“This body has created and nourished an entire human being. It is amazing, beautiful, and worthy of love.”

Webster Technique

The Webster Technique is a chiropractic technique specific for women during pregnancy. It is a safe and gentle way to adjust pelvic structures, muscles and ligaments that become tight and painful during various stages of pregnancy. Treating these areas decreases back and hip pain associated with pregnancy and also allows the baby to get into the best possible position for birth. Maintaining optimal movement of the lumbar spine and pelvis is essential to achieving a pain free pregnancy and optimal position of baby. Dr. Leighton is trained and certified in Webster Technique through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, and has completed additional training to safely care for pregnant women, children and newborns.

Prenatal Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care has helped many women achieve a physically comfortable pregnancy. Nausea and morning sickness, reflux, neck pain, headaches, back pain, sciatica, and carpal tunnel syndrome are among the various conditions and symptom that can be alleviated with chiropractic care. Chiropractic care is a natural form of health care that uses spinal adjustments to restore proper movement in the spinal joints, pelvis, and extremities.

Acupuncture During Pregnancy and Postpartum

Many common complaints and complications in the perinatal period can be managed with acupuncture therapy.

  • Nausea, vomiting and hyperemesis
  • Insomnia or poor sleep
  • Fatigue
  • Mastitis or clogged ducts
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Neck, back or low back pain
  • Sciatica
  • Anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, perinatal mood disorders, and stress management
  • Sleep quality
  • Swelling
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Breech position or posterior position of baby
  • Placenta previa
  • Delayed labor onset (induction)
  • Lactation: milk supply, pain, vasospasm
  • Re-establishing the menstrual cycle and balancing hormones naturally
  • Pelvic pain
  • Urinary incontinence, uterine or rectal prolapse
  • Cesarean section recovery

Acupunture therapy is an energetic medicine that is based on thousands of years of observations and treatment outcomes. At the core of this ancient medicine is the concept of qi, or vital energy, which flows throughout the body. A person’s health is influenced by the balance of the qi within their body, as well as the quality and quantity of qi. During an acupuncture treatment session, specific points are chosen on the body to encourage proper flow and balance of qi. The free flow of qi is required for optimal health, while disrupted qi flow can lead to disease and unwelcome symptoms. Acupuncture has been utilized for thousands of years to treat numerous conditions in women during and after their pregnancy. Currently, acupuncture is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) to treat over 60 diseases and illnesses.

Postpartum Rehab and Nutrition

Dr. Leighton works with many women after delivery to help manage physical pain, diastasis recti and pelvic floor dysfunctions that are commonly not treated or evaluated by their other primary health care professionals. Helping a woman nourish her body and heal following a pregnancy is of utmost importance. Even the easiest, healthiest pregnancy can leave a woman nutritionally depleted and in need of physical recovery. Dr. Leighton also works with various pelvic floor physical therapists in the area to co-manage conditions and provide the best care possible.

Corrective Exercises

Corrective exercises can help pain that you are experiencing disappear. Specific exercises will strengthen and correct the bio-mechanical imbalances in your body. Most of these exercises are able to be performed in the comfort of your own home with little to no equipment needed.

Dr. Leighton has completed post-graduate chiropractic training with the ICPA, Birthfit, and Motion Palpation Institute to better care for pregnant and postpartum women, as well as children. She completed her acupuncture training while also receiving her chiropractic education. Acupuncture and eastern medicine practices fascinate Dr. Leighton. So much so that she is currently working toward her Master’s degree in Acupuncture (MSAc).

Birth Services

Homebirth Chiropractic/Acupuncture/Acupressure Package: Acupressure is a great way to manage discomfort and help labor progress. Dr. Leighton offers chiropractic and acupressure house-calls for women who are planning a home birth with a midwife. She will not attend an “unassisted” home-birth. This package includes all travel fees, chiropractic adjustments, and acupressure therapy over a 4 hour period of time. Patient must be evaluated at the Naperville office prior to her home-birth in order to receive chiropractic care. These services are not billable to your insurance plan. ($600)

*Maximum distance of 15 miles from Napervilleand/or Plainfield.

Acupressure Package: This package is available for any home-birth, birthing center birth, or hospital birth. This package includes all travel fees and acupressure therapy over a 3 hour period of time. Chiropractic services not included. These services are not billable to your insurance plan. ($450)

*Maximum distance of 15 miles from Naperville and/or Plainfield.

 

***Due to the “by appointment” nature of Dr. Leighton’s chiropractic/acupuncture office, her attendance at your child’s birth is not 100% guaranteed. Every attempt will be made to arrive at your birthing facility/home promptly.

“Birth is not only about making babies. Birth is about making mothers — strong, competent, capable mothers who trust themselves and know their inner strength.”               –Barbara Katz Rothman

Resource Handouts

MORNING SICKNESS REMEDIES

NATURAL LABOR ENCOURAGEMENT

NATURAL MASTITIS TREATMENT