For centuries, women have relied on an inner wisdom during pregnancy and birth to make decisions that support their health and well-being. Before the age of modern medical interventions, women instinctively trusted their bodies, allowing the natural process of birth to unfold without fear or interference. They chose birthing positions that felt right, moved freely during labor, and were supported by those present. Birth was seen as a process that occurred on its own schedule, and after delivery, mother and baby were immediately bonded, promoting a swift recovery and a strong, nurturing connection.

In today’s technologically advanced society, however, this approach has been replaced by a more clinical and controlled birthing experience. Medical interventions, while sometimes necessary, often restrict the natural processes, creating fear and disconnection. Women are placed in positions that work against their unique physiology and biomechanics, are given medications that disrupt the body’s natural rhythms, and experience interventions that slow labor’s momentum.

By supporting the nervous system, prenatal chiropractors help women reconnect with their innate intelligence thus promoting a birth process that honors both the mother’s and baby’s innate wisdom as well as their inherent ability to actively move through this life-transforming event.

The Webster Technique has grown into an essential tool to enhance neuro-biomechanical function in the sacral and pelvic regions. The origins of this technique developed by Dr. Larry Webster, first focused on pregnant women with breech babies, and the results were transformative. As the technique evolved, it quickly outgrew nomenclature of “breech turning technique”, and became a holistic approach that supports the overall function of pregnant women. “Breech turning" is neither the intention of Webster Technique nor the intention of chiropractic care in general. This is the practice of Obstetrics and falls outside of the chiropractic scope of practice.

Dr. Larry Webster founded the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) in 1986 to better train chiropractors in family care. Today, the ICPA is the oldest free-standing organization in the profession. It plays a role in peer-reviewed research, training chiropractors, and educating the public on a salutogenic chiropractic lifestyle.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

In 2017, the USA was the most expensive country for childbirth and had the highest rate of maternal deaths (26.6%) in the developed world.

Scholars suggest that King Louis XIV played a role in the shift toward women giving birth lying down. He was fascinated by the birth process and insisted his mistresses give birth on their backs, with legs apart, for a better view. This royal preference eventually influenced obstetric practices, even despite its potential disadvantages.

Although common today, the supine birthing position can restrict sacral movement and complicate delivery. The Webster Technique, a chiropractic approach that supports pelvic and sacral stability during pregnancy, may help facilitate more optimal birthing conditions and positively influence the Autonomic Nervous System.

Pathways to Family Wellness, Issue 83, Fall 2024

Stone, Pamela. “Perinatal Care With Webster.” ICPA, 1-2 Aug. 2020, Chicago, IL Lecture.