Holistic Perinatal Chiropractic Care: An Interview with Dr. Belle
Welcome to our latest interview! Today, we are thrilled to have Dr. Belle from our Linden Hills office, share her journey and insights into the holistic approach to health and nutrition for women during pregnancy and children.
Introduction to Specialty
Q: Can you tell us about your journey into specializing in perinatal and pediatric chiropractic care? What inspired you to also focus on nutrition?
A: My journey into this specialized field has been deeply rooted in my upbringing and professional experiences. Growing up in a household immersed in holistic nutrition, I developed an appreciation for the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. It was during my attendance at the Webster certification program that I realized the profound impact of chiropractic care on pregnancy and childbirth outcomes, leading me to specialize in perinatal care. Pediatric chiropractic was a natural progression, recognizing the potential for chiropractic to support growth and health from an early age.
Day Starter
Q: How do you like to start your day? Do you have a morning routine that energizes you?
A: I start my day with a Hatch alarm providing calming music and red light therapy. Instead of coffee, I drink water enhanced with LMNT electrolytes and trace minerals to stay hydrated and energized.
Inspiration Source
Q: Who has been the most influential person in your life or career?
A: The most influential person in my life and career is undoubtedly my mom. While it might sound like a cliché, her impact on my journey has been profound and transformative.
My mom's dedication to holistic nutrition and personal training has been nothing short of inspiring. When my brother faced a challenging diagnosis of cancer, she made the courageous decision to leave her long-term career behind. She realized that life is too precious to spend it pursuing anything other than one's true passions. My mom embarked on a new path, starting her own business in our small hometown in Minnesota. Watching her pursue her dreams, even in the face of adversity, taught me the power of perseverance and the importance of following your heart.
Through her business, my mom has created this incredible haven of health and wellness, offering personalized holistic nutritional programs, one-on-one personal training sessions, and group boxing classes. Her commitment to empowering others to live their healthiest, happiest lives is truly inspiring.
What sets my mom apart is her boundless compassion and empathy. She didn't just stop at helping those seeking fitness and nutrition guidance; she went above and beyond by getting certified in Rock Steady Boxing to support individuals with Parkinson's disease. Her dedication to making a difference in the lives of others, no matter the obstacles, has left an indelible mark on me. She has taught me to never settle for anything less than my dreams, to approach challenges with courage and grace, and to always lend a helping hand to those in need. In essence, my mom is not just my greatest influence; she is my hero, my mentor, and my guiding light. Her impact on my life and career will continue to inspire me for years to come.
Personal Interests
Q: Outside of your professional life, what are some hobbies or activities you enjoy?
A: I cherish spending time outdoors, walking trails with my dog Ollie, and enjoying my family cabin on Lake Miltona. Paddleboarding, skiing, and playing yard games with my family and our five dogs are some of my favorite activities.
Understanding Perinatal Care
Q: Let's dive deeper into chiropractic care! How does chiropractic care benefit women during pregnancy? Are there specific challenges or common issues that you help address?
A: Chiropractic care offers invaluable support and relief for women throughout pregnancy. It focuses on optimizing spinal alignment and nervous system function, alleviating common pregnancy related issues like low back pain, pubic pain, and hip pain. By gently realigning the spine and pelvis, chiropractic adjustments reduce pain and discomfort, allowing expectant mothers to enjoy this precious time.
Pediatric Focus
Q: What role does chiropractic play in pediatric care? Could you share how early interventions can benefit children’s health?
A: From the moment of birth, children benefit immensely from chiropractic care. Early interventions can prevent issues from escalating and support optimal immune function, improve sleep quality, enhance cognitive development, and promote overall wellbeing. Chiropractic care is beneficial for conditions like colic, reflux, and ear infections, providing noninvasive relief and supporting healthy growth.
Go-to Supplements for Patients
Q: What are your go-to supplements for your patients?
A: For daily health maintenance, I recommend electrolytes (ex. LMNT), trace minerals, a multivitamin or prenatal supplement for women, vitamin D and a probiotic. These supplements support overall health and are especially beneficial during pregnancy.
First Visit Expectations
Q: What should a new patient expect during their first visit to your clinic when coming in for issues related to pregnancy or hormone health?
A: New patients can expect a comprehensive consultation, a physical examination, and a personalized treatment plan tailored to their needs. We focus on education and empowerment, providing ongoing support to ensure they achieve their health goals. You can schedule online with Dr. Belle, here!
Home Care Tips
Q: Are there any exercises or home care tips you usually give to your patients to enhance the effectiveness of your treatments?
A: Absolutely, incorporating exercises and home care tips into a patient's treatment plan can enhance the effectiveness of chiropractic care!
I'll go over some of my favorite exercises and home care tips that I often provide to my patients:
Stretching Exercises: Stretching helps improve flexibility, reduce muscle tension, and promote proper alignment of the spine and joints. I often recommend specific stretches targeting areas of tightness or tension, such as the neck, shoulders, lower back, and hips. These may include neck stretches, shoulder rolls, trunk rotations, hamstring stretches, and hip flexor stretches.
Strengthening Exercises: Strengthening exercises help stabilize the spine and surrounding muscles, which can reduce the risk of injury and improve overall musculoskeletal function. I typically give my patients exercises targeting core stability, postural muscles, and specific areas of weakness or imbalance. These include planks, bridges, squats, lunges, and stability ball exercises.
Postural Correction: Poor posture can contribute to a variety of musculoskeletal issues, including neck and back pain. I provide guidance on proper posture and ergonomics for various activities, such as sitting at a desk, standing, lifting objects, and using electronic devices. Simple adjustments to posture and workstation setup can make a significant difference in reducing strain on the spine and preventing discomfort.
Some other recommendations would be:
Mindful Movement Practices: Mind/body practices such as yoga can complement chiropractic care by promoting relaxation, improving flexibility, and enhancing body awareness. I love to encourage my patients to incorporate these practices into their daily routine.
Self-care Strategies: Encouraging patients to prioritize selfcare activities such as adequate rest, hydration, nutrition, and stress management is essential for supporting their overall health and wellbeing. I like to provide guidance on healthy lifestyle habits and stress reduction techniques that complement chiropractic care and promote optimal healing.
Home Care Tools: Depending on the patient's needs, I may recommend the use of home care tools such as foam rollers, massage balls, or orthopedic pillows to support their treatment plan and address specific areas of tension or discomfort. These tools can help patients maintain the benefits of chiropractic adjustments between office visits and promote self healing.
Relaxation Techniques
Q: How do you unwind after a busy day at the clinic?
A: I enjoy nature walks with my dog, spending quality time with my husband, engaging in mindfulness practices, and reading. These activities help me recharge and maintain balance.
