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.
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 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.
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:
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.
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
