The Importance of Chiropractic Care After Pregnancy
Chiropractic care after pregnancy is just as important—if not more important—than during pregnancy. After birth, the body undergoes immense physical, emotional, and hormonal changes. The nervous system, joints, ligaments, and soft tissues all need time and proper support to recover. Childbirth can be compared to running a marathon—an incredible, natural, and awe-inspiring process that demands both strength and endurance. Yet just as an athlete needs recovery time, a mother also needs restoration and balance postpartum.
The hormonal surges, physical transitions, and mental shifts that occur during and after labor are nothing short of miraculous. Every cell, organ, and tissue in the body works in harmony to bring new life into the world. Birth is empowering and transformative, but afterward, the mother’s body needs healing and recalibration.
Consider the intricate hormonal symphony involved in childbirth: relaxin, cortisol, oxytocin, estrogen, prolactin, prostaglandins, beta-endorphins, adrenaline, and noradrenaline—all working together in perfect timing before, during, and after labor. Proper spinal alignment postpartum allows the muscular and nervous systems to function together efficiently, promoting faster healing and long-term wellness for the mother.
Relaxin and Ligament Stability
Relaxin, one of the key pregnancy hormones, remains in the body for up to five months postpartum. While it helps loosen ligaments for childbirth, this same flexibility can create instability after birth. Correcting spinal and pelvic alignment during this time is vital—not just for current recovery, but for the mother’s long-term stability and future pregnancies. Neglecting to restore proper biomechanics can lead to chronic discomfort or postural problems later in life.
Between baby carrying, breastfeeding, household management, and sleepless nights, a new mother’s body faces many challenges. Regular chiropractic care—especially during the first six months postpartum—can help restore alignment, improve biomechanics, and support overall healing. Mothers who received chiropractic care during pregnancy often experience smoother recoveries and fewer residual issues after giving birth. Consistency builds stability, and stability builds strength.
The Hormonal Connection and Nervous System Balance
Oxytocin, known as the “bonding hormone,” plays a crucial role in the emotional connection between mother and baby. Dr. Hannah Dahlen, Associate Professor of Midwifery at the University of Western Sydney, writes, “Oxytocin may in fact be an important influence on who we become later in life. Messing with it could be messing with the very blueprint of life.”
Chiropractic care supports this delicate hormonal balance by influencing the nervous system. Research shows that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) helps transport hormones throughout the central nervous system, and chiropractic adjustments enhance CSF flow, improving communication within the body.
Supporting Mental and Emotional Health
Postpartum depression affects many new mothers, and chiropractic care can play a valuable role in recovery. By reducing physical pain, chiropractic adjustments lower cortisol levels and calm the body’s “fight or flight” response, supporting adrenal health and hormonal balance. Adjustments can also trigger the release of serotonin, a key hormone in maintaining mood and emotional stability. When the nervous system functions optimally, the body can heal and regulate itself more effectively.
Pelvic Healing and Core Restoration
After childbirth, pelvic stability is essential. The uterine lift technique helps address weakness in the levator ani muscle, which can occur during delivery. The pelvic floor muscles and symphysis pubis are often stretched or strained, requiring precise realignment for proper healing. During pregnancy, scar tissue and ligament tension can develop, leading to pelvic fatigue or discomfort.
It’s also important to assess for diastasis recti, a separation of the abdominal muscles that, if left untreated, can contribute to long-term back pain. Chiropractic adjustments help realign the pelvis and activate the muscles of the pelvic girdle, supporting core rehabilitation and long-term spinal health.
Addressing Postpartum Discomfort
Breastfeeding, lifting, and caring for a newborn can place strain on the neck, mid-back, and wrists. These repetitive movements can cause tightness and tension, leading to headaches or carpal tunnel symptoms. Chiropractic adjustments restore alignment and mobility, allowing the nervous system to communicate efficiently with the muscles, which then relax and heal
The Takeaway
Chiropractic care is an ideal complement to postpartum recovery. Misalignments caused by hormonal changes, weight shifts, and daily activities can be safely corrected, improving posture, reducing pain, and enhancing nervous system function. This not only supports a faster recovery but also prepares the body for future pregnancies and long-term wellness.
For a mother to thrive—not just survive—after childbirth, postpartum chiropractic care is essential.
About the Author
Dr. Candice Dalek, DC, FIAMA, has been in practice for over 20 years, recently starting a business in NW Oklahoma City, predominantly working with families, maternity, and pediatric chiropractic. She utilizes a variety of techniques—including Webster, Bagnell, Applied Kinesiology, Activator, Craniosacral Therapy, Acupuncture, and Dry Needling—to support healing. A dedicated mother of five, she is empowering wellness and elevating lives with personalized care for others.
References:
Whedon JM, Glassey D. Cerebrospinal Fluid Stasis and Its Clinical Significance. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 2009;15(3):54-60.
