Giving birth for the first time is an unforgettable experience — a mix of excitement, anticipation, and unpredictability. As a chiropractor, I thought I was well-prepared for my first pregnancy and birth.

I was getting regular adjustments, working with an acupuncturist, and following all the advice I give to my own practice members. But when the moment finally came, I quickly learned how essential the right kind of support and expertise truly is.

Preparing for Birth with Chiropractic Care

During my pregnancy, I made sure to take care of my body by seeing a chiropractor regularly. Structural alignment plays a big role in supporting a healthy pregnancy, and I felt confident that I was doing all the right things.

I was also working with an acupuncturist to balance my energy and promote relaxation. Everything seemed to be going smoothly — until labor started.

An Intense Start to Labor

My water broke at 1:00 AM, and contractions started soon after. Unlike the "early labor" stories you often hear, where you can read a book or relax through the contractions — mine were intense from the very beginning. I knew this was going to be a challenging process.

I called my doula, and she assessed the situation over the phone. She knew it was going to be a long night and prepared to support me through the intense contractions. A few hours later, she arrived and helped me find more comfortable positions to manage the pain.

Discovering My Baby Was Sunny Side Up

At the hospital, we learned that my baby was "sunny side up." This means that the baby’s head was down but facing my front rather than my back. This positioning creates more pressure on the pelvis and often leads to intense back labor.

When a baby is in the ideal position, their softer face presses against the pelvis. But when they're sunny side up, the harder skull presses against the pelvis, making contractions more painful and difficult to manage.

How My Doula and Chiropractic Knowledge Helped

My doula was incredible. She worked with my body for hours, using different positions and techniques to help the baby turn into a better position. Fortunately, we were able to have a natural birth — something I am still so grateful for.

This experience taught me the importance of specialized prenatal chiropractic care. While I had been seeing a chiropractor throughout my pregnancy, I later realized that she wasn’t prenatal-certified. That distinction matters — a lot.

Why a Prenatal-Certified Chiropractor Matters

Prenatal-certified chiropractors, especially those trained in the Webster technique, are skilled in optimizing pelvic alignment to create the best possible environment for the baby. The Webster technique isn’t about turning the baby — it's about ensuring that the pelvis and surrounding muscles are properly aligned so that the baby has enough space to settle into the right position.

Relaxin, a hormone that softens ligaments during pregnancy, makes it harder for the body to maintain proper alignment. Regular chiropractic adjustments help counteract this effect, ensuring that the pelvis is balanced and that the nervous system is communicating effectively with the body.

How the ICPA Makes a Difference

The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) provides specialized training for chiropractors in prenatal and pediatric care. After my experience, I became even more passionate about educating families on the benefits of working with a prenatal-certified chiropractor.

If you’re in the Bay Area, I’d love to work with you during your pregnancy. If not, you can visit the ICPA website (linked below) to find a certified chiropractor near you. The right care can make a world of difference in your birth experience.

Conclusion

My first birth experience was a powerful lesson in the importance of proper prenatal care and the value of a skilled doula. Chiropractic care played a key role in helping me through labor, but the real game-changer was understanding the difference that prenatal certification makes.

If you’re expecting, I highly recommend seeking out a prenatal-certified chiropractor to support you through this incredible journey.

Want to experience the benefits of prenatal chiropractic care?

 👉If you are in Northern California, we’d love to help you!! If you are outside of Northern California, check out the ICPA directory to find a certified chiropractor near you!