How Chiropractic Care Supports Postpartum Mental Health & Breastfeeding Success
When we were expecting our first baby, we put so much effort into preparing for the birth. We took a birth class, hired a doula, carefully chose our midwife, and Bridget even watched hundreds of hours of births on YouTube. But despite all our preparations, one thing we weren’t fully prepared for was just how challenging the postpartum period can be. We want to share what we’ve learned to help families who are about to welcome their first child feel more supported during this transition.
After 35 weeks of growing and carrying a baby, many of the pregnant moms we care for are feeling ready to meet their little one. While they’re patiently waiting for their baby to arrive, they also look forward to having their body back—being able to move comfortably, sleep in any position, and do simple things like getting dressed with ease.
One gentle reminder we always share is this: while pregnancy comes with its challenges, this is the stage when your baby is the easiest to care for. Once they’re born, the real adventure begins! So as you count down the days, try to cherish this time and give yourself grace—because an exciting new chapter is just around the corner.
Once the high of birth is over, there is a coming down period that is filled with uncertainty, doubt, and often a lot of tears. But not just tears from the baby, tears from everyone. Particularly if you don’t have a support team in your corner.
83% of moms breastfed for a period of time but only 25% breastfed exclusively for 6 months, which is the recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics. In our office we see many moms who have the desire to exclusively breastfeed but it is often much easier said than done. In our office we specialize in chiropractic care for newborns so we see many babies who are struggling with reflux or colic, or they have such a painful latch that mom has to brace herself when she hears the baby starting to make their nursing cry.
We understand that breastfeeding success isn't just about a mother's determination—it’s also about the baby’s ability to latch effectively. Many breastfeeding difficulties stem from structural and neurological imbalances in the baby, which chiropractic adjustments can help correct.
Chiropractic care supports breastfeeding in many ways, here are a few of them:
Improving Baby’s Latch: The foundation of a baby’s ability to latch correctly depends on proper jaw, neck, and cranial alignment. Gentle chiropractic adjustments can help restore your baby’s ability to open their mouth wider and maintain a better latch.
Optimizing Nerve Function: The nervous system controls all bodily functions, including the coordination of suckling and swallowing. Misalignments in the upper spine can interfere with these reflexes, making breastfeeding more challenging. Chiropractic adjustments restore proper nerve communication, leading to a smoother breastfeeding experience.
Relieving Tension from Birth Trauma: The birth process, whether vaginal or via C-section, can place significant strain on a baby’s spine and nervous system. Chiropractic care helps alleviate this stress, improving comfort and function, which can lead to better feeding habits.
Easing Colic and Reflux: Babies with colic or reflux often struggle because of nursing challenges. Chiropractic care can help reduce these symptoms by optimizing nervous system function and reducing tension in the digestive system.
Supporting Mothers' Mental Health Through Chiropractic Care
When a baby breastfeeds successfully, mothers experience less stress and frustration, which can positively impact their mental health. One study found that women who were currently breastfeeding had statistically significant lower risk of postpartum depression than women who were not breastfeeding. Chiropractic care helps mothers in many ways, here are a few:
Balancing Hormones: Chiropractic adjustments help regulate the nervous system, which in turn supports hormonal balance and emotional well-being.
Reducing Physical Pain: Postpartum aches and pains can make caring for a newborn even more exhausting. Chiropractic care helps realign the spine and pelvis, reducing discomfort and improving overall function.
Enhancing Sleep Quality: Poor sleep is a major contributor to postpartum depression. Chiropractic adjustments can improve nervous system regulation, helping both moms and babies sleep better.
A Natural, Holistic Approach to Postpartum Wellness
With the growing body of research supporting breastfeeding as a protective factor against postpartum depression, it’s essential to provide new mothers with the tools they need to succeed. Chiropractic care offers a natural, drug-free approach to addressing the root causes of breastfeeding challenges, ultimately leading to better maternal mental health.
If you or someone you love is navigating the postpartum period and experiencing breastfeeding difficulties, chiropractic care could be the missing link to a smoother, more fulfilling journey. At Sláinte Chiropractic, we’re here to support you and your baby with gentle, effective care that enhances your body’s innate ability to thrive.
Ready to experience the benefits of chiropractic care for you and your baby? Contact us today to schedule an appointment and start your journey toward better breastfeeding and postpartum wellness.
