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Caring for Your Changing Body: Custom Chiropractor's Treatment for Prenatal, Postpartum, and Pediatrics

4/3/2023

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Custom Chiropractor is a female owned and run chiropractic business specializing in prenatal, postpartum and pediatric care.

If you're experiencing any pain related to your body's changes from having your baby, check out this blog to learn about Custom Chiropractor's treatments. 
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What inspired you to get into this work?
With all of the chiropractors at Custom Chiropractor being female, we empathize strongly with our female population and the extra strain that pregnancy, postpartum and just having kids in general can take on your body! We love hearing the stories of our patients' families and watching them grow and overcome challenges. Any support we can provide families motivates us to learn more about the human body so we can further educate our patients!
How can chiropractic treatment help pregnancy? 
At Custom Chiropractor, we view your pregnancy and postpartum period as important times in your life where you should feel your best and experience as little pain as possible. We have found through targeted examination and treatment tailored to the needs of the pregnant mom, they can experience less pain during pregnancy as well as shorter labor times and less pain during labor. 
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Whether it is your first pregnancy or you are a veteran, you definitely sit up and listen when you hear that something can be done to make your more comfortable right now, and lessen your pain and strain during labor.
What is prenatal care?
​While your body adjusts to carrying a new baby, your spine experiences strain at various regions that can be identified and successfully treated by specialized prenatal chiropractors. Most commonly, there is extra stress placed on the neck, upper back, wrists, below the ribs, low back and pelvis. Due to increases in the hormone relaxin during pregnancy, the ligaments and muscles in these areas can become stretched.  As your pregnancy progresses, stability in some joints may decrease as they expand and result in pain.  Chiropractic treatment can help reduce this pain, as well as give you instructions on how to increase stability to these expanding joints. Our chiropractors make alterations in techniques and patient positioning to accommodate for the increase in belly and breast size. During pregnancy, spinal adjustments are more gentle and the chiropractor applies lower force and pressure.
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What is postpartum care?
Postural strain commonly occurs during postpartum, as your body changes to accommodate for your growing baby.  It can take up to twelve months for relaxin to return to pre-pregnancy levels, which in turn places extra stretch in your muscles and ligaments. During this time, your center of gravity is shifting and muscles are returning to their normal strength. Postpartum chiropractic care is here to support you through this new journey. Your body has gone through a lot -  pregnancy, delivery and now caring for a new baby. Between all the changing hormones, lack of sleep, adjusting to taking care of a new member of your family, it is definitely a transformation that requires some adjustments. Your body might not feel the same. Give yourself some TIME. Time to rest, embrace and enjoy this phase of your life. Depending on delivery method, c-section is considered to be a major abdominal surgery. Some new moms may experience a separation in their abdominal muscles, which needs extra attention A single postpartum visit at six weeks might not be enough to address what your body is going through. Our postpartum providers at Custom Chiropractor make sure to go through a detailed history about your pregnancy and delivery. They will address all the symptoms that you are experiencing during your postpartum journey.  Treatment complete with specialized scanning, equipment, and muscle and joint therapy will assist new moms in easing into this important phase of her life.
What conditions do you treat?
  • Pelvis and low back pain
  • Headaches
  • Diastasis recti discomfort
  • Shoulder pain from breastfeeding
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What does treatment consist of?
We use a combination of hydraulic tables, myofascial release therapy, specific chiropractic adjustments, therapeutic pillows, stretches, and home exercise advice to ensure you have the best pregnancy you can experience. We also work closely with all of our professionals in our clinics who specialize in prenatal fitness training and massage therapy when a multidisciplinary approach is necessary. Relax and take a deep breath because you have found the right place to support and nurture your pregnancy and new baby.
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​To make an appointment visit our website or call 408-248-8700 to schedule. Our Palo Alto and Santa Clara locations are both staffed with chiropractors certified in prenatal and postpartum treatment, as well as pediatrics. We also have massage therapists who specialize in prenatal care that would be happy to help ease your pregnancy and postpartum related complaints.
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Meeting You Where You Are: In-Home Pelvic & Occupational Therapy w/ Thrive Maternal Care

3/2/2023

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Pregnancy and new parenthood can be a beautiful period. But it’s also a time of immense changes to our bodies, lifestyle, identities, and emotional health. Many women experience pains and discomforts related to pregnancy or postpartum recovery. And yet, there’s little discussion about it. So many women don’t know how to find the resources or treatment they need and deserve.

Enter Isabel Hartounian, an occupational therapist who founded Thrive Maternal Care. She’s on a mission to meet moms where they are and help them towards smoother functioning in their daily lives. 

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Please tell us about yourself/your business and what you do.
I am a mom of two kids, born and raised in the Bay Area, and a licensed occupational therapist (OT) of 14 years. After my own experiences, I realized there are various challenges moms face everyday whether pregnant or after baby.​
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I started Thrive Maternal Care in 2022 to offer pelvic floor therapy in home. I'm passionate about helping moms manage symptoms of pregnancy and postpartum recovery so they can be more comfortable doing their everyday activities.

What inspired you to get into this work?
My background was in pediatrics so I listened to a lot of moms' experiences. After my second baby, I was dealing with pelvic pain and incontinence, so I asked my doctor for a referral to a pelvic floor therapist. I was inspired by how it helped me and pivoted my career by diving into all things pelvic and maternal health.
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What are the main reasons or areas of concern that lead families to seek out your services? What are your key resources and offerings to help address these needs?
Many moms don’t receive guidance on how their body mechanics change as their belly grows in pregnancy or how to deal with issues that arise in postpartum. 

One main concern in pregnancy is dealing with aches and pains, especially in the lower back, groin, and pubic bone area. Then in postpartum, moms get one 6-week checkup and are cleared for intimacy and returning to fitness. But they are often still healing from tearing or a Cesarean birth, learning the ropes of being a mom, and coming to terms with a new role and routines in their daily life.
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My vision is to keep pelvic floor therapy holistic where I consider your emotional well-being when we work together. We look at how managing overwhelm and making small adjustments to our routines can help with incontinence, pain with intimacy, diastasis, and so much more. I love to educate clients as well as offer lifestyle modifications, manual therapy, and exercises.
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How does your work support/uplift/impact expecting or new families?
My vision is to help moms to function in a way that feels better for them– where they feel like they understand their symptoms or challenges, have tools, and gain a new perspective. I believe all birthing people should have their pelvic health evaluated during and after pregnancy, and be given education to help themselves. At the same time, I think how we manage our expectations and give ourselves compassion as we become parents is huge.

​What's one tidbit of helpful information or encouragement that you'd want all families to know?
I know there are some discomforts and challenges we cope with and live with as moms, but I also know you don't have to live with them forever. This can mean within our bodies (ex. leaking, pelvic and other related pains) or within our minds (ex. emotional overwhelm in parenting, not feeling bonded with baby). Of course, the mind and body are always connected so I like to take a full, holistic approach without adding more burden to the mom's plate.
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So it sounds like you’re encouraging women to speak up for their health. Is it ever “too late” for someone to get PT or OT? When’s the optimal time to be seen?
It is never too late for someone to get pelvic floor OT/PT.  Realistically, the most optimal time to be seen is when you feel you need help with managing pain, leakage, navigating returning to fitness, managing overwhelm, adjusting to motherhood and so on. You can be pregnant, 6 weeks postpartum or 10 years postpartum. 
​

But it’s been my experience that some moms have a hard time assessing when they need extra support or have a hard time asking for that help. I have a checklist I like to share to know when it might benefit you to go to pelvic floor therapy.
pelvic_therapy_checklist__thrive_maternal_care__8.5_×_11_in_-2.pdf
File Size: 49 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Where are you located? What area(s) do you serve?
I am in San Jose and serve moms within a 30 minute radius which includes, but is not limited to Campbell, Santa Clara, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, and the surrounding areas.

What's the best contact for people to reach out for further information or questions?
I encourage moms to schedule a free, 15 minute phone consultation with me to see how I can help. 
You can also find more information on my website and I am on Instagram.
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Preschool Parents: Promoting Independence Through Play Spaces

5/16/2022

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As any parent of a young child knows, the toddler and preschool years are busy! It’s at this stage when young children are on the cusp of becoming more independent and wanting to do things themselves, yet still need some guidance from caregivers. There’s so much to learn and explore. 

Fostering our children’s social-emotional and academic development in this crucial period, while still managing our day-to-day work and responsibilities, can feel overwhelming or tiring at times. Parents are multitasking to keep up with it all!

What can parents do?
How can parents promote their children’s independence and learning? Are there manageable and fun ways to do this?
​Blanca Sobhan is a Montessori Teacher and Consultant with Giggle + Grow. Their focus is creating and utilizing effective learning/play environments for children.
What is Montessori?
"The Montessori method was created by doctor Maria Montessori and centers on developing the child’s whole self by providing an atmosphere with the right tools where the child can manage to do things independently. All to foster love for learning and discovery."
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How does a child’s environment/play area influence their independence and learning?
"Having the right set up can really ease some of the common challenges parents/caregivers go through with their little ones at home. 
Young children are constantly looking for hands-on opportunities to learn throughout the day, but most families' homes are set up in a way where the adult is required to do everything for them."

What tools/things are helpful to set up in a child’s play space?
"Toys, books, materials, and activities that not only entertain the child but also that can engage the development."
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What does Giggle + Grow do? What services and offerings do you have to help families?
“I help families with young children 0-6 years old from the comfort of their home using the Montessori method. I currently offer 4 services: Home Set Up, Playroom Set Up, Personalized Curriculum, Academic Support.

Beside mentoring parents and their caregivers: 
  • I design & set up child-friendly areas throughout the house to make day-to-day activities easier for the child but also for the caregiver. 
  • I design & set up a playroom where the child is motivated to easily clean up independently and promote a meaningful playtime 
  • I create a personalized curriculum tailored to the child’s needs with endless ideas and activities to do to meet developmental milestones. 
  • I provide play-based academic support using authentic Montessori materials and lessons to foster love of learning not only at home, but for upcoming school years."
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Where are you located? What area(s) do you serve?
I live in San Francisco but I serve the entire Bay Area. I currently work with families in SF, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and Marin County.

What's one tidbit of helpful information or encouragement that you'd want all families to know?
With the Montessori method you can add simplicity and beauty in your home, as well as save time & energy to spend quality time connecting with your child. You can help your child succeed at home and empower them to learn— planting the seeds now to raise independent and intelligent human beings (both intellectually and emotionally).

Parents/caregivers can set up their home to be a space of YES: YES the child can participate in everyday activities like food preparation of snacks, YES the child can get dressed and ready for the day independently… YES the child can take care of their home by cleaning up their toys effortlessly.


How to get in touch with Blanca:
www.gigglegrow.com
gigglegrowsf@gmail.com
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Did You Know You Can Add Support To Your Registry? It’s now possible with the BeHerVillage Registry

5/10/2022

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As you’re getting ready for your new baby, setting up your registry, doting on how teeny tiny newborn socks and onesies are, it’s also a good time to ensure that you’re spending some of that energy on yourself. You’ve researched and planned for how your baby will sleep, eat, and bathe, but have you done the same for you? While getting ready for birth and postpartum it’s important to consider the types of support you might want and need. 
What kind of support is out there?
There’s an endless variety of support services available for expectant parents. Maybe you want coaching, advocacy, and a calm touch during birth– that’s what a doula is for. Maybe you’re hoping to breastfeed but you’re not sure if you can make it happen– you’re going to want a lactation consultant. Maybe you want to have hot meals delivered, hands on help during the night, or someone to help guide you through the early stages of parenthood– whatever support YOU need is now at your fingertips with the BeHerVillage Registry.
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How do I pay for that kind of support?
Sadly, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum support is rarely covered by insurance and is usually somewhat costly. In the past, parents who want this kind of support have had to save for the fees, choose a provider that might cost less but doesn’t align with their family values, or opt out entirely of having extra support. BeHerVillage wants to change that for parents. With the BeHerVillage registry, new parents can register for the support services they want and deserve. Just like a standard registry where expectant parents are registering for cribs or high chairs and asking their loved ones to contribute funds to those gifts, the BeHerVillage registry allows them to ask for the funds to pay for their support services! The funds from the loved ones go directly into the account of the expectant parents, and they can book the support services they choose when they’re ready.

To break it down, BeHerVillage works like this:
  • Expectant parents register at BeHerVillage.com
  • They add the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum support services they desire
  • They share their BeHerVillage registry with their loved ones
  • Loved ones contribute funds to part or all of a registry item
  • Funds show up directly into expectant parents’ account
  • Expectant parents pay for their support when they’re ready

None of this was meant to be done alone. Get the funds you need for the support you deserve by registering at BeHerVillage.com.

Find Be Her Village on Instagram.
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Blossom's Happy Hours with our Instructors and Providers!

4/21/2022

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The second Thursday of every Month we have the pleasure to sit down and chat with one of our wonderful instructors/providers. Look out for a monthly blog post featuring our guests of the month!

Some of our past guests include:
  • Elizabeth Green (former Blossom ED and Sleep Specialist)
  • Bill White of Happy Baby Signs (learn all about the benefits of signing with baby)
  • Jenny Putt of Jenny Putt PT (prenatal and postnatal pelvic floor specialists)
  • Rotem Pearlson (postpartum doula, lactation consultant, & educator)
  • Cameron Seeberger (doula & childbirth educator)
  • Ben Arias (Beep! Beep! Car Seat & Baby Proofing)
  • Marnie Levenson (Mental Health Therapist, Blossom Board Member, & Trainer for Mentor Moms program)
To be on a Happy Hour, unless you're an already vetted Blossom Independent Contractor, you will need to go through a more detailed intake process. This process is in place to make sure we are providing sound and trusted resources to our Village of moms and parents. Thanks for your understanding and we hope to share a virtual coffee chat with you!
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Join our Provider Network today!
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At this time, the best way to reach a member of the team is to email us:
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DISCLAIMER.                                                       Photo credit: Images by Rosalinda, Lilia Faith Schwartz, Photographer, Devin Begley, and Christy Scherrer, bellymotherbaby
Blossom is not a Medical Provider and Does not Provide Medical Services.  It is understood by all persons who use Blossom’s  services that: (a) Blossom is not a medical provider and does not render medical or other health care services or treatments to any and all persons who use Blossom’s services and Blossom’s services are not intended to or shall be interpreted as imposing, any duty or obligation to provide such health care services; (b) Blossom is not in any way responsible for the health care that is delivered by a health care provider to any and all persons who use Blossom’s services; (c) health care providers are solely responsible for the health care they deliver to any and all persons using Blossom’s services; and (d) health care providers are not Blossom’s agents or employees.