CranioSacral Therapy and Caesarean Section

CranioSacral Therapy and Caesarean Section

Ensure your health following a C-section or other birth intervention

Every winter with my children’s’ birthdays I am reminded how my birth plans were changed by things that were not in my control. All my children were born by C-section and have benefited greatly from CranioSacral Therapy.

Caesarean Sections (or C-sections) are becoming more numerous every year among my clients.
You may have planned and hoped for a natural vaginal delivery but what happens if complications arise during birth? These complications during labour may result in your baby being delivered by:

·         Caesarean-section (C-section).

·         With the help of vacuum pump or suction.

·         With the help of forceps.

Interventions such as these, when necessary, often save lives. In my experience with Craniosacral Therapy - it helps to eliminate, or minimise, complications that arise as a result of these types of deliveries.

With CranioSacral Therapy, I work on the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect a person's brain and spinal cord, extending from the bones of the skull (which make up the cranium) down to the tailbone area (or sacrum).

The role of this system in the development and performance of the brain and spinal cord is so vital that an imbalance or dysfunction in it can cause sensory, motor and/or neurological disabilities.

A CranioSacral Therapist uses a touch generally no heavier than the weight of a nickel. Skilled practitioners can monitor this rhythm at key body points to pinpoint the source of an obstruction or stress. Once a source has been determined, they can assist the natural movement of the fluid and related soft tissue to help the body self-correct.

I have noticed that most babies (and moms too!) often need assistance following the effects of a difficult labour. One of the reasons for this is that in the ideal birth situation, nature has designed a baby's skull to be compressed as it travels through the birth canal during a vaginal birth.

Babies born by C-section miss out on this vital compression (which helps balance the cranial bones) through the birth canal. Babies born with the use of forceps or vacuum often experience undue stress on the head and face and strain patterns can often develop in their bodies. The euphoria of your baby's safe arrival can mask the stress that your baby has experienced. But soon problems can arise.

You may notice your baby has problems with:

·         Sleeping.

·         Feeding.

·         Breastfeeding.

·         Excess crying.

·         Constipation and straining while going to the toilet.

·         Flat spots or bulges on the head.

·         Ear infection.

·         Uneven ear or eye positions.

·         Infant colic.

·         Prefers feeding on one of their sides.

·         Prefers lying on one side rather than another.

With Craniosacral Therapy I use specific, gentle touch techniques to assess, resolve and eliminate the restrictions that cause these problems. The light pressure creates deep change - releasing restrictions in the baby's tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. This intervention encourages the infant's body toward a natural alignment.

During the treatment the baby often naturally needs to cuddle, feed or cry as balance is restored and emotion is released in the body. Moms and Dads often feel a sense of relaxation as the baby's CranioSacral system returns to optimum function.

I have found that treatment with CranioSacral therapy benefits all babies following birth - but it is highly recommended for babies who have had birth complications - including Caesarean Sections.

Jeannette Raskin practices at Family First Chiropractic, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer, Alberta.  403-347-3261. www.family1stchiro.ca. 

Sleep-Do you get enough?

Sleep-Do you get enough?

Various researchers have found that a habit that most of us take for granted -sleep — may

affect our memory in many ways. Not only does sleep help your memory, but lack of sleep may also hurt your health. A 2010 study from Biological Psychiatry found that chronic insomnia may lead to loss of brain volume. Insomniacs had a smaller volumes of gray matter in three brain areas — and the more serious the insomnia, the greater the loss of volume.
In 2012, a preliminary study from the Washington University School of Medicine found that in mice, poor sleep may be related to brain plaques associated with Alzheimer's. 

The third of our life that we spend sleeping has always been something of a mystery. Now a new wave of studies are finding indications that while we may appear to be in a stupor, our brains are actually hard at work. Most scientists agree that getting a decent night’s rest is a good idea. Chiropractic treatment can help you get that all important sleep. Chiropractic treatments can help with spinal tension/ headaches which can keep us up at night. By helping with all those aches/ pains that cause tossing and turning. Chiropractic adjustments can help you feel better and get more quality  and quantity of sleep.

-Dr. Stephen Kelly

Come and see Dr. Kelly Monday through Saturday at 142 Erickson Drive Red Deer (403)347-3261 or visit our website www.family1stchiro.ca

Precious Cargo, Prenatal Chiropractic Care

Precious Cargo, prenatal Chiropractic Care

During your child's first nine months, they will undergo tremendous growth and development as they prepare to enter this world. Your baby's brain and nervous system are the first to develop following conception. The spine and skull, which is the housing that protects this vital master controller, develops later. 

The choices you make before conception and during each stage of your pregnancy will be a factor in your baby's wellness. During your pregnancy, the lack of interference to the baby's development gives them an opportunity for their inborn intelligence to develop their physical, emotional and spiritual nature. 

If you're thinking about becoming pregnant, your Doctor of Chiropractic would encourage you to begin the dialogue six months to even a year before you are ready to have a family. 

Physical, chemical and emotional stressors can affect the quality of your pregnancy and a Family Wellness Chiropractor is as much an educator as they are a healthcare provider. 

For more information or to book an appointment with Dr. Joelle Johnson or Dr. Stephen Kelly please call us at 403-347-3261 Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, 142 Erickson drive, Red Deer www.family1stchiro.ca