219. This one thing will increase your chances of having a smoother labor and a thriving baby with Dr. Steph Libs
Jan 1, 2024
auto_awesome
Dr. Steph Libs, a badass chiropractor and lactation consultant, discusses the benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy and for babies. They cover topics like the origins of chiropractic care, adjusting babies versus adults, common breastfeeding struggles, and the baby industry's marketing tactics. The conversation also touches on sleep training versus co-sleeping and the impact of baby containers on infant development. They explore the Webster technique for turning breech babies and discuss alternatives to constantly holding babies. Additionally, they delve into co-sleeping and the attachment between mothers and sons. The podcast emphasizes the importance of empowered birthing, following intuition as a parent, and making informed decisions.
Getting regular chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy can make labor faster and smoother.
Avoiding overreliance on baby containers and prioritizing human interaction can support healthier development in infants.
Chiropractic care can play a crucial role in supporting breastfeeding and cranial function in babies.
Providing babies with a natural approach to early development can contribute to their long-term health and well-being.
It is important to prioritize a mother's mental health and consider the long-term effects on a baby's development when making decisions about sleep training.
Deep dives
The Webster Technique: Creating Balance and Optimal Positioning for Birth
The Webster technique is a specific chiropractic technique that focuses on analyzing and adjusting the spine and pelvis to create more balance in the pelvis and a better uterine environment for the baby. It can help with neurological interference and mechanical distortion, allowing the baby to move into the optimal head-down position. Adjusting a baby is gentle and different from adjusting adults, as their spines and cranial structures are more malleable. By starting with proper alignment from birth, it can prevent future health issues and contribute to overall well-being.
Baby Containers: The Importance of Human Interaction and Avoiding Overdependence on Baby Products
Baby containers refer to devices such as car seats, bouncers, swings, and cribs that hold babies when not in the arms of a caregiver. While these products offer convenience, they can replace human interaction and affect neural development. Human touch, heartbeat, and connection regulate a baby's breathing, heart rate, and overall well-being. Overreliance on baby containers can limit movement, inhibit proper development, and impede the establishment of secure attachment bonds. Allocating more time for human interaction and limiting the use of containers can support healthier development in infants.
The Impact of Chiropractic Care on Breastfeeding and Cranial Function
Chiropractic care can play a crucial role in supporting breastfeeding and cranial function in babies. Adjustments to the upper neck and palate alignment can resolve latch issues, improve cranial movement, and increase the overall function of the nerves in the body. By addressing underlying misalignments and imbalance, chiropractic care can enhance the baby's ability to breastfeed comfortably and efficiently. Additionally, adjustments can benefit the cranial nerves, supporting their vital role in proper growth and development.
The Importance of a Natural Approach to Early Development and Avoiding Toxins
Providing babies with a natural approach to early development can contribute to their long-term health and well-being. Avoiding toxins during pregnancy, birth, and infancy, including unnecessary medications and vaccines, can reduce the neurotoxic load on the developing baby. Prioritizing human touch, breastfeeding on demand, and following the baby's cues for comforting and sleep can promote attachment, secure bonds, and optimize neurological development. By consciously creating an environment that supports the baby's innate needs, we can nurture their growth and lay a strong foundation for a healthy life.
The Importance of Sleep in Infancy
Sleep is a controversial topic in parenting, and many parents feel pressured to sleep train their babies. However, it is important to understand that babies are designed to wake up through the night and feed. Their brains grow rapidly in the first year, and they need constant nutrients. While sleep training may seem like a solution, it's crucial to prioritize a mother's mental health and consider the long-term effects on a baby's development.
The Dangers of Baby Containers and Early Sitting
Baby containers, such as bumbo seats, can interfere with a baby's natural growth and development. Parents should avoid putting their babies in positions that they are not developmentally ready for, such as propping them up before they can sit on their own. Prematurely sitting babies in seats like bumbos can affect their muscle development, hinder reflex integration, and potentially lead to delayed milestones or learning and behavioral challenges later in life.
The Benefits of Babywearing and Minimalistic Approach
Instead of relying on baby containers, parents are encouraged to use babywearing as a way to provide closeness and support to their infants. Babywearing allows mothers to be hands-free and promotes bonding and regulation for both baby and caregiver. Additionally, embracing a minimalistic approach to baby items can alleviate the pressure of having excessive products and focus on what is truly essential for baby's well-being.
The benefits of stomach and side sleeping for babies
The podcast discusses the benefits of stomach and side sleeping for babies. It explains that sleeping on the stomach can lead to better lung expansion and mouth closure during sleep. The speaker also mentions that animals in the wild sleep in the fetal position to protect their vital organs. However, it is highlighted that it is not safe to swaddle a baby who is sleeping on their side or stomach, as it could restrict their movement and pose a risk to breathing. The importance of following the baby's cues and not overfeeding them is also emphasized.
Challenges and considerations related to breastfeeding
The podcast explores various challenges and considerations related to breastfeeding. It mentions that interventions during birth, such as epidurals and IV fluids, can impact breastfeeding by affecting the baby's ability to latch and the mother's milk production. The speaker emphasizes the importance of getting support and addressing issues like tongue tie and other functional factors that can affect breastfeeding. The potential risks of following rigid schedules and not responding to the baby's cues are also highlighted. The conversation encourages mothers to trust their intuition and make informed decisions based on their unique circumstances.
Did you know that getting regular chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy can actually make labor faster and smoother for both mom and baby?
Dr. Steph Libs is a badass chiropractor and lactation consultant at her San Diego practice, Cafe of Life. She specializes in pregnancy and pediatric chiropractic care using what’s called The Webster technique. Not just anyone can adjust babies and pregnant women; you must be trained in a unique way. Earlier this year Dr. Steph was asked to join the instructor team teaching the Webster technique to other chiropractors all over the world. So yeah, she’s a big deal.
We dive into so many different topics like…
The origins of chiro and why mainstream medicine rolls their eyes at it
Why every body can benefit from chiro
How adjusting a baby is NOT like adjusting an adult
How regular adjustments during pregnancy and labor can make for a smoother birth
Common breastfeeding struggles + fixes
Is the baby industry over-marketing to moms?
Sleep training vs. co-sleeping
As Chase + I jump into the adventure of parenting, hopefully in the next year, we are continually educating ourselves. We want to have these deep discussions so we can be aware of all the different paths and make truly informed decisions every step of the way.
I’m not sure on much, but after this conversation I can tell you with 100% confidence that I will be seeing Dr. Steph for regular chiropractic care during pregnancy and post partum with my future child - that I do know.
Medicin Drop Newsletter: We giveaway one of our favorite wellness products every week! Join HERE.
