It has been a long time since I wrote! I am not ignoring you guys but as most of you know I am busy working on my master. Since the last post, I have been back to England and came back with lots of ideas and work to do!! I am really back at school!!

I wanted to talk about pregnancy a little bit because lately I have had a number of pregnant patients come through the office. All have little  different aches and pain at various stages of pregnancy. Pregnancy brings many changes to your body physically and emotionally! It is a vey special time for  a women even if it is not the first pregnancy! The first thing I would like to mention is that moms should not think that because you are pregnant it is normal to have pain!! It is never normal to have pain !!!Chiropractic is a very safe and effective method of helping mothers with back pain during pregnancy.

Mothers experience many changes in their posture as the belly gets bigger and that can put alot of  strain on the low back, neck and upper back as moms try to adapt to the postural changes. Chiropractic uses gentle techniques to help with muscle tension and restore good vertebral motion. The mother will also have a new hormone in her body called relaxin that will allow her to get all loose for delivery. It is important to make sure the pelvis is moving  well and all balanced before delivery. There are some research that say that regular chiropractic care can help mothers have an easier  and faster delivery. I obviously can never guarantee that but if it can help why not?

We can not forget the post-partum phase, the body then absorbs another big change. The posture and spine will adapt again to the new reality but because new mothers tend to do the same posture and repetitive motions with a new baby that can put a lot of stress as well.  It is important after delivery to ensure your spine is moving and working well!

So do you know somebody who is pregnant who could benefit from care? Do not hesitate to refer them I am sure they will be quite grateful!

Valerie

Some of  you know that I have decided to enrol in a Master program. I attended one seminar in the fall and now I am back for another one. In 2012, I will be visiting the UK quite  a few times! It is such a nice spot so makes it easier to want to come to school!

This trip started with a little bit of stress because mother nature decided to send us a nice snow storm the one day I was suppose to fly out. The plane left  one hour and half  later then planned which meant that we landed and I only had about 45 minutes to go through customs and run the long corridor to the bus station. The best idea i had was that I managed to pack everything in a carry on! I  grabbed it in my arms and ran to the bus. I made it by 2 minutes when I sat down and looked at the clock it was 9h13 ouf it was scheduled to go at 9h15am!!!

Made it to my nice little hotel. I have a tiny room but it is a lovely spot and the people are so nice!  In the afternoon I was expected at school to meet with the librarian regarding some issues with getting articles and then I was asked if I could see some breastfeeding cases in the school clinic.

Being in the clinic again brings back so many memories of CMCC. It is funny to be back with experience and suddenly you are the one the interns are listening to!!  It went very well and helped these mothers latched their babies. After such a long day and no sleep I was completely  exhausted, had dinner  and went to bed.

Today we had a lecture from 9am until 5h30 pm. It was all about learning how to do research and read research so that we can after decide if it is good research or not!. Being at the master level, that is the skill we need to develop. So I am learning alot. I always felt a bit weak in that area so I am quite pleased to be going through it again in details.

A little funny anecdote is that there is no doubt that I am in England because when we have a break from the lecture it is not just called a break, it is  ”a tea break” so tea and biscuits are served!!! Love the differences between countries!!!

The fun part about the programme is that I met so many interesting people from different part of the world. Some are from  England, Switzerland, Norway and Denmark. So much fun to be exchanging and seeing how everybody practices.

I just attended the second day of class this morning! So I now am  leaving with lots of ideas and work that needs to be done until we come back. I decided to go for a run after a few days of sitting down all day long which is something I am not used to!! It is very beautiful here by the ocean!! You can see a photo of the pier that I walk to in about 5min from my hotel and then run on the boardwalk! Called Boscombe Pier!

Tomorrow I will be back on the bus and plane to get back home! Looking forward to seeing my gang husband and kids! Tuesday back to the clinic for all my patients!! Will be back here for part 2 of this seminar in February!

Hope you enjoy following my adventures

Valerie

I have just finished my last patient, I am now on holidays! Time sure seems to be going by so fast!! Hard to believe we are already there; a few days before Christmas! Lots of  people are still in the process of finalizing all their gifts.  So how are you doing? Are you a last minute shopper or everything is done and ready for Christmas?

I wanted to take the time to wish all my patients a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  I also wanted to thank you for the confidence you have in my care! It is always a pleasure to see you and help you in my clinic!  I hope that you will have some time to relax and rest a little during this crazy time of year and enjoy time with your family! I sure will take a week with my family. I love seeing my kids face light up with the magic of Christmas. My family is really hoping for some snow so that we can ski and enjoy the fresh air of winter during that week off. What activities do you have planned for your family during the holidays?

On that note enjoy your holiday !

Happy Holidays to everybody wish you health and happiness !!!

Valerie Lavigne

I was reading a chiropractic report and came across some interesting research that I thought would be worth sharing with you. The public in general is not aware of the research that is being done in chiropractic actually some people do not even think that chiropractic has any research!! When I am at conferences I am always impressed with all the amazing research that is actually being done in the field and wish some people from other fields would be there to listen!

One big name in our field is Dr.Greg Kawchuk Dc Phd. He is working with a multi-disciplicary team of prominent physical therapist and chiropractors from the US and Canada and they have been researching the Mechanisms of action of Manipulation in LBP patients. Here are the interesting facts of this research.  They wanted to  try  to explain some clinical results that we see when we use manipulation. They wanted to show the decrease in global stiffness and also show that a muscle called lumbar multifidus gets better recruitment. I will put the reference lower so if anybody is interested in learning exactly how they did it they will be able to find the article but for my blog I will simply go to the results section. The results did show that following manipulation “there is an immediate global stiffness change and enhancement of the multifidus recruitment”.  They also observed that manipulation may be superior to mobilization in reducing spinal stiffness. That is so exciting and would explain why some patients who don’t  get results with other therapies that mainly use mobilization suddenly start to get better after we start  using manipulation.  Therefore that  thrust or that little more force done quickly usually makes the difference in patients and they start to feel much better. Finally research that confirms what I had been saying and thinking all along!!!

Talking about research I need to mention that the UQTR where the chiropractic program is in Quebec has a full research departement working on excellent projects. I hope this will change the perception of the public that think that chiropractic has no research!

Hope you enjoy the new discovery!

Valerie

(Fritz MJ, Kopperhaven SL, Kawchuck GN et al. ( 2011) preliminary Investigation of Mechanisms Underlying the Effects of Manipulation, Spine 36: 1772-1781)

Information taken from the Chiropractic Report November 2011 Vol.25 No.6

I had not had much time to write since I have been back from my trip but today I wanted to touch on sleep when you are a new mother.  I had a long discussion at the clinic with a mother regarding sleep. This poor mom was so tired and exhausted she did not know what to do! This is a very sensitive subject for people. Is your baby sleeping through the night? Do you let your baby cry it out ? So many books have been written on the subject as well!

What is interesting is that one of the latest research actually says that moms that are exclusively breastfeeding actually have more sleep then non-breastfeeding mothers.  We had been saying this for a long time!  Mothers that are breastfeeding benefit from all the physiological aspects if breastfeeding. The hormones usually help you feel more rested! You can actually go read the explanation of this study if you are curious using this link: http://www.scienceandsensibility.org/?p=3618

I can tell you that I have been there. For some reason, I did not have kids that slept!  I have read every sleep theory out there. All the tricks I have tried.  The funny thing for me is that once I accepted the fact that I was not going to have 8 hours in a row and I stopped comparing myself with other moms I felt better.  I always tell the parents first that they must do things that they are comfortable with.  I had decided that sleep for me was not going to be a battle in our house! I did not mind where we slept where they slept as long as we all  slept!! There is also a difference between an 18 month old or 2 year old and a 2 months old baby.

I also like to  mention that  having a baby is like running a marathon. You can feel good for a few weeks on only a few hours of sleep but after a while it will catch up to you! Mothers usually get really exhausted by 4-6 months when they have not adapted their sleep patterns.

So I will share with you some of my tricks:

1- I co-slept SAFELY with my kids. They usually started in their crib and after the first awakening they were in my bed. I used a bedrail for toddler beds on my mattress so that I did not have the fear that they were going to fall off. That allowed me not to get up and sit up to nurse.

2- Breastfeeding lying down was a huge help

3- Remove your watch at night so you can not tell the time and calculate the hours left of sleep.

4-I slept and napped everyday. I also did not feel guilty if I slept in late in the morning!

5- If your baby sleeps from 8pm until 1 am he has done its night. So you need to get to bed early to catch all these hours at he beginning because after 1am your baby will be on the day routine and may wake up every couple of hours. So shift your pattern a bit to adapt to the babies.

These are some of the trikcs that helped me. Please share with me how you  survived and coped with lack of sleep.

I must also finish by saying that I can assure you that it will only get better !!!!

Valerie

It is hard to believe that I am here already sunday night. My last evening in England! I will be heading back tomorrow. Excited to get back to my family and work. It has been a very productive 5 days here. I had the pleasure of meeting some very nice chiropractors. The funny thing is we all seem to be practicing about the same way!

The last two days were quite intense on infants pediatrics information. It was alot of review but it validates what I do in the clinic with my patients!

Now it will be time to get studying and writing my first assignment because our first deadline is December 8th. No time to waste!!!!

I am very excited about the programme I hope to keep learning and improving with the help of this program.

I will come back in January for the next seminar. The good news is that it will not be all new. I will have done it once and will know exactly where I will be going.

I look forward to seeing you in the clinic hopefully not too jet lagged!!

Valerie

Hi Everybody

It is hard to believe that is has been already 3 days since I left home!!! Wow does time fly. So far it has been a great trip! No problem with the flight, customs to get in the UK and then the bus ride to Bournemouth.  I got to my hotel which is just perfect! Trendy small boutique hotel called the Urban Beach Hotel ! The staff have so nice directing me along! Yes I did look like a tourist with my map in my hands but now I can get around my area no problem!

When I arrived, some patients had sugggested I do not sleep to get used to the time change so once I was setllted I went for a run along the beach! Funny thing is I was all ready with my umbrella expecting rain but no, the weather has decided to have a sunny week all week and a heat wave! Wow is it beautiful !!! I am a 3 min walk down to the beach and then there is a beautiful path to run!  Returned to my room to have some downtime had a beautiful meal in the restaurant and yes with a melatonin I was ready for my bed!! My room is very tiny but very efficient.

Woke up a bit early the second morning and after a beautiful breakfast walked the 15 min it takes to get to the college.  THe AECC is located in old convent. What a nice setting old and beautiful classic England!  I made my way to the board room and met the other people in the master program. We are 12 signed up for the master program. Funny everybody signed up for the pediatrics and we are all women!! I guess it is time pediatrics chiropractics gets his place!! There are quite a few from Norway , a couple from Denmark, one from Switzerland and a couple from England! Obviously the only crazy one that would travel from North America!!

After the introduction the course started. At least I am pretty convinced that I am finally in the right program for me at the stage in this stage in my career.  I am convinced I will learn alot especially on how to do research.  I am very excited about the program!!  There is no time to waste has they have already given us our first deadline for the first assignment as December 8th. I better get to work right away when I get back!!!

After the first day I went for a walk and toured around Bournemouth stores. THey are all closed at 6pm on thursday so no late shopping here!! I am still not quite used to the driving on the left ! not quite certain I would want to try!!

So my only funny thing that happened so far has been with the hair dryer I brought. My husband had gotten me a plug that I assumed would be ok for my hair dryer but no once plugged it got bright red made lots of noise and died!! I found out that you also need a transformer and not only a plug adaptor !! That was pretty funny.

So this is it for now two more days of seminar and I am done on sunday at 1pm where I am hoping to get to some shopping as i had very strict instructions to bring back some gifts for my gang!!

Will keep you posted on sunday on the rest of the seminar!

Later Valerie

Let the adventure begin! Many of you know that I have enrolled in a Master program  in chiropractic pediatric given out of England at the Anglo-European Chiropractic College! Some will say why????

Why start a new program at this stage? I think because it is never too late to challenge yourself. I think when you get too comfortable in your situation, it is time to step it up. I was there! After being in practice for 13 years and becoming an IBCLC, I needed a new challenge!

This will hopefully bring me to the next level of expertise in my field.  It will hopefully open new doors or new contacts.

It is not easy as a mother however to say good bye to the gang! For some reason they do not do this to my husband when he leaves!!! Anyway I am sure they will survive and we will all be super happy to see each other soon.

I am waiting for my flight a bit anxious and excited at the same time. This will be a completly new discovery as I have never been to England.

I will update you on my progress for the next few days so stay tuned.

Valerie

As you can see from the title the blog this week,  the topic is not related  to chiropractic or breastfeeding. I do find it is important once in a while to touch on other topic that I find will create great discussions.

Today,I wanted to touch on the topic of Passion. Have you found what you are passionate about in your life? I do believe that everybody needs to be passionate about something in their life. It can be a hobby, your work but when you are passionate about something people know. The way you talkabout it, the way you describe it.  When we have a passion, it focuses you.

I did a quick search online to find definitions of passion. Here is one that I found “Passion is the energy that comes from bringing more of YOU into what you do.”  This is so true. When you are passionate you give your all to succeed. You do not sit back and let things happen but you actually are proactive and make it happen. You constantly try to improve yourself.

You are most probably wondering where did this come from.  Well this week end, I experienced real passion. I witnessed what it meant to be passionate about something.  It actually inspired me to write about it. My daughter participated in the Quebec Equestrian Games at Bromont for the first time. The experience was unbelievable for her but for me as well. I am not quite sure why Audrey wanted to start riding but out of the blue at 6 years old she asked if she could try. We found a barn and got her started. Eventually it did become obvious that she loved everything there is about riding. Over the last few years she became more and more passionate about it. She worked at it and improved tremendously. When we had to make choices in the activity , she was always willing to cut something else but not her riding.  This week end, I was able to really witness how passionate she is about this. I was with her a full week end and she did not complain once about cleaning the stall, getting the horse ready, all the prep that was necessary. It was so nice to see a little girl who just turned 10 years old being so passionate about something. She was asking other people for explanations and was always willing to do anything her trainer asked. Sometimes we are not always able to witness it but this time I sat back and really looked  at her and what I could see was real passion.!

We will see if the passion is temporarily or if it will survive time. But for now I am so please and proud to see her so happy and dedicated to something that she picked and explored on her own.

I am curious. What are you passionate about???? Please share with me.

Looking forward to reading your stories.

Valerie

Here is Audrey so proud after her dressage test with her instructor on June

It is back to school already!!

Are you signing ” this is the most wonderful time of year” or will you be sad on your kids first day of school let me know!

My kids start Thursday and we have been in full preparation mode! It means lots of shopping and writing names all over their school books! With one in 5th grade and the others in 2nd grade, I have many beginnings and I actually look forward to a routine again! So I would answer mixed feelings, happy and sad because they are one year older !

It is appropriate to talk about school bags and back packs.  Many children will experience back pain, neck pain and upper back pain from their back packs. Either the actual back pack is not appropriate or the way it is filled with the books.

So here are a few recommendations:

1- Choose a back pack that is made of a light material

2- Make sure is has straps that are about 5 cm wide with a belt for the waist

3- The back pack should not be higher then the shoulder of your child

4- When you fill it with books, put the heavier books closer to the back and the smaller books more in the front.

5- Weigh your child and his back pack should not be more then 10% of his body weight

6-To put the back pack show them to bend their knees and you can elevate the bag to the table height so it is easier to pick up.

7- Never wear the back pack on only one shoulder, put it on both shoulders and make sure you can slide only one hand between the back and the bag.

If your child complains of back pain, numbness or neck pain do not wait and consult a chiropractor. I sometimes get the kids to bring me their back pack to see how they wear it and adjust it with them.

Hope this will help you make a good decision when choosing the school bag!

Valerie