What is the Webster Technique?
What is the Webster technique?
Simply put, the Webster Technique is an analysis and correction of the bony structures, muscles, and ligaments of the pelvis using gentle chiropractic adjustments.No twisting, cracking, or popping at our office!
The Webster Technique is specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment that reduces interference to the nervous system and balances maternal pelvic muscles and ligaments. This in turn may reduce tension in the mother’s pelvic muscles and ligaments and contribute to optimal fetal positioning in preparation for birth." -International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA)
If you're pregnant, you may have heard of the Webster Technique because of breech presentation; Webster Technique can definitely help with breech babies!
Webster technique can help you to:
Have a more comfortable pregnancy
Have an easier labor
Give your baby the best chance to get into optimal position
Studies & Research:
Study #1 by Dr. Joan Fallon
In a study of 65 women presented at the World Chiropractic Congress, Dr. Joan Fallon showed that pregnant mothers under principled chiropractic care from their 10th week of pregnancy until birth experienced 24% shorter labor times than average for women in their first pregnancy and 39% shorter labor times for women who've had multiple pregnancies. Women who exercise and receive chiropractic care with the Webster Technique during pregnancy enjoy shorter, easier labors (decrease by an average of 2 hours); experience fewer medical interventions (24% fewer cesarean deliveries and 14% reduction in use of forceps); experience less fetal distress; and enjoy a faster recovery. (Pregnancy and Chiropractic a narrative review of the literature by Cara Borggren)
Study #2 by Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics"
In a study published in 2002 in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 187 surveys were conducted over 1047 chiropractors. They measured the success rate of Webster Technique on removing intrauterine constraint for babies. The results showed 92% resolution of breech presentation! The study also suggests Webster is beneficial in the 8th month of pregnancy when breech presentation is unlikely to spontaneously change and when external cephalic version (ECV) technique is not effective.
Study #3 by The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology- Netherlands
In a 2008 study by The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the Netherlands found that External Cephalic Version (ECV) is only 58% successful in achieving a head down position. It is important to realize that chiropractors are not turning babies or assessing and managing any fetal conditions or positions directly, but rather ensuring balance in a pregnant woman’s body which may result in the fetus achieving an ideal position for birth.
How do I find a practitioner?
Many Jacksonville moms contact us because they have a breech baby and they've heard about the Webster Technique. This method, given by a chiropractor through specific adjustments, can be very helpful for you- but you don't want to go to just any chiropractor! It is important to look for a practitioner who has had the additional training required to complete the Webster Technique certification.If you're in the Jacksonville, FL area, contact us for your appointment HERE.
If you're located elsewhere, you can find a Webster Certified Prenatal Chiropractor near you by searching here: www.ICPA4kids.org/Find-a- chiropractor
There is a reason that the Webster Technique had been called a 'God-send' for expecting moms. It's because, ideally, we want to give you the birth story that you have always desired and the Webster Technique has helped many women to do just that!