Why Pregnancy Calls for an Integrative Approach

Pregnancy is one of the most physically and emotionally demanding experiences a person can go through — and also one of the most underserved when it comes to musculoskeletal and holistic support. Most prenatal care focuses appropriately on obstetric monitoring, but the day-to-day discomforts of pregnancy — back pain, pelvic pressure, nausea, fatigue, anxiety, disrupted sleep — are often left for patients to manage on their own.

At Totality Holistics, we believe pregnancy deserves a full care team. Here is how our three disciplines work together to support you from conception through postpartum.

Prenatal Chiropractic: The Webster Technique

Dr. Michael is Webster Technique certified — a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment protocol designed for pregnant patients. The Webster Technique addresses sacral subluxation and SI joint dysfunction, which are extremely common during pregnancy as the pelvis shifts to accommodate a growing baby.

Benefits of prenatal chiropractic care include:

• Relief from low back pain and sciatica
• Reduced round ligament pain and symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD)
• Improved pelvic alignment and balance
• Optimal space for baby's positioning — particularly important in the third trimester
• Faster postpartum recovery

Chiropractic care is safe throughout pregnancy and can be adapted at every stage. Many patients begin care in the first trimester and continue through their due date.

Prenatal Acupuncture: Supporting the Whole Journey

Acupuncture has been used to support pregnancy for thousands of years, and modern research continues to validate many of its applications. Dr. Mason offers prenatal acupuncture throughout all three trimesters, addressing:

• First trimester: Morning sickness, fatigue, anxiety, and threatened miscarriage support
• Second trimester: Heartburn, headaches, carpal tunnel, and emotional wellbeing
• Third trimester: Back pain, pelvic girdle pain, breech presentation, labor preparation, and cervical ripening

Postpartum acupuncture supports milk production, postpartum mood, hormonal rebalancing, and recovery from birth — including cesarean recovery.

Prenatal Massage: Erika's Specialized Approach

Erika Castro, LMT, brings 14 years of experience and specialized training in prenatal and postpartum massage. Her sessions are adapted for each stage of pregnancy — positioning, pressure, and focus areas all shift as your body changes.

Prenatal massage offers:

• Relief from muscle tension and joint pain
• Reduced swelling in the legs and feet
• Improved sleep quality
• Nervous system regulation and stress reduction
• Emotional support and body connection

Erika also offers abdominal massage and lymphatic drainage postpartum — particularly valuable for those recovering from cesarean birth or experiencing postpartum swelling.

How to Build Your Team

You do not need to see all three providers to benefit from integrative prenatal care. Many patients start with one discipline and add others as their needs evolve. A few common starting points:

• Back pain or pelvic discomfort? Start with Dr. Michael for chiropractic evaluation.
• Nausea, anxiety, or sleep issues? Start with Dr. Mason for acupuncture.
• Muscle tension, swelling, or stress? Start with Erika for prenatal massage.
• Not sure? Book a consultation and we will help you figure out the right starting point.

Our providers communicate with each other and with your OB or midwife when appropriate, so your care is coordinated — not fragmented.