The 3 ‘MUST HAVE’ people to have on your team when you are pregnant
Pregnancy is a transformative time, both physically and emotionally. As you prepare to welcome your baby, taking care of your body and mind is crucial. Research suggests that some of the main anxieties experienced whilst pregnant include:
Pain and discomfort during pregnancy
Uncertainty around labour and birth
The birth process itself
Lack of knowledge of birth options
Among the overwhelming sea of options, therapies and miracle cures out there, I have found over the last 16 years of working in this field, that the mums-to-be who experience the least stress/anxiety and pain during pregnancy, labour and beyond have had Chiropractic/Osteopathic care, a Doula and have utilised Hypnobirthing.
Let’s explore why…
Chiropractic/Osteopathic Care
Alleviates discomfort: Our nervous system is encased within the hard shell of our skull, spine and pelvis. By assessing the alignment and function of the joints, muscles and nerves in your body a Chiropractor/Osteopath can gently adjust problem areas to remove pressure on nerves which can help relieve common pregnancy-related pain, such as back pain, pelvic pressure, sciatic and hip discomfort.
Improves pelvic alignment: Your pelvis will house your baby the whole way through your pregnancy so it is important that they have unrestricted space to grow and develop. Also, the dimensions of the birth canal can be significantly narrowed if the pelvic alignment is non-optimal so a Chiropractor/Osteopath will use gentle adjustments to correct any misalignments noted. As your baby is growing and strains on your lower spine and pelvis alter you may find that regular check-ups are beneficial you help you adapt to these changes.
Enhances nervous system function: Adjustments support your body’s overall health by improving nervous system communication. This includes feeling calmer mentally as the ‘fight or flight’ branch of our nervous system is down-regulated.
What to look for:
Do choose a practitioner who is trained in the Webster Technique, a specific training that focuses on pelvic balance in pregnant women.
Do ensure the Chiropractor/Osteopath is experienced with prenatal care and can modify techniques for pregnancy-related changes in the body.
Do communicate with your Chiropractor/Osteopath any concerns or worries you may have. A good practitioner will listen and accommodate as needed.
Cost:
In the UK Chiropractic/Osteopathy is funded privately by patients (and nowadays most Private Health Insurance companies). An initial consultation will include a thorough case history, examination, report of findings and often treatment and usually ranges from £60-£100. Follow up sessions usually cost between £35-£55 and you should have a better idea of how many of these will be required following your initial consultation.
Find a Webster Technique certified practitioner near you here
Hiring a Doula
Provides emotional and physical support: Doulas can provide care during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum, offering both emotional reassurance and practical advice.
Reduced intervention rates: Studies have shown that having a doula present during birth may reduce the likelihood of medical interventions such as C-sections or the need for pain relief.
Advocacy: Doulas help you advocate for your birth preferences in a hospital or home birth setting, ensuring your voice is heard. If unexpected scenarios arise they can answer your questions and provide the pros and cons of each option so you can make an informed decision which is right for you and your baby.
Postpartum recovery: Many doulas offer postpartum support, helping with breastfeeding, newborn care, and emotional well-being following birth.
What to look for:
Do meet with multiple doulas to ensure you find someone who aligns with your birth philosophy and makes you feel comfortable.
Do ask about their training, experience, and any special skills such as previous midwifery training, breastfeeding support or knowledge of birth plans.
Do look for someone who has a proven track record of positive births through testimonials and case studies and aligns with your needs.
Cost:
Birth doula services range from between £600–£2,000 depending on experience, location and the form of support that you wish (most doulas will be on-call 24/7 for you for 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after your estimated due date). Postpartum doula services tend to range between £15–£40 per hour
Whilst being a Doula is not a regulated profession in the UK please make sure to check your Doula has completed their Doula training. https://scottishdoulanetwork.co.uk/find-your-doula/ and https://doula.org.uk/find-a-doula/ are two useful directories to help you start your search, however but please search your local area and ask for recommendations from other mums.
Hypnobirthing
Pain management: Hypnobirthing techniques help you manage pain and discomfort during labour through deep relaxation and focused breathing.
Reduced fear and anxiety: By learning self-hypnosis and affirmations, you can minimise stress and approach labour with a calm, confident mindset.
Shorter labour: Studies suggest that Hypnobirthing can result in shorter labour and less need for pain-relieving medications.
Improved birth experience: Many women who practice Hypnobirthing report feeling more in control during labour and having a more positive birth experience overall. Most Hypnobirthing programmes encourage your birth partner to join in and become more educated in what is to come, what you are learning and how best they can be there to support you.
What to look for:
Do find a certified Hypnobirthing practitioner
Do begin practicing early in your pregnancy, ideally around 25–30 weeks, to allow plenty of time for learning and practice.
Do understand that it might take some time to master the techniques, but with patience and practice you’ll get there!
Cost:
Private one-on-one session blocks range from £300–£500, Group classes are around £200–£350 for a full course and Online courses are available from between £30 to 100.
There are several Hypnobirthing courses out there, however I would highly recommend ‘Born this Way Hypnobirthing Programme’ which offers all of the above access options to suit your lifestyle. As well as providing a full hypnobirthing course this course also includes an antenatal education and was written and taught by a qualified midwife and doula.
Investing time, effort and money in your physical and emotional well-being during pregnancy can make a significant difference in your journey into motherhood as well as giving your baby the very best start in life.
Chiropractic/Osetopathic care, with its focus on aligning your body for an easier pregnancy and birth, a doula, offering emotional and physical support, and Hypnobirthing, helping you manage pain and fear, are all excellent options I would urge you to get on your team!
Each of these services complements the other, creating a holistic approach to your pregnancy journey to create a nurturing, empowering, and more comfortable pregnancy and birth experience.
For more information please contact me here
‘til next time,
Francesca x