Chiropractic and Infants

This is such a debate and such a topic that comes up often. I wish my phone could be an all encompassing notification center when someone questions/debates chiropractic for infants. Of course this is not technology available so please share this blog everywhere you can to spread the word. 

Why would I need to have my infant adjusted? They spent the last 9 months or so inside all crunched up and resting against your ribs or your hips, then they got squeezed repeatedly for 4-40 hours and then pushed through a tiny hole while some of them got pulled through this tiny hole by their necks. How would you feel?

Why would my toddler need to be adjusted? Have you seen how these kids sleep haha all curled up and head hanging over (especially if they fell asleep in the car!). How does our head and neck feel after we sleep in a less-than-optimal position? How about how often they fall! They are learning to walk and jump and climb and fall OFTEN. They may not cry every time they fall but that doesn't mean they didn't get hurt. I'm not saying they hurt themselves every time but that crying is not always the only indication. 

I could go on and on with questions, but I will have the worlds longest blog post. Stay tuned for more questions answered and ask questions below if you would like more information :) 

Join us on Facebook as well :) 

Bringing Blogging Back!

So I decided I'm bringing blogging back (said to the tune of bringing sexy back! heehee). Writing is a way to get your message to reach numerous people, and when you have numerous things to talk about and you don't mind using yourself as a platform then WHY NOT! 

This past weekend I volunteered to plan/work/speak at the International Babywearing Conference 2014 in Tempe, AZ ( #ibc2014az ). Planning was so much work. And as I have helped plan day conferences and speakers and vender fairs, this one took the cake. Many things went wrong, many many things. Somehow all of us mothers were able to pull together and pull off an amazing conference. 

Speaking at the conference was something I was looking forward to. I haven't spoken in front of a crowd for a while, and was so ready to do so again. I had two sessions. One on Biomechanics in Babywearing and one on Chiropractic in Pregnancy and Birth. Both sessions went extremely well and am pleased with the feedback. 

So why start writing again??? Some of the feedback was to have more information on the content of my lectures, some was to explain things more, and some was to just keep talking and tell them more! I had completely forgotten how much useful information i have stored underneath all this brown hair! 

I'm excited and I hope you are too! 

 

International Babywearing Week 2012

This week is International Babywearing Week so I thought I would write a little post on what babywearing has meant to me as a doctor and a mother. Babywearing was not a word I was familiar with until 2008. Before that I knew my mother wore me during walks and when she cleaned the house or when we went to the zoo. It was in a backpack style carrier (which now we know aren't safe for little ones hips).

I didn't know it had a phrase or following until 2008 when I had a patient come into my office named Paige and her daughter Maddi. Paige answered all my questions, and as a doctor who dealt with pediatrics I had plenty of them. Babywearing and all it encompassed passed my doctor approved activities. At the time I was not a mother (despite the on and off battle Brian and I were having with trying to conceive), but I knew that when the day came I would be in the market for a carrier (or twelve) of my own. ;)

Before my daughter Kyla was even born I had 3 different carriers ready to try out and couldn't wait for the opportunity. Kyla was 9 days late (go figure!) and she ended up in the NICU for a couple days pending some tests and observation (she was completely fine). I would have worn her out of the hospital if they let me, but they didn't. She was wrapped within 5 minutes of being home. I wore her tons during those first few months to bring back the bond I lost during those first few days. Here is a picture of Kyla the second day home.

Last year during IBW 2011 Kyla was extra fussy and I wrapping her was the only sure fire way to get a nap out of her. I ended up wearing her while adjusting 12 patients in a row. I considered this a score for multiple reasons ... 1. A NAP!! Yay! 2. Patients being understanding. I couldn't believe the compliance I received from them ALL! Amazing how in my line of work I can make people feel better while comforting my child at the same time. This is a picture of us after that long day about a year ago.

Can't wait for this weeks IBW. With a photo shoot and a flash mob, I'm sure we can spread awareness to even more families and patients ;)

Update :)

These last few months have been crazy in the "Life of a female chiropractor" ... Brian and I have taken the step and officially opened our own practice. This for me is a dream. It's exactly what I wanted when I originally picked my career as a chiropractor but somehow lost vision of throughout life and the dreams and pressures to make as money money as you can. Here is a description of what my new office ... Optimum Wellness Chiropractic ... Has to offer. Office hours based on patient visits, meaning the office is open to visits anytime on MWF, however I will not be there unless there is an actual patient scheduled. In home chiropractic care for patients who are unable to attend an office apt for various reasons. Prenatal and postnatal care, including attending births! Infertility counseling using natural healing supplements and diet changes. Food and household allergy testing through muscle testing using a food allergy panel and household items. I can't believe how real and exciting this part of my journey is. It allows me to spend more time with Kyla (my now 17 month old!), offer more direct and attentive care to patients, offer more variety, and really get to know my patients and hear what they need. The anticipation to be bringing more infertility treatments and prenatal care has overwhelmed me with joy and I can't wait to get rolling. Please share this blog with anyone you know who could benefit from what our new office has to offer. OPTIMUM WELLNESS CHIROPRACTIC 14362 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, Suite B109 Scottsdale, AZ 85027 (602)904-5692

New Year!!! Welcome 2012

One of my New Years Resolutions is to get back on track with all my projects. I have been slacking ever since Kyla was born. Now that she is on a schedule and I am situated in the office I am ready to go!

One of the ways to organize was to write down everything I wanted to accomplish this year (wow it was a lot). Then I prioritized the accomplishments. This year I added something new into the mix, something I just was exposed to ... ACTION STEPS!

Action steps are simply "the actions you are going to take to get to the desired goal". Who would have thought these would be important??? However, when you stop and think more about it you realize that it is the most important part of goal setting.

Let's us the most common goal someone has when the new year rolls around ... loosing weight! When you start to think of goals and you think, "I want to loose weight this year. I've done it before and I went to the gym and ate better." And then you write it down on the list. Two months from now, when you go back to read those goals you see "loose weight" on there you then immediately start to evaluate yourself ... "is the weight coming off???"

If you used action steps that process would go more like this ... two months from now you look at your list and see ... "shop healthier with a list, go to the gym to lift weights 3x/wk, go for a 30min walk 3xs/wk, park the car further away, no dairy, no gluten, no sugar". Now you can evaluate yourself on a smaller scale. Such as, "Yes, I shop with a list, I do the exercise I stated, but I have been sneaking sugar and I need to get better at that."

The second route is a more mentally healthy way of living. Mental health and growth is something we ALL can strive for.

So Close

So the days of being pregnant are coming to a close. And while I am fully enjoying my time being pregnant and I am grateful for even being able to get pregnant in the first place, I am so ready to see what our little girl looks like.

So far I am have gained a total of 20lbs! Of course half of that is baby :) I have maintained a high protein diet and of course being allergic to gluten has made this a low carbohydrate pregnancy as well. I have kept a good regimen of vitamins and teas to keep a healthy home for our little one. Now nearing the end I have begun to incorporate homeopathic treatments and herbs as well. It is a way of toning my uterus (baby's home) to support in contractions and a smooth labor. One is Mother's Cordial Elixir and the other is a Homeopathic Kit of 18 Childbirth Remedies which will be used before, during, and after birth. There are numerous combination of homeopathy that will produce different effects from ripening the cervix, turning the baby, pain management, and even postpartum pain. Currently we are in the before labor stages of toning the uterus :)

I am so excited to have been exposed to all this and love passing it on to more moms out there.

We also have been blessed to be able to do some wonderful pregnancy related events. We took maternity photos with Andrea Gallagher Photography and they turned out amazing. Brian and I in our almost 9 years together have never done a "photo shoot" together. It was a great experience to gaze at each other and let our love show on camera. We also did a Belly Cast. It was so cute to actually see what everyone else sees in real life once the cast came off and was dry. I am not sure what we will do with the cast but I'm sure some more creativity will emerge.

As We Get Closer

As the due date gets closer and closer the office grows more excited to meet our little girl. We have started an office pool where everyone can guess on random baby girl facts for a chance to win a gift card. Everyone loves a healthy competition ;) It is so fun to sit down and read what everyone thinks the baby will weight or how long they believe I will be in labor for. I am enjoying every guess.

Also, last night we set up the birth pool to see how long it would take to fill up. It was a good thing we did a test run (Brian's idea) because we noticed the tile floor in the dinning room (where we set up the pool) really cooled the water down quick. Brian also has a bucket heater in a 5 gallon bucket to get water warm quicker than boiling on the stove. However, we noticed that two buckets would be more efficient than the one we had last night. All and all the pool was very relaxing with enough room for Brian and I to both be in there and he still can do therapy on me (very lucky to have a personal massage therapist on call). Now we just have to prep our "unofficial dula" Kami on the process and I believe we are ready for the relaxation of a water birth :)

As far as adjusting goes ... I am doing great. There is no problem working on patients of all sizes (just can't help all of them up form the table when treatment is complete). Paying close attention to my diet and exercise has really paid off in the work environment.

Still Amazed

So I am not sure if this happens to all my female chiropractic friends or if I am the only one with the privilege of these interactions ...

I was standing in line today at a grocery store picking up some food for lunches in the office. The lady behind me saw my name tag and it says "Dr. Dara" on it. She said "Oh, your a doctor, you're so young. What are you a doctor of?" I began to inform the lady that I was a chiropractor over on the other side of town and I was on my way to work. She came back with "I didn't know there were such a thing as female chiropractors". I was so distraught with that comment that I came back with, "Why yes they do, we are quicker, gentler, and smarter. And they also let us get pregnant" as I pointed to my belly (which would have been funnier if I was bigger and didn't just look like a fat lady right now). She smiled and said "good for you, I hope your baby is ok".

Haha Being pregnant is not a handicap. Not taking care of yourself during pregnancy is. The physical activity of my job is possible because I take care of myself and my baby inside. I pay close attention and take breaks as needed. I have to say that adjusting people all day is far less strenuous than the physical 30-60 minute workout I do 3-6 days a week.

I love my job and I love that women are such a great part of chiropractic.

(Picture to the left is me adjusting a young man in Brazil who said his pain was so bad he "didn't want to live anymore" ... no pressure!)

Healthy Pregnancy

So many people have asked me how my pregnancy is going and when I state really well they think I am lying. I have taken great care and focus into this pregnancy. I have not taken it as a license to just "eat or do whatever" like mothers sometimes do. I took this as an opportunity to grow the best life I can. It hasn't been easy, but I believe in the end it will be completely worth it.

A Couple Things I Keep in Mind Every Day:
Protein - I can't begin to say how important it is to keep the amount of protein I eat above 80 grams. It is hard to consume that much. In the beginning of the pregnancy I was full so easily and all it felt like i was eating was protein. I have discovered pure protein isolate mixed with goat milk yogurt or with powdered greens has provided a great way to get it all in there.
Sugars - Keeping the amount of refined sugars minimal to none. I save my sweets for moments when they are REALLY wanted. Which is my normal when I wasn't pregnant. I love sweets! I turn to coconut milk ice cream, fruit, and every once and a while some gluten free baked goods.
Vitamin D - The importance of this vitamin is so high. It changes everything from preterm birth to gestational diabetes to infection. The recommended does is from 4,000-6,000 IUs/day.
DHA - You are not only growing a human, but growing a brain! That new brain needs DHA. These are found in fish oils, but adding some specific DHA by itself it also a good idea. There are also companies that make flavored ones (strawberry and orange) to help with the indigestion.

All of this put together has brought me to where I am today. Healthy at 22 weeks with no sickness and no excess weight gain!

As The Belly Grows ...

As the belly grows things get interesting ...

Patients start asking "are you pregnant?" They get all upset when you say yes and they respond with "why didn't you tell me?" Well, for one thing, while most of the female patients are excited and smiley there are some patients who have a decrease in confidence in you as a doctor. Being pregnant is the highest of the female tasks and while female chiropractors are gaining more headway as great doctors it brings us right back to the beginning when patients associate the doctor with pregnancy. Most of patient's concerns deal with the physical side of adjusting. Let me address that right now ... while it will become more difficult to adjust with 1-2 feet of belly sticking out in front of me, you would never say anything to that 350lb male chiropractor down the street! I'm sure his belly is just as big (or larger) than mine will be. From large amounts of research I have found that most pregnant chiropractors are fine adjusting all the way up until they give birth. The only thing that may hold them back is energy level. I am looking forward to working right until I pop! Being at the office adjusting patients is like a great workout that lasts all day. I am expecting it to prepare me for labor.

Another interesting side is the amount of movement you can feel. It hits you at the strangest time, like when you are taking notes on a new patient, or when you are doing some myofascial (muscle) work, or when you are on the phone and boom! that internal belly poke. While I love the constant reminder the baby is in there it's hard not to act distracted when it catches you off guard. Kinda funny actually when I have to explain to my NEW patient what's really going on. Oh the joys!

Oh How Things Change

Haven't posted in a while so there are numerous things to update on ...

In the past months ... found out we were expecting, packed up everything and moved to Arizona for an amazing job, moved into a great house, and settled into our new life.

I am very excited to say that with a baby on the way the Blog will have all sorts of new things to talk about (as well as funny stories and situations).

The Job ... I have accepted a position as an associate in an Applied Kinesiology office that also does Nutrition. The office has a great flow and the staff is extremely pleasant to be around. It makes for a peaceful healing environment. I am sure patients appreciate this. Most patients have been with the other doctor for over 10 years (some as long as 18). It is nice to see patients realize and carry out the benefits of wellness care. I feel as though this will be home for a while. I am slowing but surely building up my side of the practice and am ready for the future.

The Baby ... This week has been full of milestones! We heard the heartbeat at our home on a fetoscope (like a stethoscope but made specifically for pregnancy) and we were able to feel the baby kicking and moving around from the outside. So far there has been no impedance in working or adjusting patients. The belly is not big enough for people to realize I'm expecting let alone get in the way of an adjustment. I am sure the day will come when I have to think about "how am I going to get that bone right there to move with this belly!" Everyone in the office is excited to be able to have an office mascot come early May. I am sure with all the women we have here the baby will be loved all day long (even if it isn't by me all day).

Keep posted for updates :)

And It Begins

As license for Florida rolls into my hands I am beginning the process of opening an office. As it is scary and exciting at the same time I can't help but feel overwhelmed at the moment. Who knew so much went into starting a business. I am in the very beginning stages ... researching and meeting with a CPA to organize myself and prepare.

It seems as though when people know you are beginning this adventure everyone has something to say, some advice to offer, or some negative experience to throw at you. I have to say that while all thoughts are welcomed with open ears all negativity is thrown right back out the other side. I have no room in my mind for such nonsense. I am surrounding my self with positive thoughts and happy karma and I thank EVERYONE who is contributing as such.

I will look back on this time of feeling so lost and overwhelmed and feel proud of myself for how much has been accomplished and how beautifully things turned out.

HERE WE GO! :)

Birthday

As I turn 29 I realize all I have accomplished thus far. My movement towards being a professional has been nothing but trying and COMPLETELY worth it. I have enjoyed every moment along the way. From almost not going to college because my mother wanted me to stay home and get a job, to present day waiting for license to come in the mail.

I am thankful for all the years I have surpassed and all the more the come. I can not believe it is my last year in my 20's! I will embrace it with open arms and see all it has to offer. I am sure there are many changes to come this next year making the turn to 30 a magnificent one. Cannot wait!

Update

So it has been a while since applying fro license in both California and Florida. Still no word on either state however I am telling myself to remain patient and count my blessings I have a job to hold me over until I can participate in my true calling.
I have been thinking more and more about moving back to San Diego and working with a doctor in Pacific Beach. It would be an amazing opportunity and well worth the experience. I am working on recruiting someone to move with me. Of course this thought is a while off from being executed, however still a realistic dream. I would be working with a well established Applied Kinesiologist whose practice has been growing fro years in the pacific beach area.
I want nothing more for my career than to be respected and appreciated for what I have to offer and I believe in PB I can achieve such a goal.

Finding a Job

So as my license is closer to coming in the mail I am searching for a place to practice in FL (or anywhere I would love to live for that matter). It is hard to find something in this economy that is a legitimate office and has a respectable practice. Most offices have taken note from pain clinics and thrive on insurance companies and bleeding people dry (not the route I want to take). However, other offices I would love to work in are down 25% in office collections which is not the time to bring in a new doctor. I am working hard at finding a place to practice, even if it means a move out of the state.

WISH ME LUCK!

Move back to South Florida

On Monday morning at 3:30am I began my trek towards South Florida. I decided to take the eastern route to drive through VA and the Carolina's. I have never driven this route before. I was excited about the drive until I was driving in rain for the better part of 10 hours!
It changed to snow in a part of WV. I was standing there in my rainbows pumping gas in the rain thinking about how cold I was and how much I wished it would stop raining to make my drive a little easier. I looked up and realized it was snowing :) I think there is something so magical about snow. I can't help but smile when it is snowing. It lightly falls/floats to the ground. I am upset that will probably be the only time I see snow this year.
My drive continued through the snow for a couple hours and I loved every minute of it. Snow while you drive along the Appalachian mountains was breath taking.
It didn't last for long because it turned back into rain as I reached NC. I hit so much rain and traffic that I was almost 4 hours behind on my drive. This put me in Port Orange, FL around 12:45am where at this point I decided to crash at a friends house until the next morning. I woke up the next morning and drove the last 3 hours of the drive in the sun with the windows down. I forgot how much I missed sunny weather with it being 70 degrees out. It was the prefect ending to the drive.
Now I am in South Florida for a while. I am happy to be around friends and have the love and support of my family close by. Time to open a new chapter ...

Weekend of Chiropractors in Traverse City, MI

For Thanksgiving this year I decided to meet up with friends in Traverse City, MI. I have visited this town a couple time before, but never spent a weekend. We spent the weekend at the parents house of a friend of mine from chiropractic school. They graciously allowed a couple of us to spend the weekend there while they supplied us with food and fun.
I was thinking throughout the weekend that there is a silent understanding between most chiropractors. Most chiropractors have this desire to help people and when you spend time around a number of chiropractors at the same time you can tell. Most of us are caring, nurturing, loving individuals. I had a fabulous weekend and am very thankful of friends and their love.

Changes (Again)

Well I'm moving again. The journey that was/is Western Michigan is coming to an end as I move back to South Florida.
It never ceases to amaze me how hard it is to be a female in Chiropractic. The job in Grand Rapids, MI seemed great to the average person. It required a small move from Grandville, MI however, it paid 3xs as much and offered free rent. (Lesson 1 = things can be too good to be true). I was very sceptical on the situation, but I also knew there was nothing to lose. I jumped right in and began "training" which lasted over a month (first time that has ever happened). I also recieved strange phone calls from my boss with promises never met. The boss also would call at strange hours for just small talk (all while I was thinking this is not normal for a boss). I am not completely naieve and realized what was going on. However, I put my thoughts on hold while I studied and prepared for the last of my board exams. Once the exams were over I reevaluated the situation that was my job and decided to head back to South Florida. I think what solidified it was when my boss asked me to marry him because I told him I was using a small sledge hammer to turn the master shower on and off since he did not fix it (like he said he would 4 weeks ago). I have never met a more conniving person in my life. A business owner who thinks they know exactly how to run an office all while his office is running without him. A business owner who asks each employee about the other employees, and then twists the statements around and uses them as scare tactics.
Now, I am by no means a business owner nor do I pretend to be. I do however know a few things on how to make an office run smoothly, and talking behind their employees backs and making up lies is not the way to solve anything (especially when the employees all talk and exchange information with each other and catch him in lies).
I am leaving Michigan smarter, happier, slightly older, but very much wiser and ready to take on my next position in the Chiropractic field (wherever/whatever it may be).
To all my friends in South Florida ... here I come :0)

Lately

So far in Michigan ...

Work is going well. I have been shadowing the other doctors in the office and learning how to put things together and the flow of everything with Applied Kinesiology. You take the certification course and you THINK you are good to go, but in actuality there is soooo much more to it. I am thankful to have this opportunity. I know in the end I will grow from this experience in so many ways.

Now I wish people would just show up for yoga class!

Adjusting

Michigan is far different then Florida. So far I am adjusting well to the new surroundings. I have been very busy and have great friends here to hangout with. Most weekends have been nice and sunny with numerous boat trips to take in the sun.
However, I am worried about the snow and the cold. The more people try to prepare me for what is to come this winter, the more nervous I get. I am just a little FL girl. I am sure I am tough enough to handle it, but I guess we will have to wait and see.
I have many exams and reviews in the next two months and I will be very busy working at the same time. I just pray I will keep my head on straight and I can handle the pressure so everything will turn out amazing in the end.