Webster Chiropractic

Many pregnant women are told to see a Webster Chiro by their midwives. For some this is their first introduction to chiropractic and others are seeking out someone experienced with pregnancy chiropractic.

But what is Webster Chiropractic?

Webster chiropractic involves specific assessment of the bones, muscles and ligaments around the uterus. This includes the sacrum, pubic bone, round ligaments, sacrotuberous ligaments, hip flexor muscles and more.

If tension and restriction is found, then specific adjustments are performed to release the tension of the bones, muscles and ligaments.

What to expect with a Webster Assessment

First your Webster-certified chiropractor will ask you about your current and past health and pregnancies. You’ll discuss your goals for this pregnancy, birth and postpartum so a plan can be devised to support that.

You’ll then be asked to move around so that your chiropractor can see how flexible or tight you are and if it’s symmetrical and as expected for your gestation.

You’ll then lie on the table on a special pregnancy pillow - this is frequently something pregnant women love immediately! We also have a table that allows us to create more space for trimester growing bellies.

Lying down, your chiropractor will again look for tension patterns and explain to you how this relates to your symptoms, if you have any.

What does Webster Technique Treatments look like?

Like all chiropractic sessions, there are different options for treatment and your pregnancy chiropractor will explain each option to you and what’s most appropriate. That might include using a drop piece table, a specific impulse instrument or a manual adjustment. Frequently women state that they are surprised how gentle it can feel.

They’ll also perform massage and releases to tight muscles and ligaments. This can feel a little tender but the amount of pressure and the technique will be adopted to your preference.

Is Webster Chiropractic Safe for Baby?

Yes - Webster Chiropractic is very safe for mums and babies. Your chiropractor will not be treating or touching your baby. They will aim the pressure towards bones and away from the baby.

We perform a thorough assessment to understand factors that might change the treatment plan such as a placenta previa.

Webster Technique vs. General Chiropractic: What’s the Difference?

Chiropractic is a very broad term: there are well over 100 different chiropractic techniques. Webster is one of them.

Webster Chiropractic can be used on anyone who is up and about. It is gentle and may be used on children, men and the elderly, not just during pregnancy.

A general chiropractor may not have training, experience or the equipment to work with pregnant women. Webster certification is a minimum standard of care for pregnant women to know that their chiropractor has completed an exam in Webster Chiropractic.

History of Webster Technique

Dr Larry Webster became fascinated with breech-babies and how chiropractic might help after his daughter had a particularly difficult labour. At one point, it was called Webster Breech Turning Technique as it’s been quite helpful for many babies to turn, however this has been changed for two main reasons: 1) We aren’t turning breech babies; we are creating space in the mother’s body; and 2) it’s helpful for more than just creating space for babies to move freely.

How the Webster Technique May Help with Breech Positioning

First and foremost it must be noted that Chiropractors are not treating unborn babies. Specific adjustments are directed at the mum's joints, muscles and ligaments, away from the growing baby.

Webster Chiropractic might help with breech, posterior and other positions by removing tension in the mum's body which may allow the space for baby to get into a more comfortable and optimal position for birth.

Only an OB can turn a breech baby using something called External Cephalic Version (ECV).

Can Webster Chiropractic be Used with ECV?

Yes chiropractic can be used to prepare for an ECV. The aim is to reduce the tension in the muscles, ligaments and joints around the pelvis, low and mid back and hips. With a softer tummy, it may assist your doctor to perform the ECV.

Supporting a More Comfortable Birth Experience with Webster Chiropractic

Pregnancy is more than birth prep. Whilst there's a lot of talk about Breech and birth, Webster Chiropractic can be helpful for reducing common pregnancy aches and pains to provide more comfort, better sleep and more energy.

Postpartum preparation also starts in pregnancy when education and support strategies are discussed during each session.

Why Local Families in Moonee Ponds Trust Our Pregnancy Chiropractor

Body & Brain Centre has been seeing the Moonee Valley community for almost a decade. Our staff are known for their commitment to excellence and have some of the highest training going around.

More than "just" chiropractic, which is powerful on its own, our chiropractors have training in perinatal yoga & pilates, spinning babies exercises, doula, perinatal nutrition and more.

Our team of chiropractors also work collaborative within our multidisciplinary clinic including women's health naturopaths, dietitians, acupuncturists, psychologists and more. We also work alongside your midwives, GPs and OBs to support your pregnancy holistically.

Who are you Webster Certified Chiropractors?

At Body & Brain Centre, we all utilities Webster Technique, even on non-pregnant people! It's one of many tools that we have up our sleeves.

Cassie

Chiropractor Dr Cassie is a Webster-certified chiropractor having completed her examinations and handing in her assignment in 2023. Cassie is also a trained doula, Spinning Babies enthusiast, and all round lover of the magic of perinatal period.

Rabiah

Chiropractor Dr Rabiah is currently training in Webster Chiropractic and is set to complete her examinations in 2026. Rabiah has been using Webster Chiropractic for a number of years now.

How to Find a Webster-Certified Chiropractor Near You in Melbourne’s North-West

When you are pregnant and looking for gentle, experienced chiropractic care, it's important to find someone trained in Webster Technique. Here's what to look out for:

1. Check Credentials: Look for a chiropractor who is Webster-certified through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). This certification means that they have completed practical and written examinations as well as submitting an assignment in Webster Chiropractic and pregnancy wellbeing.

2. Search Locally: Use terms like "Webster certified chiropractor Moonee Ponds" or "pregnancy chiropractor Essendon" when searching online. If that doesn't give you the results you are looking for, then search more broadly such as "Webster technique in Melbourne's north-west"

3. Ask about Experience: Beyond certification, you want to know that the chiropractor sees pregnant patients and not just has the paperwork. If your chiropractor doesn't have a pregnancy pillow or a specialised table that allows space for the growing belly, then they likely aren't seeing many pregnant women.

4. Look for whole-person care: A good Webster-certified chiropractor won't just adjustment. They also provide advice on posture, sleep, stretches, lifestyle and collaborate with other providers. They'll have a network to refer you to should you need extra support.

5. Convenience and Accessible: Clinics close to home or work so that you can attend regular appointments comfortably throughout your pregnancy and into postpartum healing.