Feeling at Home with Birth:
A Chiropractor’s Perspective on Healing and Homebirth
A Journey to Healing Through Homebirth
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As a Pregnancy and Paediatric Chiropractor, my experience with homebirth transformed my understanding of healing and birth. After welcoming my second child almost a year ago, I realised how much of a gap there was in discussions around homebirth and postpartum recovery. My first birth in a hospital was challenging, leaving me with physical and emotional trauma that I hadn’t fully processed. Choosing a homebirth with my second child, under the care of my midwife Chantel, was one of the best decisions I’ve made for both my family and myself. It felt like an opportunity to heal and connect deeply with the birthing process.
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The Healing Nature of Homebirth
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Many women and families choose homebirth for a multitude of reasons, but a common theme is the desire to heal. Whether it’s to avoid unnecessary interventions or to seek redemption from previous traumatic birth experiences, homebirth offers a unique environment focused on optimal maternal recovery. As someone who works closely with mothers, babies, and families, I’ve seen firsthand how continuity of care and a comfortable, familiar environment during birth can significantly impact healing. Mothers who experience this level of support during pregnancy and birth not only recover faster but their babies also tend to have fewer complications. Homebirth allowed me to feel empowered, confident, and completely in tune with my body during labour.
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The Importance of Personalised Midwifery Care
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One of the most significant differences between my two birth experiences was the level of care I received from my midwife during my homebirth. Throughout my pregnancy, Chantel provided longer, personalised appointments that helped us build a relationship. She came to my home, met my family, and created a sense of familiarity. This connection was vital when I went into labour, as she knew exactly how to support me. During labour, I trusted her guidance completely, and her calm reassurance gave me the confidence to birth my son Cooper with ease. This personalised care was something I missed in my first hospital birth, where I was passed from one midwife to another with little understanding of my needs or preferences.
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​Find a midwife or healthcare provider you trust and feel connected to, as this relationship is crucial for both your physical and emotional recovery.​​
Postpartum Recovery and Chiropractic Care
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After my homebirth, my postpartum recovery was much smoother compared to my first birth. I was more intentional about leveraging my support network and prioritising self-care. My husband took on more responsibilities with our older daughter, allowing me the space to rest, nourish myself, and heal.
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Prioritise your healing by building a support system around you, whether it’s family, friends, or healthcare professionals.
Incorporating chiropractic care into my postpartum routine was essential for addressing the physical demands of caring for a newborn, such as lower back pain and neck strain from feeding. Chiropractic care, along with other forms of healthcare like aquanatal classes, pregnancy massage, and physiotherapy, helped me maintain a balanced and well-rounded approach to healing.
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​​The Role of Chiropractic Care in Birth
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Chiropractic care plays an essential role in preparing your body for birth. Research shows that chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy can help shorten labour time, reduce pain, and improve birth outcomes. By addressing daily discomforts and aligning your body with your baby, chiropractic care can contribute to a more positive birth experience. Postpartum care is equally important, as your body faces new challenges, from back pain to breastfeeding difficulties. With regular chiropractic treatments, you can support your body’s recovery and adjust to the demands of motherhood.
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