Interview with Makenzie Schouten, DC with Vera Chiropractic in Columbia, MO
Dr. Kenzie with Vera Chiropractic is another Webster-certified chiropractor that is offering great services and resources for pregnant families in Columbia, MO. Chiropractic support during pre-conception, pregnancy, and postpartum can be so vital in helping your body function well to support you and your baby, so I am excited to highlight yet another great resource for those in Columbia. Here is the link to Vera Chiropractic’s website.
Me: Why are initial postpartum home visits so important to you and your practice?
Dr. Kenzie: The postpartum period is a delicate and transformative time for both mom and baby. In those early weeks, a mother’s body is still healing, adapting, and recalibrating, while also navigating the demands of newborn care. We prioritize initial postpartum home visits because we want to remove as many barriers as possible to receiving care during this crucial time. Moms often struggle with leaving the house, whether due to physical recovery, exhaustion, or simply the logistics of taking a newborn out. By offering home visits, we ensure they receive the nervous system support they need to promote healing, regulate stress, and optimize their body’s ability to recover. Additionally, we love being able to assess baby’s latch, feeding, and overall comfort right in their home environment, ensuring a strong foundation for both mom and baby in those early weeks.
Me: What advice would you give to pregnant women to support their bodies in their daily lives that can enhance the care they are receiving from you?
Dr. Kenzie: Pregnancy is an amazing time of change, and the more we support the body’s natural ability to adapt, the better mom will feel! A few key ways to complement chiropractic care include:
Prioritizing movement – Gentle, functional movement like walking, prenatal yoga, or strength-based exercises help maintain stability and balance as the body changes.
Pelvic alignment & posture – Being mindful of how you sit, stand, and move can make a huge difference. Avoid sitting cross-legged for long periods, use a birthing ball instead of sinking into the couch, and keep your pelvis in neutral alignment when standing.
Breathwork & nervous system regulation – Diaphragmatic breathing and intentional relaxation help activate the parasympathetic system, which supports labor progression and reduces tension.
Hydration & nutrient-dense foods – Proper hydration and a diet rich in proteins, healthy fats, and minerals help maintain tissue elasticity and keep inflammation down.
Me: What advice would you give to postpartum women to support their bodies in their daily lives that can enhance the care they are receiving from you?
Dr. Kenzie: Postpartum recovery is all about gentle restoration and allowing the body to heal at its own pace. To support this process, I always recommend:
Intentional rest and movement – While rest is key in those early weeks, movement matters, too. Gentle stretching, walking, and core-activating breathwork can aid recovery. Avoid overexerting yourself too soon, but also be mindful of posture while holding, feeding, or wearing your baby.
Core and pelvic floor awareness – Diaphragmatic breathing, belly wrapping (if needed), and pelvic floor exercises (when appropriate) help support postpartum healing and stability.
Nervous system regulation – Postpartum can feel overwhelming, but simple strategies like deep breathing, getting outside, and even receiving chiropractic adjustments help regulate the nervous system, improve sleep, and reduce tension.
Prioritizing nourishment – Focusing on protein, collagen-rich foods, and healthy fats helps support tissue healing, energy levels, and hormone balance.
Chiropractic care in the postpartum period helps the body integrate these changes more efficiently, allowing for a smoother recovery and an easier transition into motherhood.
Me: How have you seen chiropractic care impact a specific birth scenario?
Dr. Kenzie: One of the most impactful cases I’ve seen was a first-time mom who came in at 35 weeks with baby in a breech position. She had been told she might need an external cephalic version or possibly a C-section if baby didn’t turn. After several specific, neurologically-based adjustments utilizing the Webster technique, her baby shifted into a head-down position, and she went on to have the natural birth she had hoped for. The key here WASN'T turning the baby—it was creating the optimal conditions for her pelvis to balance and relax, allowing her baby the space to move as they needed. This is the power of neurologically-based chiropractic care: it’s not about forcing an outcome, but rather supporting the body’s natural design to function at its best.
Me: What are you most excited about when looking to the future of perinatal care in mid-Missouri?
Dr. Kenzie: I am most excited about the growing awareness and demand for truly holistic, proactive perinatal care. More and more moms are seeking care that supports their body’s natural ability to birth, heal, and thrive—without unnecessary interventions. I see a shift happening where chiropractic, midwifery, doulas, pelvic floor therapy, and other supportive modalities are coming together to create a more integrated and empowered experience for moms. At Vera Chiropractic, we are passionate about being part of this movement—helping women feel strong, capable, and supported throughout pregnancy, birth, and beyond. My hope is that every mom in mid-Missouri feels confident in her body’s ability and has access to the care she needs to have the birth and postpartum experience she deserves.