Dr. Amber Galipp owns Legacy Family Chiropractic in McKinney and is our go-to Webster Certified Chiropractor for pregnancy. She sees patients of all ages, but her focus is on pregnancy and family chiropractic care. Her patients travel from all over North Texas because she is incredibly knowledgeable, fun to talk to and wonderful with babies and children. I was able to get her take on a few pregnancy-specific questions recently. Here’s what she had to say.
How does the Webster Technique benefit patients?
Webster is a specific technique used to help pregnant women. It is a very gentle technique that corrects sacral misalignments to normalize pelvic neuro-biomechanic function. Webster adjustments help stabilize the mother’s pelvis which improves her comfort level while allowing optimal room for her baby to grow and move. Optimal fetal positioning is vital to successful birth. Studies show that correct positioning of the baby in utero effects birth outcome and decreases unwanted stress on the baby’s developing spine and nervous system. Proper alignment can help avoid things like shoulder dystocia, breech positioning, slow or stalled labor times. The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics reported in the July/August 2002 issue an 82% success rate of babies turning vertex when doctors of chiropractic used the Webster Technique. Chiropractic helps relieve low back pain and round ligament pain in the mother by gently working with the ligaments of the sacrum to release tension that often causes discomfort due to their growing bellies.
The round ligaments hold the uterus in place and act as a support system. However, as the pregnancy progresses, the round ligaments can become tight and constricted like a rubber band when pulled to tension, causing sharp pains and restricting the space in which the baby has to grow and turn within the womb. Restriction of the round ligament can often cause the baby to stay in a breech position. This can be a very stressful feeling to women, especially ones hoping for a natural birth. Once the pelvis and sacrum are properly aligned, the Webster Technique focuses on relieving the tightness in the round ligaments. This allows the baby to shift comfortably and freely within the womb so that the baby can get into proper position for birth.
I asked Dr. Amber to tell me one of the biggest misconceptions about the Webster Technique.
Many women hear that the Webster technique “turns breech babies”. That is a huge misconception. One of the beautiful “side effects” of Webster is that it balances the mom’s pelvis allowing optimal space for the baby to get into the proper position, which is head down.
Collaborative care and teamwork are very important to all of us at Attuned Doula Services and at Legacy Family Chiropractic. Dr. Amber explained how she works with medical providers like obstetricians and midwives to help their patients have positive experiences.
I am happy to support moms in any variation of birth they choose. Whether that is a planned cesarean or a drug free homebirth. It is always an honor when moms choose me to care for them during pregnancy and I love when I am asked to attend their birth experience. I will work with your chosen provider and assist however I am needed. I have been called several times to come adjust a mom that isn’t progressing or if the mom is having severe back labor. Sometimes an adjustment at just the right time has profound effects on labor outcomes. My only requirement is that the mother is under care with me prior to labor so I have a background on her and the baby. As a gift to my moms who are under prenatal care, I offer complementary first spinal check for the new baby. I am happy to work with any birth provider to give women the best care and birth outcome.
Chiropractic care has so many benefits during pregnancy. It’s best if you can begin being adjusted before any pain or discomfort starts, but it can help no matter when treatment begins. Hip and back pain, sleep problems, and even nausea can be aided with regular adjustments. If you’re looking for a chiropractor in McKinney, Frisco or North Dallas, Dr. Amber is the one! She can be reached at Legacy Family Chiropractic at 214-880-6330.