Nurture | A Women's Wellness Practice - Pregnancy Care

2566 Prairie Avenue
Evanston, Illinois 60201
690 E. Terra Cotta Ave Suite C Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014 Suite C
Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014

Additional locations listed below

Services in a nutshell
More About Us
PRENATAL CHIROPRACTIC

Women have unique bodies that are strong and capable of creating and growing life. This process is transformative both physically and emotionally and requires support. During this changing time, there are common complaints that can be effectively treated utilizing chiropractic and other drug-free, natural, and non-invasive methods. Chiropractic during pregnancy is safe, gentle, and effective.

Benefits during pregnancy:

  • Connection to the process and the physical and emotional changes that come with it

  • Helps to maintain a healthier pregnancy

  • Prepares your body for an efficient labor and delivery

  • Relief of back, neck, pelvic or joint pain

  • Removes tension on the ligaments that support the uterus, such as the round ligaments- reducing torsion (intrauterine constraint) to the woman’s uterus offering the baby the room to move into the best possible position for birth

  • Potential prevention of cesarean section or other interventions

BREECH PRESENTATION

We are not obstetricians and we do not “turn babies”. However, our services and support may help. Obstetricians and midwives in Evanston and the surrounding areas refer their patients to us that have a breech mal-positioned baby. Dr. Merkel has helped hundreds of moms get their babies into a more optimal position prior to birth.

We utilize the Webster Technique in addition to myofascial pelvic work, acupuncture, and moxibustion. These technique are very gentle and are not forceful. We work to promote proper movement and mobility of the pelvic musculature to alleviate any tension placed on the lower part of the uterus. Our goal is to create as much pelvic space as possible to facilitate an optimal labor and delivery.

PRENATAL ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture throughout pregnancy helps to support the body so that you can better adjust and adapt to the changes in your body. We cater your acupuncture treatments to each stage of your pregnancy. Early first trimester treatments may address nausea and morning sickness, headaches, fatigue, while promoting emotional well-being. Throughout your second trimester we will focus on easing any of the common conditions that may arise such as improving digestion, sleep quality, and every day stress. Once in the third trimester, we focus on musculoskeletal pain and discomfort, edema/swelling, insomnia, breech presentation, general health and well-being.

ACUPUNCTURE FOR BIRTH AND LABOR PREPARATION

We recommend weekly office visits starting around week 34 of pregnancy to support the body in transitioning from pregnancy to labor.  Research demonstrates that pre-birth acupuncture is effective in shortening labor duration, reducing medical induction and cesarean section rates. These treatments focus on:

  • Promoting cervical ripening and dilation
  • Balancing the nervous system for labor
  • Emotional and physical support and releasing fears surrounding labor and birth
  • Supporting amniotic fluid levels
  • Promoting the natural onset of labor
Our team

TRAINING & CERTIFICATIONS

Dr. Brook Merkel is a board certified chiropractor and acupuncturist who focuses on women’s health, especially fertility and pregnancy. She holds an undergraduate degree in Athletic Training and Sports Medicine and a Doctoral degree in Chiropractic Medicine. She has over 16 years of clinical experience and has worked exclusively in the field of women’s health, fertility, and pregnancy for over 7 hears. She has attended and completed many post-doctoral seminars on pregnancy, fertility, pediatrics, functional movement/rehabilitation, and functional medicine.

EDUCATION
BA, Sports Medicine and Athletic Training, University of the Pacific
Doctor of Chiropractic, National University of Health Sciences

CERTIFICATIONS
Webster Technique, ICPA
Mercier Therapy Practitioner

Testimonials

ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS
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