Pregnancy and Death

A morbid title I know, but these are two very real things that any practicing doctor experiences throughout his career. The excitement of patients' pregnancies, and subsequently the miracle of birth. The sadness of loss when a person passes away, whether naturally or tragically. I am a celebrator of life whether the former or the latter. I admit I have never been much of a mourner. I do get sad when memories of a friend, patient and/or loved one pops into my head, but I do not dwell on the loss, rather I try to remember all the good times I spent with that person. As a chiropractor, I would like to think that the care I provided enriched the lives of those patients that are no longer among us. In fact I know it did, and I suppose I get some comfort in that. Maximizing someone's health potential is awesome, especially when I am able to see the lifestyle changes that occur. I've had patients that could not enjoy a night out at dinner and/or the movies due to various reasons... too far to walk, too much stimulus causing severe headaches, no money because of inability to work. Chiropractic care and the body's ability to heal have helped those folks regain their health so that they could once again walk comfortably, live without headaches, or go back to work. It's awesome to be part of that.

I get especially excited about new pregnancies in my practice. I have always loved babies and kids, and now I get to care for them pre and post birth. Caring for expectant mothers is great. With chiropractic care, they are more comfortable and active throughout their pregnancies and typically have easier, shorter labor and delivery. I can't count how many mothers have said they regret not having chiropractic during their first pregnancy. They see how wonderful and different it is being under chiropractic care while pregnant. They even comment on how the unborn baby seems to get excited after a gentle chiropractic adjustment. Newborns are especially fun to work with because their little bodies are just beginning to function on their own. Assisting in keeping their nervous systems functioning at 100% is a joy, as I get calls from parents recalling the miraculous changes that occurred shortly after leaving my practice. Babies that are colicky have become "poop machines" or babies with torticollis are now turning their heads normally to nurse. It's really cool to be a part of that.