By Angela Woodson, D.C., L.Ac.
While planning a newborn’s first chiropractic adjustment with new parents, having grace is always on the forefront of my mind. Recalling the time I was a new mother myself, I remember the feeling of being overwhelmed. Your tiny miracle takes your breath away, as well as your sleep. Not to mention the slew of family, friends, and nurses coming through the door, all with good intentions, but interrupting your little REM cycle with your babe.
Our society has grace with expectant mothers, offering premier parking spots and there is always someone, even strangers, presenting to lift even the lightest objects. When it comes to new parents, somehow that consideration goes out the window, expecting parents to return to work quicker than most developed countries. The United States has zero policies pertaining to guaranteed maternity leave, while most offer 12 weeks. And at the top, Canada offers 50 weeks.
Not only is the maternity leave inadequate, but we expect parents to become accommodating, making them conform around the nursing staff’s own routine of tests to get some bonding time and shut eye. Just as you drift to sleep with baby by your side, it never fails a family member knocks on the door or a nurse comes in to take more vital signs.
What ever happened to the “village” mentality that it takes one to raise a baby? New parents often feel guilty for reaching out when they need the resources the most.
The first month with newborn should be a time of adjustment. When scheduling a chiropractic exam for baby, the parents are given the option to have the exam at home or in the office. And how long after the birth is completely their choice.
We also offer a Connect group, meeting the second Saturday of the month. It is a time when parents can share stories, ask for advice, and something cool starts to happen… a tribe is built. There becomes a place where families rally around and offer meals to new families and exchange the number of the best babysitter they’ve had. Where advice about how to wash those pesky cloth diapers is traded and recipes are passed around.
If your family is looking to become more naturally minded, this is a great place to start. Chiropractic Wellness Center offers chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, nutritional counseling, essential oils, ergonomic training, and the hugs are free. Call for your free consultation by mentioning The Healthy Planet at 636-825-6555.
Angela Woodson, D.C., L.Ac.
Chiropractic Wellness Center
1747 Smizer Station Road Ste. 4
Fenton, MO 63026
636-825-6555
Open Monday through Thursday 9-6 and Friday and Saturday 10-3. www.CWCchiropractic.com.
Angela Woodson is a chiropractor and acupuncturist, specializing in pregnancy and pediatrics. She obtained her doctorate at Logan University and continued her post-graduate studies with the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association. She is one of three chiropractors at Chiropractic Wellness Center and has a two-year-old son, Hudson, who enjoys getting adjustments from his mother every week.