Welcome to the 2024 Integrative Obstetric Care Conference
Breakfast starts at 7:30 AM. Opening remarks will be at 8:15 AM.
For details on suggested attire or how to get to the venue, visit our Getting There page.
7:30 - 8:15 AM
Breakfast
8:15 AM
Opening Remarks
Demystifying the aches and pains of pregnancy - why chiropractic can help
Lisa Vawter, DC
The physical changes that occur during pregnancy are essential for accommodating the growing uterus and ensuring the safety of both the mother and the baby. However, the rapid nature of these changes often leads to pain and discomfort. Studies have shown that over 60% of pregnant individuals experience low back pain, while 20% report pelvic girdle pain. Identifying these changes and understanding how they contribute to discomfort can significantly help demystify the aches and pains that affect many people at some point during their pregnancy. Chiropractic care offers a conservative and holistic approach to support the physical changes of pregnancy. Research has demonstrated that when added to standard obstetric care, chiropractic treatment can effectively decrease pain and disability related to pregnancy, providing expectant mothers with a safe and effective way to manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being.
8:30 - 9:30 AM
The Power of Movement for the Expectant Person
Jenny Hellman, MSW, RPYT
Yoga, an ancient mind-body practice from India, supports expectant people through a combination of postures, movement, breathwork, and meditation. As a research-based integrative approach, prenatal yoga offers both physical and mental benefits to pregnant people. This session will focus on specific prenatal yoga poses that have been shown to reduce discomfort during pregnancy, labor, and birth, as well as shorten the duration of labor and alleviate symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression. The importance of ongoing research to further explore the potential benefits of this complementary practice in the context of prenatal care will also be discussed.
9:30 - 10:30 AM
Evidence on Doulas
Rebecca Dekker, PhD, RN
We will explore the research evidence on doula support, a type of one-on-one care provided by trained companions who offer continuous physical, informational, and emotional support during labor. We will discuss the various types of doulas, their training, certifications, traditional practices, and perspectives on doula care, while also identifying opportunities and challenges in the field. By making the evidence on doula care accessible, we aim to help birthing people, their partners, and families make informed decisions about working with a doula, educate communities, demonstrate the value of doulas to hospitals and medical providers, and advocate for policies that recognize doulas as essential members of the care team.
10:30 - 11:30 AM
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Lunch & Networking Break
Guided Yoga Wellness Session
11:30 AM
12:30 PM
Guided Meditation Wellness Session
Lamaze to Pranayama: The Power of the Breath in Pregnancy
Shilpa Babbar, MD, MS, FACOG
The power of breath in pregnancy is explored, focusing on the practice of pranayama, a yogic breathing technique, as well as preliminary data on the impact of alternate nostril breathing and sheetali pranayama on blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature in pregnant women. The autonomic nervous system's role in regulating breath and the potential benefits of pranayama in managing chronic medical and psychological conditions in non-pregnant populations are discussed.
1:00 - 2:00 PM
The Power of Food: Medicine, Culture, Family & Connection
Shafeeqa Small
Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of both the pregnant individual and the developing fetus throughout pregnancy. As the food industry evolves and new scientific research uncovers the healing properties of various foods, it is increasingly important to apply these principles to prenatal care. This session will explore the impact of dietary lifestyle practices on pregnancy outcomes and demonstrate how simple communication techniques can effectively improve nutritional intake for expectant parents and their families. By providing evidence-based recommendations and practical strategies, healthcare professionals can empower pregnant individuals to make informed choices about their nutrition, ultimately promoting optimal health for both mother and child.
2:00 - 3:00 PM
Physical Therapy in the Birth Space: The Biomechics of the Pelvic Floor in Birth
Kelsey Beach, DPT, CMTPT
The lecture will cover the importance of childbirth education and how pelvic floor therapy is becoming an integral part of birth preparation. The evidence of closed glottis and open glottis pushing and what the pelvic floor does during each will be discussed. Birth positions will also be covered, and real-time ultrasound videos of what the pelvic floor does with each position will be presented.