Breastingfeeding and Chiropractic

Breastfeeding can help mothers relax and handle stress better and to prevent postpartum depression. Skin-to-skin contact with your baby has a soothing effect often called kangaroo care.Skin to skin contact with dad is also wonderful for bonding with your baby.

How can chiropractic care help with breastfeeding and bottle feeding your baby? It can help in many ways!!!

Try to listen to your body so that you can tell when stress is affecting your health, and take these steps to feel better:

• Get adjusted! Getting adjusted can increase your immune system by 60% with just one adjustment!
• Many new moms get ‘nursing neck’ which can cause upper back, neck pain and headaches as well. Even moms who are bottle feeding can get this. When feeding you are often looking down at your beautiful baby for 20-30 min or more at a time- often 8-10 times a day. This can overstretch already stressed ligaments and muscles in the neck, causing pain.
• Relax - It's important to unwind in a way that works for you. Try a bubble bath, deep breathing, yoga, meditation, and massage therapy. If you can't do these things, take a few minutes to sit, listen to soothing music, or read a book.
• Sleep - Your stress could get worse if you don't get enough sleep. It is hard to fight off illness when you sleep poorly. With enough sleep, it is easier to cope with challenges and stay healthy. Try to get seven to nine hours of sleep every night. If you can't, try to sleep when the baby sleeps.
• Eat right - Try to fuel up with fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains.
• Get moving - Physical activity not only helps relieve your tense muscles, but helps your mood too! Your body makes certain chemicals, called endorphins, before and after you exercise. These relieve stress and improve your mood.

 To find out more about breastfeeding and chiropractic, call us at 403-347-3261. Family First Chiropractic 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer. Family1stchiro.ca.