Mackenzie Briley, Doctor of Chiropractic, CACCP

As a Prenatal chiropractor, I have been working in the "birth world" for over 4 years now! I've learned so much from different seminars, mentors, other birthworkers, and first-hand experience watching other mamas go through their pregnancy while under my care. I knew when I got pregnant, there were a few non-negotiables for me, as I wanted to have an empowered, informed, and pregnancy filled with ease (or as much as possible!). With that, I made sure I did a few things to prepare prior to even getting pregnant, but also many things I started early on into pregnancy.

For mindset, this looked like hiring a homebirth midwife and doula, who have provided me with invaluable insight and information, spent hours chatting and answering any question under the sun, and providing me with different resources to get informed and prepared for my upcoming homebirth. I've listened to numerous podcasts that have positive stories of birth, redemptive stories of birth, and research that have given me great insight into what this experience can look like. Some podcasts I've loved include Evidence Based Birth Podcast, Happy Homebirth Podcast, and The Birthing Instincts Podcast. I consumed so many books about birth, pregnancy, and postpartum as well. Reading helped provide insight into what to expect, as well as how to prepare.

A few of my favorites included Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth, The Fourth Trimester, Well Adjusted Babies and Cribsheet. Lastly, I bought the Christian Hypnobirhting course and worked through that, and listened to it repeatedly in my third trimester to help prepare and practice breathing for birth!

I also made movement and body work a priority my entire pregnancy. For me, that looked like 2 strength workouts a week, staying active as a chiropractor on the daily, and walks with my husband and dog, Beau. I also took a Spinning Babies Class, which provided many movements that I can do during pregnancy to help get baby in optimal position and help make me more comfortable. In addition, I was adjusted weekly by a Prenatal and Webster Technique certified chiropractor, had my recommended acupuncture visits, and monthly prenatal massages. These three things alone helped keep my body in optimal alignment, reduce tightness, and prepare my nervous system optimally. Mamas and their babies' nervous systems are so interconnected, that having stress reducing and optimizing work done is so important in pregnancy and postpartum. Babies essentially are hijacking off of your nervous system energy, so make sure it is adapting well with chiropractic care!

Now in my fourth trimester, I can say that I had an amazing pregnancy and truly enjoyed so much of this new season and experience in my life. I am so grateful to have had the care team I created, the body work I had, and stayed active! Special thanks to my birth team–Jessica Davis and Marissa Hathaway, my chiropractor Dr Beth Reddy, and my acupuncturists at Family Acupuncture and Wellness! Each and every provider helped my mind and body along the way, and have helped make my postpartum recovery better.

My goal as a prenatal chiropractor continues to be that this is the experience for every mama under my care, that you can feel empowered, informed, and as comfortable and active in pregnancy as you desire, with an awesome team in place. Please reach out if you have any questions, or would like to learn more about prenatal chiropractic care!

With health and abundance, Mackenzie Briley, DC, CACCP

Dr. Mackenzie Briley, D.C. is a nervous system-focused chiropractor and the founder of LIFE Chiropractic NH in Stratham, NH. With a passion for pediatric, perinatal, and family wellness, she helps babies, kids, and adults thrive by addressing the root cause of tension and imbalance. Dr. Mackenzie specializes in gentle, neurologically based chiropractic care, supporting pregnant and postpartum moms, children with developmental challenges, and families seeking a holistic approach to health. She collaborates with local providers, including pediatric dentists, occupational therapists, and birthworkers, to ensure comprehensive care for her community. When she’s not in the office, she enjoys time with her husband, Adam, their standard poodle, Beau, and their baby girl, Kennedy Mae.

You can connect with Dr. Mackenzie on Instagram @lifechiropracticnh or visit lifechironh.com to learn more.