltimore, MD: Williams and Wilkins 1998: 75-161

• Hofmeyr GJ, Nikodem VC, Wolman WL, Chalmers BE, Kramer T. Companionship to modify the clinical birth environment: effects on progress and perceptions of labour, and breastfeeding. Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 1991 ;98(8):756-64

• Sosa R, Kennell J, Klaus M, Robertson S, Urrutia J. The effect of a supportive companion on perinatal problems, length of labor, and mother-infant interaction. N Engl J Med 1980; 303(11): 597-600.

Chiropractic care benefits all aspects of your body's ability to be healthy. This is accomplished by working with the nervous system--the communication system between your brain and body. Doctors of Chiropractic work to correct spinal, pelvic and cranial misalignments (subluxations). When misaligned, these structures create an imbalance in surrounding muscles and ligaments. Additionally, the resulting nerve system stress may affect the body's ability to function optimally.

The Webster technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and diversified adjustment. The goal of the adjustment is to reduce the effects of sacral subluxation/ SI joint dysfunction. In so doing neuro-biomechanical function in the pelvis is improved.

Dr. Larry Webster, founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association discovered this adjustment as a safe means to restore proper pelvic balance and function. This specific sacral analysis can be used on all weight bearing individuals to determine S/I joint dysfunction/ sacral subluxation and is therefore applicable for the entire population. The assessment includes heel flexion to buttocks, with restricted flexion indicating the affected SI joint. Correction is made with a diversified, sacral adjustment. It is used on all weight bearing individuals presenting with this biomechanical restriction. Common symptoms include (but are not limited to) low back pain, sciatic neuralgia, and symptoms associated with sacral subluxation and/ or S/I joint dysfunction.

The ICPA recognizes that in a theoretical and clinical framework of the Webster Technique in the care of pregnant women, sacral subluxation may contribute to difficult labor for the mother (i.e., dystocia).  Dystocia is caused by inadequate uterine function, pelvic contraction, and baby mal-presentation.32 The correction of sacral subluxation may have a positive effect on all of these causes of dystocia.

In this clinical and theoretical framework, it is proposed that sacral misalignment may contribute to these three primary causes of dystocia via uterine nerve interference, pelvic misalignment and the tightening and torsion of specific pelvic muscles and ligaments.  The resulting tense muscles and ligaments and their aberrant effect on the uterus may prevent the baby from comfortably assuming the best possible position for birth.

In regards to pregnant mothers, Dr. Webster reported that when a mother sought care and her baby was in a breech position, the restoration of pelvic neuro-biomechanics with this adjustment also frequently facilitated optimal fetal positioning.  There are cases published in the chiropractic literature that support this theory. More research is needed and is currently underway by the ICPA.

The obstetric literature has determined that correct positioning of the baby in-utero affect birth outcome and decrease the potential for undue stress to the baby's developing spine and nerve system. Obstetric literature has determined the importance of normal pelvic neuro-biomechanics including uterine function and pelvic alignment for the prevention of dystocia (difficult birth). It has also determined that correct positioning of the baby in-utero affects birth outcome and decreases the potential for undue stress to the baby's developing spine and nerve system. Chiropractic literature has determined the significance of sacral adjustments in normalizing pelvic neuro-biomenchanics.

It is therefore considered prudent that this specific sacral analysis and adjustment be used throughout pregnancy to detect and alleviate sacral imbalance and optimize pelvic neuro-biomechanics in the mother. Because of the particular female adaptations from the increase of hormones, weight gain and postural adaptations, pregnant mothers have a greater chance of sacral subluxation and neuro-biomechanical imbalance than the general population. Additionally, because of the effect the chiropractic adjustment has on all body functions by reducing nerve system stress, pregnant mothers may have significant benefit by having their spines checked regularly throughout pregnancy, optimizing health benefits for both the mother and baby.

The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association offers classes of instruction and awards qualified attendees a Certificate of Proficiency in the Webster protocol.

Drs. Jeanne and Justin Ohm are certified in the Webster technique with the International Chiropractic pediatric Association.
Dr. Jeanne Ohm is the instructor for this technique and developer of the Webster certification.

Chiropractic care is essential for the pregnant mother. Her systems and organs are now providing for two and their optimal function is critical for the baby’s healthy development. The mother’s spine and pelvis undergoes many changes and adaptations to compensate for the growing baby and the risk of interference to her nervous system is increased. Specific chiropractic care throughout pregnancy works with enhancing nervous system function providing greater health potential for both the mother and baby.

Another important reason for care throughout pregnancy is to help establish balance in the mother’s pelvis. Because of a lifetime of stress and trauma to her spine and pelvis, her pelvic opening may be compromised, resulting in a less than optimum passage for the baby. Williams Obstetrics Text tells us that, "Any contraction of the pelvic diameters that diminish the capacity of the pelvis can create dystocia (difficulty) during labor." They further state that the diameter of the woman's pelvis is decreased when the sacrum is displaced. Dr. Abraham Towbin, medical researcher on birth tells us that the bony pelvis may become "deformed" this way by trauma. Chiropractors define this displacement/ deformation as spinal misalignment or subluxation primarily caused by the stress of trauma.

Additionally, these compensations to her spine and pelvis during pregnancy are likely to cause an imbalance to her pelvic muscles and ligaments. The woman’s pelvis supports her growing uterus with specific ligaments. When the pelvic bones are balanced, the uterus is able to enlarge symmetrically with the growing baby. 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 of the uterus will torque the uterus reducing the maximum amount of room for the developing baby. The term used to describe this is intrauterine constraint.

In some cases, this constraint restricts the baby’s positions during pregnancy adversely affecting his/her developing spine and cranium. Additionally, these limitations on the baby’s movement during pregnancy may prevent him/her from getting into the best possible position for birth. Any birth position other than the ideal vertex, occiput anterior position of the baby indicates the inhibiting effects of constraint. Such positions lead to longer more painful labors with increased medical interventions in birth. Often c-sections are resorted to and both the mother and baby miss the many benefits of a natural vaginal birth.

The Webster Technique, discovered by Dr. Larry Webster, founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, is one such specific chiropractic adjustment for pregnant mothers. Working to correct sacral subluxations, this technique balances pelvic muscles and ligaments in the woman’s pelvis, removes constraint and allows the baby to get into the best possible position for birth. Dr. Webster instructed many Doctors of Chiropractic in this technique and their combined results showed a high success rate in allowing babies in the breech position to go into the normal head down or vertex position. Because of its ability to facilitate easier, safer deliveries for both the mother and baby, many birth care providers are actively seeking Doctors of Chiropractic with the skills in this technique.

Chiropractic care throughout pregnancy allows for healthier function of the mother and baby. Specific techniques tailored to pregnant mothers create balance in the mother's pelvic bones and therefore reduce the possibility of intrauterine constraint. Offering the baby the ability to get into the best possible position for birth leads to an easier and safer delivery for both the mother and baby. Seeking chiropractic care early in pregnancy is a safe, effective way to support the natural process of birthing.

1. Cunningham FG et al, "Dystocia Due to Pelvic Contraction", Williams Obstetrics, Nineteenth Ed 1989

2. Towbin A, "Dystocia", Brain Damage in the Newborn and its Neurologic Sequelle, 1998

3. Netter F. "Pelvic Viscera and Perineum" Atlas of Human Anatomy ; 1994

4. Hellstrom B, Sallmander U "Prevention of Spinal Cord Injury in Hyperextension of the Fetal Head" JAMA 1968; 204(12): 1041- MS":

We all hear it. It whispers to us during a time of need, or fear or even peace. But it speaks. How well we listen depends on the many personal experiences in our lives, which open or close us to its guiding wisdom.  

Sometimes called,  "our inner knowing ", "the gut feeling", "the wisdom within".  whatever its name, the experience is universal. It is a feeling, a word, an image that stands out bolder than the regular stream of conscious thought and it makes a slightly deeper impression on our minds. It will continue to guide us, depending on our receptive attention to it.  

The natural processes like pregnancy and birth are dependant upon a woman's ability to trust in her inner knowing. This wisdom leads women to support and trust the process rather than work against it. In this way, nature is allowed to take its course.  

For centuries, this very intuition led women in their decisions for their own health and the well being of their families. Relying on its ageless wisdom, women listened to its promptings and trusted its guidance.  

During birth, women used to decide which position would be most comfortable. They were free to move about during labor and delivery to manage the pain. Somehow, they knew that the squat position allowed their pelvis' to open up more freely - 1/3rd more in fact! If other people were present at the birth, they were there to support, not direct the process. Timing was not an issue--the baby was born at just the right moment. Once born, the mother immediately held, caressed and nursed the baby. Separation was unheard of. Mother and child recovered quickly and grew strong together. There was confidence in this process as in any other body process --with respect and a sense of fulfillment.  

Today, however, the birth process has turned into a technological procedure. The medical system in the US is considered to be the most highly advanced in the world. We spend more on birth than any other country in the world. We expect this technology to improve our lives and solve our problems. We are led to believe this technology alone leads to improved outcomes. Why then does the World Health Organization rank the U.S. as 24th(last) among all industrialized nations in infant mortality and low birth weight?  

Doris Hare, president of the American Foundation of Maternal and Child Health says, “It compels us to ask, what proportions of these complications, which have had their onset during labor and birth, are the direct result of aggressive obstetric procedures?”  

This increase in technology leads to restrictions that apparently cause more harm than good. Women are strapped down and forced to comply with someone else's formula and schedule. Women are put into positions, which go against gravity and anatomy. This greatly slows down the natural momentum. The origin of this maneuver had nothing to do with being safer for the mom or baby and yet its practice has remained unquestioned for centuries!  

These restrictions in birth make women feel afraid and powerless. Fear shuts down the process both psychologically and physically. It actually constricts blood vessels and contracts muscles. This leads to greater pain. Drugs are given to ease the pain and the woman's physical strength and uterine function is impaired further. Her ability to stay connected with her body is impaired and even cut off. She is not told that the drugs can harm her child's developing organs and even intelligence.  

Because of drugs and maternal positions, women strain and push excessively to get the baby out. Doctors pull and twist the infant's delicate head and spine to get the shoulders out. Even in what is called “natural births,” standard birthing procedures pull the head and neck.  Research shows that the routine force used in birth, may tear and damage the baby's spinal cord and nerves. One medical study published in Dev. Med Child Neurology by Dr. Abraham Towbin addresses this issue even further. He says, "The birth process even under optimal controlled conditions is potentially a traumatic, crippling event for the fetus...Moreover during the last part of delivery, during the final extraction of the fetus, mechanical stress imposed by obstetrical manipulation--even the application of standard orthodox procedures may prove intolerable to the fetus."      Birth in our country is one of the most profound examples of how we have allowed the mystique of technology to overcome practical intuition. Before our high tech involvement, women gave birth for centuries without outside interference. They trusted their intuition and their body's inherent ability to function as it was created to.    

It is no coincidence indeed; that the very same procedures where a woman's intuition has been violated the most- modern birthing- is also one of the greatest causes of injury to a newborn. It is also no coincidence that the health care provider who supports parents intuition and trust in the body's self healing, natural processes -the chiropractor -is also the one who is most able to help reduce and correct the damaging effects of birth trauma.  

Doctors of Chiropractic are s seriously concerned with the amount of force being used during births. They know injury to the nervous system has a tremendous effect on a child's ability to be healthy. This is because Chiropractors work with so many children whose health has been impaired so early on in life. These birth injuries can have life long health consequences.  

One study, done by Dr. Gutman a German medical researcher found that 80% of the newborns he examined had damage to the nerves in their necks from birth!  These same children were all suffering from chronic ear and throat infections colic, asthma and other common childhood conditions. Upon specific corrections made to the misalignments in their upper necks, almost all of these children regained their health. His study, along with hundreds of case studies shows how interferences to a child's nervous system impair the body's function and health.  

With this research available to us, it is imperative that we as mothers become involved in our birthing decisions. We must look to decrease the possibilities of birth trauma in any way we can. Undue force and stress has become routine procedure in our modern birthing techniques. Doris Haire, former president of the International Childbirth Education Association has investigated birthing procedures throughout the world. Her comments on births in America are not so favorable. She says, "Of all the 36 countries I have visited to observe maternity facilities, I am absolutely convinced that the US has to be the most bizarre on earth in its management of obstetrics."  

I can remember giving a class in our community about birth trauma. When I was done, a woman in the audience raised her hand. You are being very gracious, she said, I am an obstetric nurse and I have seen tremendous amounts of force used to pull out babies. One doctor resorted to putting his foot up against the table to gain greater leverage when he pulled on the baby’s neck. Than with all of his strength and weight put into it, he pulled that baby out by its head". Most children born in modern societies with high tech procedures have been injured at birth because of this type of unnecessary trauma to their tiny spines and delicate nervous systems.  

With this evidence in hand, Doctors of Chiropractic are greatly concerned with routine birth procedures that lead to injury. This has led them to develop specific techniques to care for women during pregnancy.  Chiropractic care throughout pregnancy removes interference to the mother’s nervous system, enhancing baby development and uterine function. It balances her pelvic muscles and ligaments and allows the baby to get into the best possible position for birth. Chiropractic care therefore, facilitates an easier and safer birth for both the mother and baby.  

As mothers, it is important for us to take responsibility and make our own choices in our families' health from conception on. Those choices need to be made from the place of inner knowing that we have, not from the fear based approach we are taught to take. Today, it is tough for us to stand out on our inner knowing when the ways of the world are telling us otherwise. Our society does not teach us to Trust the Process by any means, but rather implants thoughts of fear and misgiving when the body is performing normal, natural functions.   

We have been taught to fear pain, suppress symptoms, control the unscheduled timing of natural processes, and shun differences in our individual body responses. If it doesn't fit within the norm, the average, the routine it is not acceptable. We have been forced to restrain feelings, symptoms and any other untimely expressions of life.  We are led  to look outside ourselves for solutions rather than trusting our inner wisdom.  

Christine Northrup, M.D. and former obstetrician says, “I’ve learned that women and men who have a great deal of self-confidence and self-trust can go into most situations and get their needs met. One of the key ways a woman can develop a sense of trust in her own power is through birth, but most women today lack confidence in their bodies.”   

Doctors of Chiropractic are enhancing the natural process of birth and reducing birth trauma by encouraging pregnant mothers to choose safe procedures, supportive practitioners and healthy environments for birth. They recognize that birth is a normal, natural process directed by the body’s inherent wisdom to function accordingly. They remove interference to her nervous system, optimizing this function. They offer the pregnant mother assurance and confidence in her body’s ability to accomplish this natural process. The philosophy of chiropractic and the supportive science behind it is in trusting the body’s ability to function in accordance with its own inborn intelligence.  

For a safer, easier and saner birth: 

1. Become informed about your choices for birth. 

2. Trust your women’s intuition in making your choices

3. Find a birth care provider who supports the natural process. 

4. Depend on your body’s ability to function as it is designed to. 

5. Receive chiropractic care early in pregnancy from a doctor who is enthusiastic and experienced in working with pregnant mothers.