We’ve just got back from a cracking half-term out in Spain, the same spot we visited in the summer, but this time it felt like a completely different place. There were about 10% of the people there, which meant empty beaches, no queues, no noise… just peace, space, and a much slower pace. Absolute bliss.
It was definitely shorts and jumper weather a little cooler than August, but still warm enough to make the most of it. I even braved the sea swims most days. Cold? Yes.
There’s something brilliant about being in a holiday spot without the crowds or the heatwave. It had a completely different charm, and we loved it.
Of course, I still managed to get out for a few early morning rides, and the sunrises over the hills were unreal. And baby Jack did a great job on the plane, always a bit of a gamble travelling with a baby, but he was a top lad the whole way.
Back in the clinic, the team did an amazing job holding the fort while a few of us were away with our own kids. It was lovely knowing things were in safe hands, and they kept the energy high through the week.
Now we’re back, and it’s that time again the final push to the end of the year. Just two months to go (how?!), and we’re ready to finish strong. Keep an eye out for our spooky Halloween specials (yes, still going!). Including some spine-tingling massage offers and fun in the clinic.
Looking forward to seeing many of you soon and helping you stay well as we roll into the colder months.
Last week, we explored the fascinating clinical research on Chiropractic care during pregnancy, showing how gentle, drug-free techniques can ease lower back pain, reduce pelvic discomfort, and even improve mobility as the body adapts to carrying new life.
This week, we take that conversation one step forward into the postpartum and breastfeeding journey, where the body begins to recover, rebalance, and rebuild bone strength after giving birth.
At West Chiropractic Clinic, we often see mums-to-be return after birth for continued care, realising that while pregnancy changes the body dramatically, recovery is just as transformative.
Recap: Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy
Several clinical trials have confirmed the safety and effectiveness of Chiropractic care during pregnancy. For instance a study, found that tailored adjustments improved pelvic alignment and eased lumbopelvic pain. This is important following pregnancy, the pelvis and body has been in a completely different position for 9 months and can put pressure in certain areas.
Similarly, Weis et al. 2020, concluded that Chiropractic care safely relieves pregnancy-related back and pelvic pain. Ongoing studies continue exploring how spinal mobilisation and soft-tissue therapy enhance posture, comfort, and mobility all without medication. And this is what many of the new Mum’s tell us when they visit West Chiropractic, is that they don’t want to keep taking painkillers for back pain.
In short, research consistently shows chiropractic care as a gentle, effective way to keep mothers comfortable and mobile before delivery.
After Birth: Healing, Hydration, and Bone Strength
Once the baby arrives, the body enters a new phase of change. Hormones shift, ligaments begin to stabilise, and calcium stores so vital during pregnancy are redirected into breast milk, temporarily affecting bone density.
Breastfeeding mothers may experience a 1-4% temporary bone mineral density (BMD) loss in the first six months postpartum. But here’s the good news, other research shows this process reverses naturally after weaning, as bone turnover normalises. One of the best way to increase bone turnover is to do resistance exercise, light weights with cardio like walking with a weighted vest can build BMD very quickly.
Meanwhile, hydration and nutrition remain crucial. One of our previous blog explored how water supports spinal discs and joint health, and these same mechanisms help the postpartum spine recover. Adequate hydration supports both milk production and disc health, reducing back strain during feeding.
How Chiropractic Care Supports Postpartum Recovery
Post-birth, mums often experience back pain, shoulder tension, and pelvic instability especially during breastfeeding or while carrying their newborn.
Clinical research over the past few years supports chiropractic care as an effective, drug-free complement to postpartum recovery.
A review found significant improvement in pelvic and lower back pain among postpartum women following Chiropractic care. Further research by Peterson et al. 2019, emphasised that multimodal care combining spinal adjustments, exercise, and education enhances recovery and reduces chronic discomfort.
Another group has been investigating Chiropractic management for chronic postpartum pelvic girdle pain, demonstrating both improved function and quality of life outcomes.
The Role of Hydration, Nutrition & Rest
Your postpartum recovery thrives on the basics:
- Hydration: Maintains disc cushioning, supports milk production, and reduces stiffness.
- Calcium & Vitamin D: Support bone repair and density.
- Movement: Gentle stretches, walking, and spinal exercises improve circulation and bone strength.
- Sleep & Support: Proper rest and ergonomic feeding positions reduce strain on the neck and shoulders
Parting Shot
Many of our patients come to us saying, “I thought my back pain would disappear after giving birth but feeding and carrying my baby made it worse.” Through customised Chiropractic adjustments, posture retraining, and practical hydration guidance, we’ve seen remarkable improvements not just in pain levels, but in overall wellbeing.
Whether it’s supporting expectant mothers through pelvic alignment or helping breastfeeding mums regain balance and strength, our focus is the same: safe, gentle, and evidence-backed care for every stage of motherhood.
References
- Higgins, D. M., et al. (2019). The efficacy of chiropractic care for pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics.
- Weis, C. A., et al. (2020). Chiropractic care for adults with pregnancy-related low back and pelvic girdle pain: a systematic review. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 48, 102–107.
- Ferreira, L. B., et al. (2023). Lumbar spine bone mineral density in women during the postpartum period: a systematic review and meta-analysis. International Breastfeeding Journal.
- Wahlquist, A. E., et al. (2024). Postpartum bone mineral density recovery: Prospective cohort study. PubMed.
- Peterson, C., Haas, M., & Gregory, W. (2019). Feasibility of integrating chiropractic care into postnatal programs for low back pain. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 27(38).
- ClinicalTrials.gov. (2019–2024). Management of Chronic Post-Partum Pelvic Girdle Pain (NCT02648607).
- Frontiers in Physiology. (2022). Hydration and disc metabolism in postpartum recovery.
If you are wanting to chat more about the information above then why not book a call with me and we can go into more detail? Click here to book or if you want to get an assessment then Book a consultation with a Chiropractor here
If you do know someone who wants more advice, please send them our details. You can send them this assessment as well to diagnose their back pain. It is a great tool to understand where your back pain is coming from, it is free and takes 60 seconds. Click here for assessment
