top of page
Writer's pictureDr. Kristin Kukenberger, DC

Establishing Your Perinatal Team


Whether this is your first pregnancy or your 6th, it’s important to have a village of support. Your perinatal team should include pregnancy, postpartum, and newborn care; and, should offer you physical, emotional, and/or spiritual support. I am a huge supporter of having the people you may need during pregnancy or postpartum identified as early as possible. The hardest thing to do when you're in a crunch or crisis is to identify the right person with which to work.


Let’s talk about a few of my favorite local professionals. These are the people I trust personally or that other patients have reported phenomenal experiences or successes.


Doulas

Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum, Newborn support

Can help you navigate finding the right Midwife/OBGYN, discuss symptom management options, discuss perinatal expectations, teach you how to advocate for yourself, establish a birth plan, offer comfort measures and educational classes, help with sleep, sibling engagement & understanding, and routine formation, and placenta encapsulation.




HypnoBirthing & Yoga

Self hypnosis and relaxation techniques for physical, emotional and spiritual support and reduce fear, anxiety and pain naturally during birth. Yoga keeps you moving, flexible without injury, and maintains body balance.


Intuitive Warrior Yoga (online studio Prenatal/Postpartum)



Feeding Support

Whether you plan to breast, chest, or bottle feed, or are preparing to integrate solids, it’s nice to have someone to troubleshoot with for your first time and, well, every time because your experience with each child is a little different. If it’s your first child, establish a relationship with a lactation consultant during pregnancy so that you feel prepared for your first feed in hospital.


Le Leche League (free support)



Physical Support & Rehab

Whether you are maintaining strength for birth or restoring it postpartum, you may need or want a hand in knowing what is safe and what targets your area of interest best. Check out these programs. Know of others? Leave us a comment below!


Barrett Fitness: Prenatal & Postpartum



Pain Management

There are a few people you should have in your pocket for both the pregnancy and postpartum periods.


Chiropractic can help manage pain and tightness in the body, optimize fetal positioning by balancing your pelvis, and restore proper biomechanics faster and easier postpartum. We can also help with newborn feeding issues, colic, gas, infrequent bowel movements, and bodywork for ties. Find out more here and here.


Acupuncture can help manage some infertility causes, morning sickness, pain, anxiety, stress, and natural induction after 40 weeks.


Harmonious Holistic Acupuncture (Manlius) 315-559-7876

CNY Healing Arts


Massage can help with stress, anxiety, and pain. Know that prenatal massages are often more gentle than you expect.


CNY Healing Arts

Erika Lutwin (DeWitt)

MindBody Connection Massage & Fitness (Fayetteville)



Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

We know things like leakage, painful sex, and pelvic organ descent can be triggered by pregnancy. These common issues don’t have to be your normal. A Pelvic Floor PT is just the person you need. Be sure to discuss your comfort regarding internal vs. external work and be open to the reasons why one may be better suited for certain conditions.


LiveWell CNY Physical Therapy

Empowered Physical Therapy

Mauro-Bertolo Physical Therapy



Mental Health

There’s nothing to be embarrassed or nervous about here. Perinatal mood disorders including (not limited to) anxiety & depression are common and you will be in a better position long term by working with a professional. If you have a history of anxiety or depression, it’s a good idea to even just check in with a mental health professional to take inventory of your situation.


Crouse: Perinatal Family Support Free group support



This is not an exhaustive list, just who we work with most frequently. We welcome any new provider information with whom you have had experience!

20 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page