​Back pain in pregnancy is one of the most common complaints I get from from my prenatal yoga students and birth doula clients. 

While prenatal yoga is a great way to help relieve and manage chronic back pain, it is important to consult with a chiropractor that specializes in pregnant bodies to understand the exact nature of YOUR back pain, and to get treated by a specialist. 

I recently interviewed Dr. Natasha Hayden, chiropractor, to better understand:

• why back pain is so common in pregnancy
• what pregnant people can do at home to help minimize back pain

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While it’s important to check in with a prenatal chiropractor in pregnancy, it’s important to know there are a lot of things you can do at home to prevent or manage low back pain in pregnancy. 

Think of it like going to the dentist… ideally, we brush and floss regularly at home. But we still check in with the dentist from time to time, preferably before we are in a crisis. 
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Ergonomics
assess your workstation, especially your seat. Ideally, anyone working seated has access to a sit/stand desk, as research indicates that anyone working form a desk should spend at least 30% of their workday standing. Being able to vary your work position can be hacked, by using boxes and a second keyboard to switch it up from time to time. For seating, some pregnant folks find they prefer a kneeling style chair, as it ideally positions the pelvis. But a balance ball, or balance ball chair, might be nice to switch it up a little. 

Movement:
Yoga is fantastic in pregnancy, to address strength, balance, and flexibility. If you’re new to yoga, I would strongly suggest working with an instructor (virtual or in person) to ensure proper positioning in poses. If however you’ve practiced yoga for many years, you can probably jump into a self-guided prenatal yoga practice. Give yourself permission in pregnancy to do what feels good in your body, and to slow down.

Many enjoy swimming in pregnancy.

Birth fit is also a popular online option for fitness training in pregnancy, but many local options are usually available from someone specialized in prenatal fitness. 

Nutrition:
Quick reminder that if you exercise a lot, and especially in hot weather, you may want to add back in electrolytes that are lost with sweat, particularly if you’re experiencing muscle cramping. This can be done via nutrition such as coconut water or melons, or many powders and drops are available if that’s easier. 

Additional support:
I think that every birth parent would benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy in preparation for birth, and particularly for recovery after. Massage therapy may also be of benefit. Your prenatal chiropractor can help build out your birth care team. 

Stretch:

• psoas
• piriformis (seated figure four)
• round ligament massage

are the ones I recommend most often. For round ligament massage, you can find the bony front of the pelvis, and gently massage working inwards, for several minutes, just before popping out of bed in the morning. 
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This week I approached this topic in my postnatal yoga circle. It was slightly uncomfortable for me, and possibly for some moms, but we did anyways, and I'm so happy we did.

We talk so much about our physical and mental health in the postpartum period, but why do we shy away from talking about sexual health? Probably because of centuries of societal programming...

One mom said at the end of our talk today: "I'm happy we discussed this, because it makes me feel less alone". And this, my friends, is exactly the point.

When we come together in a safe space, and allow each other to be seen and heard, without judgement, we can see a part of ourselves in others, which makes us feel less alone.

If you've just had a baby and don't feel like being physically intimate with your partner, you are not alone.

If your baby is 6 or 12 months old, and you still don't feel like being physically intimate with your partner, do you are not alone.   

If you feel guilty about any of this, you are not alone.

It might be helpful for you to remember that your desire and drive for physical intimacy will have its seasons. Just because you are in a low season right now does not mean that it will always be that way. After Winter, always comes Spring.   

If you haven't already, it might also feel good to have this conversation with your partner. Communication is key. What needs do you have that are not being met? What needs to they have that are not being met?

You might also want to consider: if you don't want to be, or can't be physically intimate with your partner, how can you connect or be intimate in another way? What is your love language, and how can you show your partner love without being physical?

And finally, if you've been experiencing physical pain during intercourse since having a baby, know that it doesn't have to be this way. A pelvic floor physiotherapist or sexological bodyworker can help.

Lets help break the stigma around talking about sexual health!

ps. If you are looking to join one of my online postnatal yoga circles you can get more info over here.  

I completed both my Maternal Support Practitioner (doula) training and Fertility Specialist Certification with Bebo Mia, a school based in Toronto which trains doulas worldwide. It was a comprehensive birth and postpartum training which included a local breastfeeding workshop and a child and infant CPR course. I have also completed a Labor and Birth with Spinning Babies workshop and I use the Spinning Babies techniques in all the births I attend. In addition to my doula certifications I have a 200 hour yoga teacher training, prenatal and postnatal yoga trainings, and I love to bring my experience as a pre and postnatal yoga teacher into my work as a doula. I enjoy supporting diverse families in Montreal in both English and French.    ​

I believe that birth happens best when the birthing person feels safe, secure, and supported. This is what I aim to bring to all the births I have the privilege of attending. A sense of security in birth comes from developing a connection with me in our prenatal meetings, and developing trust in your body. By discussing any fears you (and your partner) may have, and empowering you with evidence based information, you will feel more confident and secure with me by your side, allowing your body to birth exactly as you were meant to. As each expectant parent is unique, I enjoy forming authentic connections with every client, while providing personalized and grounded support for your body, mind, and spirit. During birth I see myself as your (and your partner’s) guide; supporting and encouraging you to turn inwards, and to connect with your body’s inherent wisdom. Oxytocin (the “love” hormone; also the molecule depicted in my logo below 👇) is key before, during, and after birth, so I like to create opportunities for you to feel love and joy throughout your pregnancy, birth, and during the blissful postpartum period! ​