Nurture | A Women's Wellness Practice - Recovering from Loss or Trauma

2566 Prairie Avenue
Evanston, Illinois
60201690 E. Terra Cotta Ave Suite C
Crystal Lake, Illinois
60014
847. 461. 9445
info@nurturewomenswellness.com
Visit website
Make an appointment
Services in a nutshell

We are a holistic women’s health practice, devoted solely to women’s health, fertility, pregnancy and postpartum. Our goal is to offer valuable knowledge and deeply compassionate care, meeting you where you are at along your motherhood journey.

Traumatic birthC-section recoveryPhysical recovery from traumatic birth
More about us
CHIROPRACTIC AFTER A DIFFICULT OR TRAUMATIC BIRTH

As many as one in nine new mothers experience some level of postpartum depression. The postpartum stage can lead to anxiety, stress, pain and other physical or emotional issues. We support you throughout this period so you can focus on caring for your baby.

Many women also experience various aches and pains along with general discomfort post-pregnancy.  It is important to realize after pregnancy, labor and delivery, your body, which is considered post-partum for one year from a biomechanical perspective, will again undergo many changes. Many times a woman’s body has a difficult time re-adjusting to these physical changes and therefore will feel achy, sore, or painful. Dr. Merkel can help support a woman’s body in transitioning through these physical changes, reducing and sometimes eliminating symptoms.

ACUPUNCTURE DURING THE POSTPARTUM PERIOD

Acupuncture can help with the physical and emotional recovery after birth. Giving yourself the time and space to heal and recover properly will allow you to better connect with and enjoy your newborn.

  • Helps to promote relaxation and stress reduction
  • Helps heal and recover from the physical birth process
  • Brings the body back into a state of balance
  • A time just for mom to heal and recover
  • Supports hormonal changes and balance
  • Can help with milk production / lactation and breastfeeding issues (mastitis, blocked ducts)
  • Fatigue / irritability
  • Postpartum anxiety / “baby blues”
CESAREAN RECOVERY

During the cesarean delivery, a horizontal incision is made to the lower segment of the uterus which can cause a significant amount of scar tissue. Scar tissue can cause a restriction in movement and reduce blood flow to the entire pelvic area.

This can cause:

  • General pelvic or low back pain
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Difficulty restoring strength or mobility with exercise or strengthening programs
  • Secondary fertility challenges
  • Potential difficulty delivering vaginally with subsequent children.
There is often little support and few resources on how to properly recover following a cesarean delivery. The recovery process without support can be long and physically and emotionally challenging. Many women feel disconnected from their bodies following a surgical birth. Allowing yourself the space and time to heal properly is important. We work with other practitioners such as women’s health physical therapists to ensure you have comprehensive care.

You can begin the recovery program 6 weeks after any pelvic surgery.

You must have: 

  • Clearance from your physician

  • Wound closure

  • No active infection

  • No significant pain at the incision site.

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 services we offer
Nurture Womens WellnessNurture Womens Wellness
ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS
Make an appointment

  • IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The content on BirthGuide does not provide medical advice. Always consult a medical provider for diagnosis and treatment. The Complementary Care Directory is a paid membership directory. Members provide the information in their listings, which is not vetted by BirthGuide. The listing of an individual or entity in this directory does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by BirthGuide. By using this directory you agree to be bound by the BirthGuide Terms & Conditions of Use. If you do not wish to be bound by these terms and conditions, please do not access the directory.