A Q&A with Dr. Ivana Vargas on Alignment, Comfort, and Empowered Healing

Pregnancy and postpartum are full of transformation—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. And while we often talk about birth prep and recovery in terms of mindset and movement, there’s another powerful tool that deserves the spotlight: chiropractic care.

This week, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Dr. Ivana Vargas, founder of Wellnest Chiropractic & Holistic Center (the most calming and gorgeous place btw). She’s not only a skilled chiropractor certified in the Webster Technique—she’s also a mom who deeply understands the nuances of the perinatal experience. In this Q&A, Dr. Vargas breaks down how gentle, intentional chiropractic care can support alignment, ease discomfort, and even help set the stage for smoother labor and postpartum healing.

Whether you’re newly pregnant, weeks away from birth, or navigating the early postpartum fog, this conversation is full of insight and encouragement. Let’s dive in.

What is the Webster Technique, and how is it different from general chiropractic care? Why is it so beneficial during pregnancy specifically?

The Webster Technique is a specialized Chiropractic technique that focuses on the alignment and function of the pelvis, sacrum, and surrounding soft tissues. It’s different from general Chiropractic care in that it was specifically designed with the pregnant body in mind. The goal is to create balance in the pelvic joints, reduce tension in the attaching muscles and ligaments, and support optimal function of the nervous system. During pregnancy, this balance becomes especially important. A misaligned pelvis can restrict the space available for a baby to be in the best position for birth. By addressing these imbalances it can reduce discomfort, improve mobility, and encourage optimal fetal positioning, which may lead to smoother and faster labor and deliveries.

Many pregnant moms deal with lower back pain, pelvic discomfort, and round ligament pain. How does chiropractic care help relieve those symptoms?

As the body changes and grows during pregnancy there can be postural shifts, ligament stretching, and pressure built in new places which often leads to discomfort. Chiropractic care helps relieve these symptoms by addressing the root cause which usually are misalignments in the spine and pelvis creating excess strain on muscles and ligaments. Using gentle, pregnancy-safe techniques, we restore balance to the musculoskeletal system. This can ease tension on the round ligaments, loosen tightness, reduce inflammation, and relieve pressure on the low back and hips. Most moms leave their appointments feeling more mobile, more comfortable, and more connected to their bodies.

What kinds of body alignment changes happen during pregnancy that can affect mom’s comfort, baby’s position, and even labor progress?

Pregnancy naturally shifts a woman’s center of gravity, often causing the pelvis to tilt forward and increasing the curve in the lower back (lordosis). This can lead to misalignments in the sacrum, pubic bone, and spine, all of which can impact how a woman feels and how baby moves. A misaligned pelvis can reduce the space in the uterus (what we call intrauterine constraint), making it harder for the baby to settle into a head-down. It can also contribute to longer, more difficult labors if the sacrum or pelvic floor muscles are not functioning optimally. The pelvis and body continues to change during the whole pregnancy but by supporting proper alignment throughout it can improve comfort and set the stage for more efficient labor.

Can chiropractic care help prepare the body for labor? If so, how early should someone start, and what does that care typically look like?

Absolutely! One of the most powerful benefits of prenatal Chiropractic care is its ability to prepare the body for labor. By promoting pelvic alignment, easing muscular tension, and supporting the nervous system, Chiropractic care helps the body move and function more freely which are key factors when it comes to labor and delivery. Ideally, we recommend starting care as soon as possible. However, it’s never too late to start, even in the third trimester. Chiropractic can make a meaningful difference at any stage! You don’t need to be in pain or have a breech baby to get care as regular visits focus on maintaining alignment and prepping the body for labor.

What are the signs that a baby may be in a less-than-ideal position, and how can chiropractic care support optimal fetal positioning?

Chiropractors are not trained to know exact position but some signs of a less-than-ideal fetal position might include baby sitting high in the ribcage late in pregnancy, feeling strong kicks low in the pelvis (instead of high up, a sense of baby being “stuck” on one side, irregular contractions without progress in labor, back labor or intense sacral pain. Chiropractic can help create the pelvic balance and soft tissue relaxation to open the channels and allow for the baby to move more freely into a better position. While we never try to “turn” a baby, we focus on removing the physical stressors that may be limiting a baby’s ability to get into the best position on their own.

After birth, many moms struggle with lingering back pain, tailbone pain, or pelvic misalignment—especially after long labors or pushing phases. How does postpartum chiropractic care support healing and recovery?

Postpartum recovery is just as important as prenatal care, but it’s often overlooked. Birth, especially long or intense labors, can leave the pelvis, sacrum, and tailbone out of alignment, leading to pain or instability. Postpartum Chiropractic helps restore its balance, reduce inflammation, and support the healing of muscles, ligaments, and joints. If you have proper alignment then all the soft tissue is able to function properly. In those early weeks, we use very gentle techniques tailored to the body’s needs. Care can also help with issues like nursing posture strain, headaches from lack of sleep, and overall stress on the nervous system. When moms feel better physically, they’re more present and more supported in this new chapter!

How soon after giving birth can someone come in for chiropractic care, and what should they expect from those first postpartum visits?

Many women come in as soon as they feel ready. I have some who come within the first week while others around 3–6 weeks postpartum. There’s no rush, but sooner care can help the body recalibrate before long-standing compensations set in. At the first postpartum visit, we discuss labor and how that process affects the current bodily state. We then assess alignment, soft tissue tension, and areas impacted. Everything is gentle, supportive, and always guided by how mom is feeling. We also may offer exercises and lifestyle guidance to support healing at home. Babies are always welcome to tag along so that mom can still get the care she needs. If a patient had a C-Section they can still come in and will be positioned so they are comfortable with use of pillows or side lying.

What should someone look for when choosing a chiropractor during pregnancy or postpartum? Are there specific certifications or red flags to be aware of?

Look for a Chiropractor who is certified in the Webster Technique and has experience with perinatal care. Red flags to avoid are anyone who uses aggressive techniques during pregnancy or lacks knowledge and experience of common perinatal issues.

How do you work with other perinatal professionals (like doulas, PTs, or midwives) to support whole-body care for your clients?

Collaboration is a huge part of what we do here at Wellnest Chiropractic and Holistic Center. We often work closely with doulas, pelvic floor physical therapists, midwives, OBs, lactation consultants, personal trainers and even mental health professionals. We believe in a team-based approach because no one provider can meet every need, and every mom deserves a circle of care around her. We also love referring out when it’s appropriate and frequently share notes or updates (with permission) to ensure all providers are aligned in helping mom and baby thrive.

If a pregnant or postpartum mom is nervous about chiropractic adjustments, especially if it’s her first time, what do you want her to know?

That’s completely normal! Many moms may be new to Chiropractic, especially during pregnancy. My approach is always gentle, safe, and specifically tailored to their changing body. I’m not doing anything forceful or invasive, in fact, many women are surprised by how relaxing their visits are and how much they “needed it”. You’re always in control, I walk through everything, check in regularly, and make sure you feel comfortable every step of the way. As mentioned, I have gone through 2 pregnancies myself so my goal is to support you, not just physically, but emotionally through one of the most transformative times in your life.

I hope this interview left you feeling more informed, empowered, and maybe even a little more curious about what’s possible when we support the body holistically. Dr. Vargas’s approach is a beautiful reminder that care during pregnancy and postpartum isn’t just about fixing pain—it’s about honoring the body’s wisdom and creating space for healing, movement, and ease.

If you’re local to Dobbs Ferry, NY, definitely check out Wellnest Chiropractic & Holistic Center. And if you’re elsewhere, use this as a guide to find a provider who sees you, listens to you, and treats you with the gentleness you deserve.

You’re not meant to do this alone—and you don’t have to.