As a Minnesota family photographer, I spend a lot of time with pregnant women. Some are glowing. Some are exhausted. Most are doing a quiet mix of both while googling things they never thought they would Google at 2 a.m. (same).
That’s actually why I started my YouTube series, Made for Minnesota Moms. I wanted real conversations with local women who actually support pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Not perfect. Not loud. Just helpful and grounded.
I’m Megan, a mom of three and a Minneapolis newborn and family photographer. And I know how overwhelming it can feel to figure out what support you actually need while pregnant. Especially when your body feels different every single week.
That’s where today’s conversation comes in.
I recently sat down with Dr. Jesse, founder of Chiro for Moms. She’s a prenatal chiropractor who works almost exclusively with pregnant and postpartum women. And honestly, this conversation stuck with me long after we wrapped.
So I wanted to bring it here. In a slower way. One you can save and come back to when your hips hurt, your sleep is weird, or you’re wondering if seeing a prenatal chiropractor is actually worth it.
What Is a Prenatal Chiropractor?
A prenatal chiropractor is someone trained to support the pregnant body through chiropractic care that’s safe, gentle, and specific to pregnancy.
That matters.
Pregnancy changes everything. Your posture. Your joints. Your ligaments. Your center of gravity. A prenatal chiropractor understands those changes and works with them, not against them.
This isn’t about cracking or forcing anything. It’s about alignment, comfort, and helping your body do what it already knows how to do.
And yes, it’s safe. I know that question comes up right away (and we spend time on this in the Q&A).
Why Moms Think About Seeing a Prenatal Chiropractor
Most moms don’t wake up one day thinking, “I should find a prenatal chiropractor.”
Usually, it’s something else.
Hip pain that won’t quit. Back pain that shows up out of nowhere. Trouble sleeping. Feeling uneven when you walk. A sense that your body just feels off.
Sometimes it’s not even pain. It’s just discomfort. Or tension. Or the feeling that your body is working overtime and could use some support.
That’s often when moms start looking for a prenatal chiropractor. And that’s exactly who Dr. Jesse sees every single day.
Meet Dr. Jesse, Minnesota Prenatal Chiropractor
Dr. Jesse is the founder of Chiro for Moms in Wayzata, Minnesota. She’s also a mom of two. And she didn’t start her 15 year long career planning to work with pregnant women.
She actually came from a sports medicine background. But early on, OBs started sending her their pregnant patients. She got great results. She leaned in. And over time, she built a clinic designed fully around women.
Everything about the space feels thoughtful. From the timing of appointments to the way kids are welcomed. Even the trash cans are off the floor (which sounds small until you’re chasing a toddler).
It’s one of those places where you feel like someone actually thought about moms when they built it.
And yes, I’m a patient there too.
Q&A With Dr. Jesse
Before I dive into the Q&A recap, I want to share the full conversation.
If you’re more of a watch-and-listen person (or you like hearing tone and nuance straight from the source), you can press play below. This is the full interview from my Made for Minnesota Moms series, where Dr. Jesse and I talk through prenatal chiropractic care, pregnancy support, and postpartum recovery.
Otherwise, keep scrolling. I’ve broken down the conversation below with the takeaways that stuck with me most.
What inspired you to support women during pregnancy?
Dr. Jesse shared that pregnancy care wasn’t something she sought out. It found her.
After years of working with pregnant patients and then becoming a mother herself, she realized how much women need support during this season. Not just physically, but logistically and emotionally too.
She built Chiro for Moms around that idea. A space that understands real life motherhood.
When during pregnancy do you recommend seeing a prenatal chiropractor?
This part surprised me.
Dr. Jesse explained that while she does see some women earlier in pregnancy, most prenatal chiropractic care happens later. The majority start around 30 weeks.
That’s when they begin using the Webster Technique, which focuses on pelvic alignment and supporting the ligaments involved in labor.
From there, visits usually increase gradually. Every two to three weeks in months seven and eight. Then weekly or a few times in the final month, depending on when baby arrives.
It’s not constant. It’s intentional.
What are common misconceptions about prenatal chiropractic care?
The biggest one is safety.
Dr. Jesse was clear about this. Prenatal chiropractic care is safe. Research now shows that working with a prenatal chiropractor during pregnancy can help with pelvic alignment and may even reduce labor time.
Dr. Jesse shared that studies suggest chiropractic care can decrease labor and delivery time by about 25 percent. That can mean hours less labor.
That alone made me pause.
What does a prenatal chiropractor session look like during each trimester?
Dr. Jesse emphasized that appointments are very hands-on.
She said, Chiropractic literally means “to practice with your hands.” At Chiro for Moms, care includes a lot of bodywork. Muscle work. Gentle adjustments. No rushing.
Each trimester looks a little different. And care adapts as the body changes.
This isn’t one size fits all. It’s responsive. And patient driven.
How often do expecting moms usually come in to see a prenatal chiropractor?
Dr. Jesse explained most moms come in every two to three weeks during months seven and eight. Then weekly or a few times during the final month.
It’s not constant. It’s intentional.
You’re also given stretches and exercises to do at home. So support continues between visits.
Can a prenatal chiropractor help postpartum?
Yes. And this part matters.
Dr. Jesse encourages rest during the first month postpartum when possible. But she also sees moms who are dealing with neck pain, numbness, or limited movement from sleeping positions
Chiropractic care can help address those issues early.
Her clinic also offers lactation support, pelvic floor therapy, and pediatric care. Many families come in together. Mom. Toddler. Infant. All in one room. In and out in about 30 minutes.
Can you share one powerful moment from your work that you’ll never forget?
This story stayed with me.
Dr. Jesse told me about a pregnant patient who arrived in a wheelchair and couldn’t walk. Together with her husband, they helped her onto the table. Dr. Jesse worked based on feel alone.
That patient walked out of the office.
She had been preparing to spend the rest of her pregnancy in a wheelchair. Moments like that shaped everything Dr. Jesse built after.
As she put it, “Moments like that showed me what was possible. I have now seen so many different things that blow my mind on a daily basis. Because we don’t use treatment plans, patients have to feel better when they leave. If they don’t, we adjust our approach. On the daily we are seeing crazy things happen with the mechanics of a pregnant body. It is so fun to witness”
Why This Matters to Me as a Photographer
I see moms during pregnancy and right after birth (Fresh 48 photos anyone?). I hear their stories. I watch how their bodies hold tension. I see relief when they feel supported.
When moms feel better physically, they show up differently. They’re more present. More grounded. More connected.
That matters when you’re stepping into newborn photos. Or Fresh 48 images. Or simply trying to remember this season.
Support during pregnancy doesn’t just affect birth. It ripples outward.
Local and Practical Tips for Minnesota Moms
If you’re pregnant in Minnesota, you don’t need more noise. You need real resources.
I put together a free guide that includes:
- The best midwives, doulas, and birth support in the Twin Cities
- Local prenatal yoga, chiropractic care, and self care
- Bump friendly brunch spots
- Places to survive toddler life while pregnant
You can grab my free pregnancy guide here.
If postpartum is already on your mind, this postpartum care kit blog is one I wish every mom could read.
And if you’re planning for birth, these might help too:
Final Thoughts on Prenatal Chiropractic Care
Finding a prenatal chiropractor isn’t just about fixing your body. It’s about supporting it. Pregnancy asks a lot of you. Getting support shouldn’t feel complicated or intimidating.
I’m so grateful to Dr. Jesse for sitting down with me and sharing her heart, her experience, and her deep care for women. Conversations like this matter. They give moms real information and real options.
If you’re a Minnesota mom and want to connect with her, you can find Chiro for Moms on Instagram. She also shares helpful education through Chiro for Kids and Pelvic Floor for Moms. And if you have questions, you can contact her anytime!
If you’re curious about prenatal chiropractic care, ask questions. Reach out. Have conversations like this one. You deserve care that feels thoughtful. Especially during pregnancy and postpartum.
And if you’re looking to document this season too, I’d love to help. I photograph Fresh 48 sessions, newborns, and families here in Minnesota, with a focus on real connection and real life. I’d love to hear from you. And you can find more of my work and connect with me on Instagram here.
This conversation is just the beginning. Stay tuned for the next Made for Minnesota Moms video, where I’ll continue sharing honest, helpful conversations with local experts. You can watch this interview and find future episodes on my YouTube channel.
This season matters. And you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for educational and informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek advice from your physician, midwife, or other qualified healthcare provider with questions about pregnancy, labor, postpartum, or your health.
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