How to Find a Quality Doula, Physical Therapist or Chiropractor.

It can be hard to know who to choose to be on your birth team. This blog will focus on three people you need to have on your birth team: a physical therapist, doula, and chiropractor. I wrote this blog here – for you to know how to find the best birth provider for you. Check it out if you want to know how to pick between a OB or Midwife. And this blog highlights the pro’s and con’s between hospital, birthing center and home births.

Even if your convinced you need a doula at your birth – how do you find a good one? Are all of them equal? What about a physical therapist… why is it important to go to one? Does price matter? Does experience? Does chiropractic work and could they specialize in pregnant women?

Here’s what I did. I went to the best birth workers / health professionals that I could find and asked their opinion. What sets them apart and how can a client know they struck gold or when they should keep looking. Here is what they had to say.

3 Things to Look for in a Doula:

Rooted Birth is a San Antonio Doula Collective that offers comprehensive care during prenatal, birth and postpartum. You can find them on insta: @rootedbirthsatx. They are quality. While I didn’t have them at my birth (because I wasn’t in SA at the time) I’ve connected with her and she is the real deal guys. This is what she had to say:

1. Personality. It may seem shallow, but let’s think about this for a second. You need to trust and mesh with this person. You cannot invite just anyone to your birth space. Trust your gut. Someone you click with will ultimately be better than someone who has a million births but you don’t feel comfortable around.
2. Knowledge. Where did they train? What did they love about it? How do they continue their education about birth and postpartum?
3. Birth Philosophy. Are they supportive of the type of birth you want? Are you planning a hospital birth but really only champion and support out of hospital? How will they help you adjust plans if needed?
4. Bonus: referrals. If your friends + community trust them, you will likely also trust them.

One other note she has is cost. A doula knows their worth and the mental, physical and emotional investment it takes for each client. They will fully support you during this time. However, if you pay a low-ball price be prepared to have the same amount of investment from the doula on the day of birth. *This is obviously married with all the other factors though too – just paying the highest price doesn’t ensure the best doula for you.

4 Things to Look for in a Physical Therapist

Lotus Rehab is the real deal. Holly loves to share her passion for Pelvic Health and I saw a dramatic difference in the way she cared for me verses my last PT, so I definitely wanted her opinion on what makes a quality PT. You can find her also on insta: @lotusrehab Here’s what she said:

1. They need to be willing to think outside the box. Our bodies our connected and sometimes the answer may not be what it seems. Do they have a variety of ways they treat or just one main one? Do they look at the whole body or just the source of pain?
2. They need to be passionate about pelvic health and primarily treats pelvic floor clients. I totally agree with this as my last PT before I saw Holly was qualified for pelvic floor physical therapy but wasn’t passionate and definitely wasn’t his main clientele. He did know some – but nothing compared to Lotus Rehab.
3. Does more than biofeedback. I loved this about Holly! She got me standing, squatting and did a dynamic full body assessment. She was able to tell how my body responded to in the moment, every day movements.
4. Empowering vs. Fear-driving. This is everything. I cannot express how important language is. Holly left me feeling empowered and confidant in my movements and body. I have diastasis and prolapse and never felt broken or unable to do the tasks of motherhood. If your PT uses unhelpful language or leaves you more fearful – have a conversation. If it persists – find a new one.

3 Things to Look for in a Chiropractor

Empowered Chiropractic + Essence Chiropractic are some of the best Chiro’s here in San Antonio. (I linked to their insta for you!) We thankfully have an amazing list of qualified Chiropractors. Here is what they both have to say:

1. Someone who cares for women often + is multifaceted in their approach. They use a variety of techniques to suit the needs of the patient. Specifically, someone who is knowledgeable about soft tissue injuries and modalities for treatment. This is key for postpartum women.
2. Their why. Why are they serving women? What is the goal? What is their story? Finding someone that aligns with your values and that you click with is very important.
3. Someone who is Webster certified. You can go on the Icpa4kids website to find one!
4. Someone who is comfortable with kids in their office – so you don’t have to find a babysitter!

These three people you want on your team. I cannot express how helpful it was in having a doula, physical therapist and chiropractor during my motherhood transition! Have questions? Shoot me an email, leave a comment or connect with me on instagram: @blancheschuchardt

With you.