Adjusting pregnant mothers and their children is incredibly inspiring for me. Children truly are our future, and I believe that lifelong wellness care begins in the womb. Taking care of your body and developing a positive self-care relationship are exponentially valuable the earlier in life they begin. Chiropractic care offered during pregnancy benefits mama and baby. Prenatal adjustments support your baby’s optimal development while allowing you to experience a naturally aligned pelvis. I also notice that well-adjusted mothers feel a greater sense of physical and heartfelt connection with the pregnancy process and their newborns-to-come. I am thrilled to provide comprehensive specialty care for women in any stage of pregnancy.  From week 1 to 42, women find that getting adjusted can not only relieve many of the aches and pains involved in pregnancy, but can also create shorter and easier labors and births, as well as a more comfortable post-partum experience. Our office has specialized cushions that allow a pregnant woman to lie face down with ease and comfort. Give yourself and your baby the opportunity for a more comfortable pregnancy and a safer, easier birth. Common results from chiropractic care during pregnancy:

  • Increased overall comfort.
  • Feeling that there is “more room” inside the belly and ribcage.
  • Decreased or eliminated sciatica symptoms.
  • Decreased headaches, joint aches, and wrist/ankle pain.
  • Decreased feeling of instability and pain in the pelvis and pubic bone.
  • Better and deeper sleep.
  • Decreased nausea/morning sickness.
  • Decreased anxiety about the birth and post-partum period.
  • Feeling of being more connected to the baby.

On initial visits we conduct a personally tailored analysis and explore adjustments that address your special needs in pregnancy, as you can request working with your chiropractor. Your, and your baby’s, continued safety and comfort are primary. Add comfort to your pregnancy. Chiropractic care is an essential element of prenatal care. A high percentage of pregnant women experience back discomfort or pain during pregnancy. This is due to the rapid growth of the baby and to an interference with your body’s normal structural adaptations to that growth. Preexisting, unnoticed imbalances in your spine and pelvis are exaggerated during pregnancy. These added stresses lead to discomfort and difficulty in performing routine activities. Chiropractic care throughout pregnancy can relieve and even prevent these common discomforts. Specific adjustments eliminate these stresses in your spine, restore balance to your pelvis, and result in improved comfort and lifestyle ease. Comfort for your baby, too. As your baby develops, your uterus enlarges to accommodate the rapid growth. So long as the pelvis is in a balanced state, the ligaments connected to the uterus maintain an equalized, supportive suspension. But if your pelvis is out of balance in any way, these ligaments become torqued and twisted, causing a condition called in utero constraint. This constraint limits the space of the developing baby. Any compromised position for the baby throughout pregnancy will affect his or her optimal development. Conditions such as torticollis occur because a baby’s space was cramped in utero. If the woman’s uterus is constrained as birth approaches, the baby is prevented from getting into the best possible position for birth. Even if the baby is in the desirable head-down position, constraint to the uterus often prevents the baby’s head from moving into the ideal presentation for delivery. The head may be slightly tilted to one side or, even more traumatically, present in the posterior position. Any baby position even slightly off during birth will slow down labor, and create pain for both mother and baby. Many women have been told that their babies were too big, or labor “just slowed down” when it was actually the baby’s presentation that interfered with the normal process and progression. Avoidable interventions are often implemented, turning a natural process into an operative one. During pregnancy, chiropractors work specifically with the changes in your body—especially in the pelvic area—to restore a state of balance and create an environment for an easier, safer delivery. Preparing for a Safer Birth Dystocia, or difficult labor, is something every woman wants to avoid. Published studies indicate that chiropractic care does in fact reduce labor time. In addition to the pain and exhaustion caused by long, difficult labor, dystocia leads to multiple medical interventions that may be physically and emotionally traumatic to both you and your baby. Some of these interventions include:

  • Administering of pitocin
  • Use of epidurals
  • Painful episiotomies
  • Forceful pulling on the baby’s fragile spine
  • Vacuum extraction
  • Use of forceps
  • C-sections

Each of these procedures carries a high risk of injury to you, your baby, or both of you! All of these procedures, used to hasten the delivery process, can be avoided if delivery begins more smoothly. Obstetric texts report that pelvic imbalance and the resulting effects on your uterus and your baby’s position cause dystocia. Chiropractic care throughout pregnancy restores balance to your pelvic muscles and ligaments and leads to a safer and easier delivery for you and your baby. Additionally, the chiropractic adjustment removes interference to the nervous system, allowing your uterus to function at its maximum potential. Webster Breech Turning Technique Babies are expected to turn head down by about 33 weeks. This time frame varies from baby to baby, but if the baby is not head down by about 34 or 35 weeks, it indicates there is some challenge to the baby’s movement. This ranges from the most common reason of intrauterine constraint to the baby’s umbilical cord being wrapped around its body or neck. In addition, misalignment or tension in the pelvis causes the tightening and torsion of specific pelvic muscles and ligaments. I am certified in the Webster Technique for turning breech or transverse babies. The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment that reduces interference to the nervous system and balances maternal pelvic muscles and ligaments. This in turn reduces torsion in the uterus, a cause of intra-uterine constraint for the baby, and allows for optimal fetal positioning in preparation for birth. This technique is very successful in assisting breech babies into the head down position.

Dr. Tracey Wright, D.C.’s website link: www.livitycafeoflife.com
Emotional Benefits of Getting OutsideEmotional Benefits of Getting Outside

Emotional Benefits of Getting Outside

Spending time in nature with your baby can strengthen the bond between you. The simple act of holding your baby close, feeling their warmth, and sharing new experiences together can create strong emotional connections. It’s also a wonderful way to reduce stress and improve your mood. When my littles were extra fussy, I’d take a walk around the neighborhood. Even though I don't live in an area with trails and surrounded by nature, simply behind outside changed everything. A little vitamin D does wonders!  

Cognitive Development

Nature is a sensory wonderland for babies. The different sights, sounds, and smells can stimulate your baby’s senses and promote cognitive development. Watching leaves rustle, hearing birds chirp, and feeling the texture of a tree bark can all contribute to their learning and development.

All About Baby Carriers for Nature Adventures

Choosing the Right Baby Carrier

When it comes to selecting the best baby carrier for summer adventures, there are several options to consider. 

Types of Baby Carriers:

  • Wraps: Perfect for newborns, providing a snug and secure fit.
  • Slings: Ideal for quick and easy use, offering good ventilation.
  • Soft Structured Carriers: Versatile and comfortable for both parent and baby, suitable for longer trips. 

Discover which baby carrier is right for you!

All About Baby Carriers for Nature AdventuresAll About Baby Carriers for Nature Adventures
Factors to ConsiderFactors to Consider

Factors to Consider:

  • Baby’s Age and Weight: Ensure the carrier is appropriate for your baby’s size and weight. For example, Ergobaby’s Embrace Newborn Carrier is perfect for the fourth trimester where baby is small and you’re looking for an easy way to stay close. As they grow, you’ll want to upgrade to an all-position carrier that’s meant for growing babies.
  • Parent’s Comfort and Ergonomics: Look for carriers with padded shoulder straps and lumbar support if you’re planning on longer outings.
  • Ease of Use: Choose a carrier that is easy to put on and take off.
  • Climate and Breathability: Opt for carriers made of breathable fabrics to keep you and your baby cool in hot weather.

Safety Tips:

  • Proper Positioning: Ensure your baby is seated correctly, with their legs in an "M" position and their head should be close enough to kiss.
  • Checking for Wear and Tear: Regularly inspect your carrier for any signs of damage.
  • Ensuring Adequate Support: Make sure the carrier provides proper support for your baby’s head and neck.

Exploring Nature with a Baby Carrier 

Ideal Spots for a Nature Walk with Baby

  • Parks and Gardens: Great for leisurely walks and picnics.
  • Nature Trails and Forests: Perfect for more adventurous outings.
  • Beaches and Lakesides: Wonderful for enjoying the water and sand, with the right carrier.

Activity Ideas

  • Hiking: Enjoy a scenic hike with a hiking baby carrier that offers support and storage.
  • Bird Watching: Use your carrier to keep your baby close while you explore and observe wildlife.
  • Picnics: A carrier can free up your hands, making it easier to carry picnic supplies.
Ideal Spots for a Nature Walk with BabyIdeal Spots for a Nature Walk with Baby

Advantages of Using Strollers for Nature Adventures 

Advantages of Using Strollers for Nature Adventures Advantages of Using Strollers for Nature Adventures

While baby carriers are fantastic for mobility and closeness, depending on the adventure of choice you might want to be a stroller along too.

There are a LOT of baby stroller options on the market. So we understand how confusing it can be to choose the one that’s right for your family. Not only are there a variety of brands, but a variety of strollers that serve different purposes.

There are a few types of strollers on the market: 

  • Full-sized stroller: This is typically the stroller parents thing of buying for all its versatility.
  • Lightweight or umbrella stroller:These compact strollers are perfect for on-the-go adventures.
  • Jogging stroller: Designed for parents who want to combine fitness with outdoor adventures.
  • Double stroller: Designed for parents with multiple kids, especially twins.
  • Car seat carrier: These strollers connect to a specific car seat. We don't typically recommend these as they can be unsafe for baby and uncomfortable for parents who are pushing.

Learn more about the types of strollers and which one would be best for you.

Benefits of Bringing a Stroller

  • Storage Space for Gear: Ample room for carrying all your essentials like a diaper bag, beach toys and more.
  • Shade and Weather Protection: Built-in canopies to shield your baby from the sun when they are lounging.
  •  Options: If you have more than one kid, you can stroll with one and carry the other. Or, if you’re getting warm or your little one is getting fussy, you can switch up their position from stroller to carrier or vice versa.

Safety Tips for Strollers

  • Ensure your stroller is in good working condition. Make sure buckles are still buckling and that there are no rips or holes that could compromise your baby’s safety.
  • Use sunshades or bug nets to protect your little one’s skin.
  • Securing the baby properly: always buckle up your baby for safety even if you think they are old enough to go without the buckle.

Combining Baby Carriers and Strollers

For the ultimate flexibility, consider using both a baby carrier and a stroller on your outings.

Combining both options allows you to adapt to different situations. Use the carrier for more rugged trails and switch to the stroller for smoother paths or when your baby needs a nap.

Transition Tips

  • Smooth Transitions: Plan stops where you can easily switch from carrier to stroller.
  • Pack Light: Only bring essentials to make transitions easier.

Tips for a Successful Adventure

Planning Ahead

  • Route Planning: Choose baby-friendly trails and parks. Check local mom groups or outdoor groups and get recommendations for the best outings for kids.
  • Check Weather Conditions: Avoid extreme heat or unpredictable weather. Even with our most breathable carriers, when it’s hot, it’s hot. And having two bodies against each other in the heat will be naturally hot and sticky already.
  • Packing Checklist: Include diapers, snacks, water, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit. These all-position carriers have storage pockets where you can fit some of the items easily!
  • Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Pack healthy snacks to keep energy levels up and bring plenty of water for both you and baby.

Summer adventures with your baby are a wonderful way to create lasting memories and enjoy the beauty of nature together. From baby carriers to strollers, Ergobaby products are designed to provide comfort and ease for both you and your little one. So, gear up, get outside, and explore the world with your baby by your side.

Ready to embark on your own summer adventures? Check out Ergobaby’s range of baby carriers and strollers to find the perfect match for your family’s needs. Visit our website today and start planning your next outdoor excursion!