Trying something new
Efforts to help the baby flip from posterior position to LOA (facing my right side, how she was until a week ago) have gone from pretty simple:
(using my stability ball as a chair and to bounce and rotate my hips whenever possible)
to a little crazy:
I spent 10 minutes the other night with an ice pack on my back, a warm heating pad on my stomach (since they face their backs towards warmth), crawling around on my hands and knees.
I’ve spent a lot of time walking
and walking around on all fours lately, since the change in gravity is supposed to help lift her out of the pelvis and rotate. Lots of pelvic rocking, on forearms, Kindle in hand. Tom laughs at me because I’ll make a lap around the master bedroom on my hands and knees, read a page on the Kindle (my incentive), lather rinse and repeat.
Sitting tailor-style with the bottoms of my feet together,
keeping my torso always leaning forward or upright. Laying back creates a hammock for the baby and encourages them to stay where they are, which means
I’ve also had to stop reclining on the couch –my favorite position was propped up with pillows behind me- to solely on my left side in an effort to get the little one to flip, which also means sleeping on my left side only. No more changing sides in the middle of the night, and last night I was so uncomfortable, I couldn’t sleep anyway, so I just sat upright in bed with the soles of my feet together.
We stopped doing the blanket trick because it didn’t feel right to me, and one of the things I’ve been worried about it where the baby’s umbilical cord is relative to all of this.
There are a ton of great tips on *this page*
And tomorrow, I’m trying something new: seeing a chiropractor.
I’ve never been to a chiropractor before because the thought of it freaks me out a little bit. The idea of snapping bones and joints into place doesn’t jibe with me –I always pictured a big dude jumping on my back for some reason- and since I work closely with exercise physiologists and physical therapists, it’s been easy for me to refer clients with medical considerations or injuries to their care. However, there is a woman here in Tucson who specializes in prenatal and infant chiropractic care, and is supposed to be a ninja at helping ease babies into a proper position for birth. She doesn’t touch the baby (unless the baby is breech) -just makes small adjustments with the mom- and was referred to me by our Bradley instructor. Our instructor assures me that she’s incredibly gentle- no bone-popping or anything like that.
Apparently the reason why the baby is flipped could have something to do with misalignment in my hips, which would make sense since they were extremely sore last week, and a small adjustment with my hips might be able to give the baby more room for birth and to flip back over. I’ll know all the deets tomorrow after our appointment, and I’m thankful that Tom is going to be able to go with me. If for any reason I don’t like what she says or get a bad vibe, I’m not going to do the adjustment, but I’m comforted to know that she sees pregnant women and babies every single day.
I don’t intend for this post to turn into a “chiropractors are the devil” debate, but I’d love to hear your experiences or tips if you’ve seen one before. Some people swear by it, other people aren’t a fan, and that’s totally cool. Different things work for different people, and it’s up to us to research and determine what methods are right for our own bodies.
Before I found out that she was sunny-side up, I was SO ready to rock out this birth, ready for labor to begin at any second. And now, I’m nervous. While I’ve heard a lot of positive things about sunny-side up deliveries, I’ve also read a lot of horror stories about babies getting stuck, coming out with nerve damage, unusually grueling labors…. so there’s really no telling how it’s going to go. While I’m still ready to rock it out, I’m feeling a lot more patient. She can stay in there as long as she needs to, until she’s in the best position for her birth. Another thing the midwife suggested was talking to the baby and asking her to flip back over. So my mom, nana and I have been talking to the baby, and I’ve been asking her to get in her own best position… and who knows? Maybe it’s for her to be face-up.
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I hope she turns for you! My son was sunny side up and I ended up with a C. Not what I wanted, but after 24+ hours of painful labor, I was like, “I GIVE UP!” Plus, his heart rate kept dropping very low, so they decided an emergency C-section was best. And to be honest, it really wasn’t too bad! I was pleasantly surprised. Either way, you’ll be fine. Hang in there!!!! FLIP BABY FLIP vibes coming your way!!!!
oh my! lots of images you created there – you’re hilarious!
I’ve never been – I always heard that it’s amazing and once you go you’ll want to keep going back so I opted out for fear that it would be expensive and i’d become addicted or something! Best of luck with it – I hope it works for you!
that’s another reason i’ve never gone- i didn’t want to feel like i HAD to go all the time
my husband is in Chiro school and i used to work for a Chiropractor. I must say that I HIGHLY recommend it! the reason why you hear so many times that once you go u need to keep going is bc people realize how good their bodies really should feel after a good adjustment and that’s why most ppl want to keep going. I also must say that you need to find the RIGHT Chiro that works for you! just like there are good and bad Dr’s out there. there are many different techniques to Chiro. and some don’t even involve “cracking” at all! If you don’t like this lady i suggest finding some other good references and give it a few tries! Good Luck!
I looooove the chiropractor! And yes, like Kristin said you definitely need to find one that you like and feel comfy with. I get the chills when my chiro adjusts me, it feels amazing. I walk out feeling like a new person.
And also going along with what Kristin said, my chiro’s website explains it like this:
Many years ago, dentists convinced everyone that the best time to go to the dentist is before your teeth hurt, that routine dental care will help your teeth remain healthy for a long time. The same is true of chiropractic care for your spine. It is important to remember that, just like your teeth, your spine experiences normal wear and tear as you walk, drive, sit, lift, sleep, and bend. Routine chiropractic care can help you feel better, move with more freedom, and stay healthier throughout your lifetime.
http://lederachchiro.com/wellness_topics/c_46_chiro_myths__facts.html
I work at a chiropractor, No need to worry about a thing! We’ve even had people come in while they are in labor!
I was recommended to see a chiropractor a while ago when I would have random muscle spasms in the back of my head/neck! They were kind of jerky and randomly happened through out the day! I went to the chiropractor and it felt amazing! But it did not fix the muscle spasms. Hope things work out for you and the tiny Fitnessista! (:
I’ve been going to a chiropractor for years because of figure skating injuries. I was nervous the first time but now it’s a piece of cake.
This reminds me of my first time getting accupunture. I was terrified. Everyone told me it would be fine and that the needles were no big deal. However, I was sure that I was going to get stabbed repeatedly and bleed out in the room. Obviously, that did not happen.
BUT! If it doesn’t feel right to you, don’t do it! Good chiropractors have so many different options. He/she should give you all the information you need. One guy that I saw also gave me tons of different stretches to do to help keep my body in alignment.
Best of luck!
I just went to a chiropractor and I’m 20 weeks. I have been having horrible RLP pain that is consistent when I walk. It makes exercising let alone walking painful. I was really nervous about going and my husband isn’t a huge fan but I was desperate! It ended up being wonderful!! My hips were misaligned so that helped ease the pain. They wanted me to come back every week which I find excessive but I think I will definitely go back a couple times before birth to keep the hips in place. It’s supposed to help with a smoother delivery.
Totally unrelated, but I am fairly new to your blog and was trying to catch up on all the older posts. Did you remember posting last year about your visualization for the next then years? I just read that yesterday and all of your things have come true, except for the second daughter part. Love your blog BTW.
thank you, nori!
i’ve thought about that, and it blows my mind… i feel very blessed. i guess it has something to say for the power of positive thinking and visualization <3
thank you for reading and welcome to the little blog 🙂
Very true! and Thank you 🙂
My mom went to the same chiropractor for many many years, she when while she was pregnant with me, and I even got adjusted as a baby 🙂 I kept going to the same Dr for years starting in middle school up until he retired a couple of years ago (I’m now 24). Luckily I have been feeling fine since then, because I’d feel weird going to a different chiropractor! haha
Good luck!!! Have u seen this? http://youtu.be/xxjVKgShyzM
no but watching it now! love matt monarch 🙂
Love matt&angela aswell!!
Oh and I’m a chiro student, we’re not evil!! As with all doctors there are good and bad ones and plenty of different techniques, just find someone you’re comfortable with and who is specialized in pregnant women and babies. Adjustments don’t hurt, I end up feeling like floating 10feet above ground everytime. (and as we practice on each other I get adjusted a lot).
I went from loving Chiropractors, to indifference, to hating them, to loving them again. I think the key is that you have to find someone that works for you! I have hip issues too so I usually get a lot of hip work and neck work. Neck is tricky for me because I’m sensitive but hips usually feel much better once they are in place. Combine that with stretching and message and your golden. I trust Chiro’s that are really focused on fixing a problem. Like you say “I have lower back pain” and you have to rate the pain talk about the symptoms and then every time you go in you go over the same questions. Then maintenance is what works for you but I find once a month to be good once I’m all in order again. I admire your ability to try new things!
I agree with the person above me. You definitely need to find a Chiro that you love! My brother is in school to become one right now. He’s taught me so many things about the profession. I am learning so much from him. I think going to a Chiropractor can be extremely beneficial. I plan on going to one soon too. One of my hips has always been higher than the other which I’m attributing to my sore hips and lower back pain. I know pregnancy gives you those things anyway, but I figured it can’t hurt to go and get checked out. If anything I’m hoping it helps with carrying her and delivering her.
I have everything crossed for you that this little girl flips for you! Good luck at the chiro, can’t wait to read about it (if you decide to post that is)!
I’m not sure about Chiropractors but I’d be doing all that crazy stuff to set up baby delivery for success!
Dude stop worrying! You’re in Super-Awesome shape and if La Nuggeta doesn’t flip I have full confidence you’ll get through it Great.
But, baby will probably flip. Cross bridges when you come to them right? You’re preparing and doing all you can flip her and that’s all you can do. You have an incredible support system, you’re gonna be totally super-duper fine. Swear!
As for Chiros, I think they can definitely help some folks, but I went to ine the day after I slipped a disc and the dork didn’t even think that maybe it wasn’t a muscular or alignment issue and made the pain Excrutiating. He shoud have sent me to a neurologist to get the MRI I actually needed. I’ll never go to a Chiro again. But that’s just me.
I’ve seen a muscle skeletal Dr who did adjustments on me and it was amazing. I have been thinking about seeing a Chiropractor, but haven’t found one yet that I want to see. The whole going to the office is a turn off for me since I have the 3 kids who would have to go with me. A friend of mine has a Chiropractor who comes to their house and adjusts her and the kids weekly.
I’ve been (while pregnant bc of sciatica), and it made no difference. One of my close friends went during both her pregnancies, and she ended up needing major back surgery after her second was born due to what the chiropractor did. Needless to say, that chiropractor isn’t practicing anymore. It was a husband and wife team that specialized in prenatal care.
I say just pray for the best, follow what your midwives say, and enjoy the ride. Some things just aren’t up to us! Good luck!
i wouldn’t worry too much. my second son was born sunny side up three weeks ago. I had a fast, easy labor and he just popped out. I did tear, but I tore with my first as well.
that’s very good to hear. and 3 weeks ago! congratulations! 🙂
OMG! Had no clue you are expecting! Congratulations! I’m sorry you’re having to coax the little one around in there. Hope it continues to go as smooth as it possibly can!
I would love to hear your thoughts on pregnancy, health & wellness. Is there a link to some information on your blog? I’ll go searching 😉
It would be fantastic to feature you on a post for pregnancy and health!! (Maybe it’s for my own future benefit, too.. a little bit) 🙂
Chiropractors: My other half went to see one after finding out his IT job caused his neck to lose the natural curve. He went for 2 months and hasn’t been back: he says the pain is completely gone! It’s relative, for sure. Proceed with caution, I say. And ask lots of questions! 🙂
Take care! Thanks so much for posting!
hi leigh! everything is under the “family” tab at the top of the blog 🙂
I received chiropractic treatment for ages as a type of symptom management for my back and neck problems. However, it was only ever alleviating the symptoms. It took giving up heavy weightlifting and adopting a more gentle exercise routine to cure me, as well as reconstructing my workstation to be ergonomic. I would definitely go back if I was pregnant though. Just to keep myself aligned in a time of extra bodily stress.
There have been a few sunny-side up babies in our family and I don’t remember hearing anything about these births presenting any extra challenges (and we DO tend to talk about these things when the girls get together, in quite graphic detail… it’s kind of icky at times for someone that has never been there). There was only one caesarian and that was because my niece was trying to meet the world shoulder-first (like the rough and tumble, daredevil, sporty girl she turned out to be!)
I recently moved to a new state and am afraid to go to a new chiropractor. My old one was so awesome I’m afraid of getting someone who isn’t legit. He warned my husband and I against any chiro who prescribes a lengthy course of treatment when you don’t have a chronic issue (such as pain from a car accident) or who pressures you to come back multiple times a week. I went to him probably 2 times a year when my back felt out of whack and otherwise didn’t need it. I know chiropractors get a bad rap but I had nothing but positive experiences with him and ways felt amazing afterwards. I’ve never heard of prenatal chiropractors and it sounds fascinating. Good luck!
I always enjoyed the chiropractor, but I never went pregnant.
Keep doing what you are doing! Thinking good thoughts for you!
I had a great prenatal chiropractor in Scottsdale. She was amazing. I had really bad issues with sciatica and she helped tremendously. Because I saw her my entire pregnancy my baby would respond when we she talked to her. Good luck! I know I don’t know you, but I love your blog!
You will love going to the chiropractor!!! It feels so amazing! Comparable to that loose relaxed feeling you get after yoga! And all your body parts just feel so nice and aligned. Can’t wait to hear what you think of your first experience with it!
Don’t be nervous! If you can handle and love acupuncture, you will also enjoy the chiropractor! Its amazing! Good luck!
I totally forgot to mention on the last post (about how the hands & knees and rocking helped me). I was also going to a Chiropractor and doing massage therapy, cause my hip pain was so intense and it helped. So yeah, go for it! I bet you’ll wish you did it sooner!
I used to see a chiropractor pretty frequently. It felt so incredibly amazing at the time, but now I can’t go a day without popping my own back because I feel stiff and out of alignment if I don’t. It gets to the point where I can’t sleep without doing it because of tension in my back. Maybe this means I need to go back to see one, but I’m a bit wary now.
I love the chiropractor!! There was one at the gym i use to work at and i would always go in for him to adjust my hips since they would get out of alignment easily from all of the heavy leg workouts i do. Good luck with it!
Chiropractors are awesome! I go to this big cuddly bear of a man and he basically gives me a hug with a tight squeeze at the end and I feel a million times better. I’ve had chronic problems with my back for over a decade (I’m 24) and I only last year went to see the chiro for the first time. I was SCARED. Snapping bones?! Oh god no! But honestly, it’s like cracking your knuckles or when you stretch and you feel the bones go ‘pop’. It doesn’t hurt and you feel the improvement immediately. Don’t be scared Gina!
If you find the right chiropractor- they can work magic. I’ve been going to one for 2 years and once I got pregnant I started going every 2 weeks. It helps with my back pain and keeps my hips in alignment. Good luck!
Due to a chronic neck problem, I have been seeing a chiropractor once a week for over a year. I am fortunate because my health insurance covers everything except my copay. For me, it was all about finding the right chiropractor. I had neck pain for 10 years and saw a couple chiropractors here and there and hated it. I finally found a chiropractor who practices Eastern Medicine and is unbelievably focused on patient care. He understands that I have a high-stress job and does a lot of relaxation techniques, along with deep tissue massage, acupressure and adjustments. He also does acupuncture but I haven’t done that yet. If you can find a chiropractor who understands your wants and needs, I highly, highly recommend it! It is the highlight of my week and the only thing that relieves the chronic pain from a high-stress desk job. He told me I can fix my neck issues if I have surgery but I would rather let him alleviate some of the symptoms and have to keep going back than have surgery.
I find chiropractors to just work for some people, and not work for others. I do believe that there are some phonies out there, probably more phonies than good ones. The ones to beware of are the ones who claim that chiro *will* cure all of your ailments and prevent all illnesses, etc. They just can’t make that guarentee. But I think proper chiro care can help some issues. I’ve recently seen a significant change in a year-old shoulder injury in just 3 visits. I worked for an awesome chiro in college and learned a bit about the industry. He was really awesome, very busy. Competing chiros would call sometimes and try and weasel information out of me and the other receptionist about his techniques.
Bottom line is that it’s really up to the vibe you get and if adjustments work for you. Even if they don’t, it just means your particular need might not jive well with chiro practices. So you’ve got the right idea, just feel it out.
Tip: During the adjustment process, the more they explain to you what they are doing and why, the better. Also if they check often with you how everything feels during it.
I never go to a chiropractor except for when I’m pregnant . I go every other week during my last trimester. My midwife said it really helps align your body for a nice, fast, and easy delivery. My longest labor was 6 hours and my shortest was 3 hours, so maybe it does make a difference. My sister-in-law had a very painful delivery because she wasn’t aligned properly, so I think chiropractors are definitely helpful during pregnancy if they know what they are doing.
I have never had a baby, but I swear by chiropractors. It helps that 2 of my cousins are chiropractors! They have been there for the other’s babies births and have adjusted both baby and mom within minutes of the baby being born. A good chiropractor (and it sounds like the one you are going to see is a good one), will make sure you are comfortable with what is going on.
I looove my chiropractor… he’s also a kinesiologist so I get all kinds of help! I go to him for everything… I rarely see a medical doctor anymore – only if I need an antibiotic 🙂
I do think trust is a big factor, though, when going to the chiropractor – I hope you get a good vibe and find someone you can rely on! Good luck and have fun – the bone popping feels oh so good 🙂
It sounds like you are doing every within your power to try to get her to turn- good for you! I know how tough it is. I also stopped reclining on the couch and spent hours on all fours trying to get my little girl to flip and it was exhausting not being able to lay back and relax.
As for the chiropractor, I don’t trust them too much. I’ve heard some people that swear by them, and as much as I want to try one out, I’ve heard one too many scary stories. It sounds like the one tomorrow is certainly experienced though 🙂 Good luck!
I’m thinking happy thoughts for you at the chiropractor! My stepmom reads your blog and said her second baby was sunny side up and she was able to deliver her normally without a C-section, it just hurt a lot more than her first did who was facing the other way. I hope she flips for you soon!
don’t be afraid of chiropractors!!! they are wonderful! (and i swear i thought that before i married my husband – a chiropractor!).
i hope your appointment goes well.
I swear by the chiropractor. My chiropractor uses a really gentle approach though – not really “cracking”. I can’t get enough.
I’ve been meaning to tell you that I came out sunny side up no problem for my mom!
Flip over little one! This makes my heart warm. And I can just see you crawling around the house. Tom should probably photograph this moment… 🙂
I will echo what other commentors have said – I love my chiro! I was dubious before going, but I ended up first seeing him when I had ITB syndrome bad enough I couldn’t run 2 miles without pain. He had me up and running a half marathon totally pain-free 7 weeks later. I am now a believer! I see him periodically when I have problems, but I don’t have to keep going back unless I need to. I’ve never had a painful experience with him. I also like that he is more holistic than an MD. He believes the body should heal itself, and often recommends various supplements. I started taking Vit. D per his advice, and it’s made a HUGE difference, and I get an olive leaf extract from him that works wonders for my immune system when I’m coming down with a cold.
If you like this chiro, I think you’ll find that the more holistic chiropractic philosophies fit well with your personal health philosophy. Good luck, and I hope that little girl behaves and flips over for you! 🙂
I’ve never been to a chiro and what I’ve heard from family members is mixed: my mother loves it for her fibromyalgia, but my brother hates it for his lower back pain. I have had a friend who went to osteopathic med school adjust my back for me and that felt wonderful to me!
I have regularly seen chiropractors for the past six years and think they are great! I don’t know if it makes a difference or not but I went while pregnant with all three of my kids and I had fairly easy labor and deliveries, despite the fact that they were bigger babies. I also have had my children adjusted since two days after they were born. Again, not sure if it was the reason, but they were all pretty easy babies and I never had any issues with colic or extreme fussiness. I would definitely try it in your case because it could make a difference in your baby’s presentation. Good luck!
Hey Gina! I’m a loyal reader and a chiropractor. I think chiropractic is a natural fit for your lifestyle! If you have questions about the Webster technique or chiropractic in general, please feel free to ask! Good luck!
My first two kids were sunny side up and I’ll tell you their stories after you deliver 😉
Good luck with the chiropractor!!!!!
I have scoliosis and I’m pretty sure it’s prevented me from going into labor on my own (I’ve been induced twice – blerg). In the past year I started seeing a chiropractor and it has been the best.thing.ever. for my back. My spine has moved almost 5 degrees and I can just tell I am more aligned. I kick myself for not going to a chiropractor when I was pregnant — and will definitely continue to see one when/if I have a 3rd baby! {And definitely look for someone who does Webster.} Good luck!
I have an appointment with my chiropractor in the morning, and I can’t wait. I feel sooo much better after getting adjusted. I was skeptical of chiropractors at first, but when I wrenched my neck a few years ago and couldn’t even turn my head, I was willing to try anything. My sister referred me to her chiropractor (a woman) and I’ve been going every 3 weeks ever since. Also, I had been reading her office facebook page a few months back and she had posted that through chiropractic techniques, she was able to help get a posterior baby to flip. I was totally shocked. I had no idea chiropractors could help with that type of thing. But evidently she specializes in pregant woman, and now that I think about it, my sister who referred me to her, and went to see her regularly throughout her 2nd pregancy, had a quick and easy unmedicated childbirth. I’m hoping that’s the key for me one day when I am pregnant. And, my sister also said that getting regular adjustments while pregnant helped alot with all of the uncomfortableness that comes with being pregnant. I hope the chiropractor you go to is as great as mine, and that the techniques will work well for you and the baby. I can’t wait for her to get here. You and the pilot are going to be such great parents! Good luck.
My mom got her back messed up by a chiropractor, but one of my best friends had a longtime back issue (from a car accident at age 7) that got fixed by a chiropractor, and I have another good friend who IS a chiropractor… so take from all that what you will! I think if your new chiro gets such good reviews, you don’t have too much to worry about. Good luck! I’m keeping my fingers crossed that baby sees the light and flips over. <3
I had a sunny side up baby girl (my first baby) last April and spent many hours on the stability ball to get her to flip and she managed to flip about halfway over so she came out sideways. And actually the labor and delivery was amazing. I didn’t even know I was in labor until we got to the hospital and I was at 10 cm. Just stay as relaxed as you can during labor and delivery and be assured that you and the baby are in great hands with the medical staff. You will totally rock this, girl!!! Congratulations! I am so excited for you!
Ive been a few times. The adjustments release endorphins and histamine. Which is why people report feeling better after. I like going in allergy season as the histamine helps open my nasal passages.
I’ve seen several chiropractors over the years & have always had positive experiences. After they work with you & get you well adjusted, you can then go in as needed, just like you would with massage or acupunture. Good luck! The adjustments always leave me feeling amazing. Def addictive in a good way.
Hi Gina!
Wow, you’re really doing everything you can to get that little one to flip! 🙂
Just wanted to let you know I’ve always had fantastic experiences with chiropractors – I’m wishing you luck with you appointment tomorrow.
Even if she doesn’t flip, I’m sure you’ll be fine and have an awesome delivery. And, (since I’ve had 3 C-sections) even if you have to go that route, it’s absolutely fine and no problem, so don’t stress out about it!
Enjoy the last few days of your pregnancy…I’m sending positive vibes your way…can’t wait to read all about the delivery!
Dawn 🙂
I actually worked for a chiropractor for 3 years right out of high school. It’s how I got into the fitness industry. His office was in a gym, and it was part of a big company where offices were located in health clubs. With that said, chiropractors are all so different. The doc I worked for was amazing. he focused on sports rehab and myofacial release, he never cracked anyone. Seriously, no manipulation, only muscle therapy. There were so many docs in the company and when my boss because a manager for all 37 offices I got to meet a lot of the docs and see just how diverse they were. Some had very different philosophies. So it really depends on the chiropractor you go to. Sometimes you hear horror stories but you really can’t put them all into one category! I only had one bad experience prior to working for one, then after that I kind of learned what to look for.
I recently got new insurance and plan to go back to a woman who actually got rid of my migraine headaches a few years ago! It was the only thing that helped me!
I heard great stories of chiros and acupuncture helping with breach babies or turning from a few friends of mine too.
Good luck, I look forward to hearing about your experience!