We have a new website! www.awakenoakland.com

We are excited to serve you and your family with exceptional chiropractic care, acupuncture, and massage therapy. Visit us at www.awakenoakland.com

Welcome Teagan Pearl! Mama Julie talks about her experience through labor...

Congratulations to Julie and Justin on the birth of their amazing daughter Teagan. Their connection and intimacy through labor truly shone through. Through their labor, I kept thinking in my head, 'this is how it should always go...' Amazing family. Indeed.

Here is what Julie has to say about her experience with chiropractic, using a doula, and natural childbirth:

"Our beautiful daughter Teagan was born wednesday at kaiser wc, with my husband on one side of me, and Kenda on the other. Choosing to have a doula at my birth, and choosing Kenda as my doula, were two of the most important and best decisions I made about my pregnancy and delivery. I am convinced that my deep trust in Kenda's knowledge and abilities was a central factor in what was a fast, natural childbirth. As soon as I began working with Kenda, I knew I would be totally supported and taken care of through my pregnancy and delivery, and that's exactly what happened. I will always be grateful to Kenda for bringing her warmth, strength, and knowledge to my pregnancy and our daughter's birth." -Julie, mom to Teagan, born 2/10/2010, weighing 7 pounds, 7 ounces, 7 hour labor!

New from Bruce Lipton, PhD, Advocating for Chiropractic

"Historically, scientific reductionism has provided an amazing understanding of the nature of the body’s structure, from organs to cellular organelles and down to its genes. However, the limitations of this approach are clearly evident in science’s inability to resolve today’s healthcare crisis.

"Systems biology is a new field of science that allows health practitioners to transcend a system’s parts and gain awareness of the whole. A valuable example of systems biology is revealed in Bio-Geometric Integration (BGI). Through a brilliant synthesis of tensegrity, fractal geometry, quantum physics, and conventional anatomy, (BGI) offers profound insight into the mechanics governing the operation and health of the musculoskeletal system. Knowledge is power and BGI is one of chiropractic’s most powerful resources for enhancing physical and emotional wellbeing. As an outspoken advocate of the “new biology,” I wholeheartedly encourage consider(ing) the amazing insights provided through BGI.”

-Bruce H. Lipton, PhD: Cell biologist and bestselling author of The Biology of Belief: Unleashing the Power of Consciousness, Matter and Miracles

Welcome baby Lou, a VBAC superstar!

Welcome to the outside world, sweet baby Lou! Lou's mama was past her due date and anticipating a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). She came in for her first adjustment and hours later was in labor. Her body was so smart, it just needed to be set free. After a successful vaginal birth, Lou was born into her parents loving arms.

Many times a baby will stay in the womb until everything is just right. The slightest bit of tension in the pelvis, uterine ligaments, or the rest of the body can trigger the baby and the mama's body to not initiate labor. Because labor and birth are such an exquisite perfect choreography, it is so important to allow as much room and freedom for the baby and mom as possible. The adjustment can provide this very easily.

VBACs are often discouraged against in the hospital setting because there is a myth that the chances of uterine rupture or other catastrophes might arise. But Lou's mama, as well as thousands of other families know better. VBAC's are much safer than c-sections for so many reasons. Over half of cesareans result in complications (from infection to post partum depression) and the mortality rate is 2 to 4 times higher than in vaginal births.

A cesarean can be absolutely life saving, but unfortunately are overused to a dangerous level. Many factors, such as baby and mother positioning, mother's sense of comfort and safety at the birth, and the tension in the pelvis and uterus can greatly affect the end result of c-sections. This is why I recommend to all pregnant women that they get adjusted. It can literally save lives. It takes tremendous strength and diligence to convince many medical care providers that VBACs are a much safer route. Let us spread the truth and allow these babies to have the safest, most beneficial births possible.

For more information about VBACs, visit http://www.ican-online.org/

Meredith Speaks About Chiropractic Care During Her Labor

Meredith, a local midwife, discusses her experience of getting adjusted after contractions had completely slowed down during her labor.

The reason that labor can progress after an adjustment is because the body has an opportunity to reset. Even slight tension through the uterine ligaments, sacrum, pubic bone, and the rest of the spine can cause the contractions to become uncoordinated and eventually plateau.

This is usually when moms fatigue and often leads to interventions such as pitocin, vacuum extraction, and c-sections. These interventions can usually be avoided with the gentlest of touches during an adjustment.

Dr. Kenda attends labors at home and in a hospital setting when needed to help women have a safer and easier labor and birth.

Check out an article about chiropractic and pregnancy:

http://www.icpa4kids.org/why/pregnancy.htm

"Birth is the sudden opening of a window, through which you look out upon a stupendous prospect. For what has happened? A miracle. You have exchanged nothing for the possibility of everything." -William Macneille Dixon

Welcome new chiropractic superstar Toby! An old soul for sure. Congratulations to the whole family!

Welcome Baby Oscar!

Here is baby Oscar holding himself up like a big boy the day after his 3rd chiropractic adjustment ever. At only 6 weeks old he is so strong and vibrant! He and his parents are rockstars and we send them many good blessings.