For the Mother:

• Relief of pain and discomfort

• Creating a state of balance in the pelvis by maintaining proper joint function in the bony pelvis, and relaxing the ligaments and muscles surrounding the pelvis. This allows for an easier pregnancy and delivery.

• Reducing interference to the mother’s nervous system which controls and coordinates all of her systems and functions

• By improving maternal function, we are decreasing the potential for unnecessary intervention during delivery

For the Infant:

• In balancing the mother’s pelvis more room is created for the baby to move into the best position for birth- proper fetal positioning also decreases the chance of dystocia (difficult labor)

• Facilitating better baby development by reducing interference to the mother’s nervous system

What is the Webster Technique?

The Webster technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment to the sacrum. In addition to the adjustment, any tightness or tenderness found in the ligaments surrounding the uterus are addressed. The goal of the technique is to balance the pelvis. In doing so the fetus is given the maximum amount of space needed to develop and prepare for delivery, making labor easier for both mom and baby.

How effective is it?

The Webster Technique is shown to be 85% effective in allowing a breech baby to turn. In comparison, the external cephalic version (ECV) that is performed by obstetricians has only shown to have less than a 50% success rate. Additionally an ECV is much riskier, more painful, and requires the use of strong medications. Rather than forcing the baby to turn, the gentle Webster Technique simply facilitates the process by optimizing the environment and allows the birth process to proceed naturally.

Additional Resources:

An Expectant Parent's Guide to Chiropractic
Uterine ligaments
By Your Side Birth Services - certified birth doulas serving the Washington DC metro area