What is the Webster Technique, and how does it work for pregnant women?

One of the best kept not-so-secret secrets for expecting mothers is the Webster Technique. This gentle and extremely safe chiropractic procedure is performed to facilitate pelvic alignment and proper function during pregnancy. The technique also helps reduce pain associated with pregnancy, including low back pain and sciatica.

Dr. Kiper and Dr. Mendez are Certified in the Webster technique and love helping their pregnant patients stay pain-free and allowing them to have the safest, most comfortable, and most natural delivery possible.

When the pelvis is mis-aligned or shifted, ligaments can pull on the uterus creating an “uncomfortable” environment for the baby. This may lead to a breached presentation, where the baby is in a feet down position for example. Doulas and midwives have been sending their patients to certified webster chiropractors for many years- as they see the high level of success in keeping patients feeling great and encouraging baby to be in the proper position (baby is head down facing toward the mother’s back i.e. cephalic position) for vaginal delivery.

Cesarean-section rates in hospitals have quadrupled in the last 10 years, and in some locations is almost 70% of deliveries. Why? Cost, time saved, convenience and scheduling for the doctors and nurses, more technology/equipment that may trigger a physician to order a c-section unnecessarily, and some women choose c-section for more “control” of their delivery. Far too many women are being pressured into c-sections that are not necessary.

Possible risks from c-section include:

• Womb or wound infection – your doctor will offer you antibiotics before your c-section to help prevent infection

• Needing to stay in the hospital for longer after the birth – the average hospital stay is 2 days after a vaginal birth and 4 days after a c-section

• Taking longer to recover from the birth

• Bleeding that leads to a blood transfusion

• Needing to have your womb removed (hysterectomy) – this is uncommon and may be more likely if you had problems with the placenta or bleeding during pregnancy

• Blood clots

• Potential problems in future pregnancies, such as low-lying placenta, placenta accreta and damage to the wall of the womb.

Benefits of vaginal delivery: 

• Prepares a baby’s lungs to breathe

• Exposure to healthy bacteria that boosts a newborn’s immune system

• Shorter hospital stays

• Faster recovery

• Higher rate of successful breastfeeding

• Avoid risks associated with major surgery

• Less potential for complications with future pregnancies and births

What to expect at your first Webster visit with Dr. Kiper at Lakeside: 

At your initial intake appointment, the doctor will take a detailed medical history and discuss any musculoskeletal issues you may have experienced in the past, or are currently experiencing now. Vitals will be taken, neurological exam, orthopedic tests, and palpation techniques will determine any muscular issues, and a detailed range of motion exam will be performed for most of your joints. The specialized adjustment table at Lakeside can be modified so that the patient may lay face down comfortably and safely. Next, the doctor will examine your pelvis and surrounding tissues, such as the glutes and piriformis muscles.

If torsion or “shifting” is found, tight ligaments are then released via manual pressure, then the “tight” SI joint is gently adjusted. If the upper back or neck need any attention, the doctor will address those areas as well. Low back support such as a lumbar roll is always recommended for women who sit for work during pregnancy. Specific McKenzie exercises are also given to the patient to reduce the chances of neck and low back pain during their pregnancy and postpartum.

Often during the 3rd trimester, kinesiology tape will be placed on the patient’s belly to help support the weight of the growing baby and reduce tissue tension. The entire procedure takes less than 15 minutes and most women say they wish they would have started treatment sooner, or would have known about Webster technique with their “first” child, from all the remarkable benefits they received. 

Treatment is recommended by the 2nd trimester of pregnancy and typically consists of 2 short visits a week for a few weeks, or one visit every few weeks depending on how the pelvis is “holding” and if the patient is experiencing any pain.

If you or anyone you know is pregnant, this treatment is a must! Check out our patient testimonial video: https://www.lakesidechicagochiro.com/pregnancy-care/ and https://icpa4kids.com/training/webster-certification/webster-technique/ websites for more information about the Webster technique and Chiropractic pregnancy care, or give us a call today and set up a complimentary phone call with Dr. Kiper for any questions you may have.

What to take from this post:

• The Webster Technique is a gentle, extremely safe chiropractic procedure that helps facilitate pelvic alignment and helps reduce pain associated with pregnancy, including low back pain and sciatica.

• The Webster Technique has been proven to encourage babies to be in the proper position for vaginal delivery instead of a breached, flipped position.

• Benefits of vaginal delivery include: preparing baby’s lungs to breathe, exposure to healthy bacteria that boosts newborn’s immune system, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery, higher rate of successful breastfeeding and less potential for complications with future pregnancies and births.

• Chiropractic Pregnancy Care at Lakeside may include Webster Technique adjustments, specific McKenzie exercises, lumbar support and kinesiology tape.

*  We work with our trusted referral partners: Chicago Family Doulas to further support the many important aspects of your pregnancy journey! Check out their website at https://chicagofamilydoulas.com/

Here’s to happy healthy moms and babies!