The Webster Technique — More Than Just Turning Babies
All of the pregnancy chiropractors at Nomad Chiropractic in Mosman have additional perinatal training and are Webster Certified. We care for mums and mums-to-be from all over Sydney including the North Shore, Northern Beaches and Greater Sydney.
When people hear the term Webster Technique, many assume it’s a method to “turn breech babies.” While it’s true that this technique is often associated with breech presentations, that’s not its true purpose—and certainly not its only benefit.
At Nomad Chiropractic, we use the Webster Technique as a powerful tool for supporting balance in the pelvis, easing pregnancy discomfort, and creating optimal conditions for physiological birth. This blog unpacks the origins, purpose, and benefits of this technique—so you can understand what it really does (and doesn’t) do.
What Is the Webster Technique?
Developed by Dr. Larry Webster and popularised through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), the Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment used during pregnancy. Its goal is to:
• Balance the pelvis
• Address sacral subluxation
• Reduce tension in the surrounding soft tissues, including uterine ligaments
When the pelvis is misaligned, it can create tension in the uterus through the round ligaments and broad ligament, leading to what’s called intrauterine constraint. This makes it harder for the baby to move freely and settle into the ideal head-down, anterior position for birth.
The Webster Technique gently works to restore balance—not by manipulating the baby, but by improving the physical environment in which the baby moves.
“We’re not turning babies—we’re creating space. Your body and your baby do the rest.” — ICPA
Why Pelvic Balance Matters in Pregnancy
According to Dr. Steve Williams in Chiropractic for Pregnancy and Paediatrics, the alignment of the pelvis is not just about comfort—it’s about birth biomechanics. A pelvis that’s tilted, rotated, or restricted can:
• Narrow the pelvic inlet or outlet
• Increase ligamentous tension in the uterus
• Contribute to malpositioned babies (e.g., breech, transverse, posterior)
• Result in longer, more difficult labors
Balanced pelvic biomechanics support an easier engagement of the baby’s head, better mobility during labor, and more efficient contractions.
What the Research Says About Webster Technique for Pregnancy
While the Webster Technique isn’t a “treatment” for breech position, several case studies and observational reports support its use in encouraging optimal fetal positioning.
• A retrospective study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found an 82% success rate of babies turning to the head-down position following chiropractic care using the Webster Technique【Petersen et al., 2007】.
• The ICPA notes that while high-quality RCTs are limited, clinical outcomes consistently suggest improved maternal comfort and positioning outcomes with Webster care.
• A 2020 case series published in the Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics documented reduced pregnancy discomfort and improved fetal positioning in women receiving regular Webster Technique adjustments【ICPA, 2020】.
Is the Webster Technique Safe?
When performed by a qualified, pregnancy-trained chiropractor, the Webster Technique is gentle, safe, and non-invasive. There is no external force applied to the baby, and it does not attempt to manually reposition the fetus.
At Nomad Chiropractic, we’re certified in Webster Technique through the ICPA and conduct thorough assessments to ensure all care is appropriate and individualized. We also collaborate with your midwife, doula, or obstetrician as part of your birth team.
Why Webster Isn’t Just for Breech Babies
Even if your baby is already head-down, the Webster Technique can still offer significant benefits:
• Reducing round ligament pain
• Improving pelvic balance as the body prepares for labor
• Supporting better fetal descent and rotation
• Easing pubic symphysis or sacroiliac joint discomfort
• Encouraging smoother birth experiences—even for VBACs and homebirths
Midwives like Sheryl Sidery and researchers like Rachel Reed advocate for interventions that support the physiology of birth and avoid unnecessary medical intervention. Chiropractic care, when integrated thoughtfully and respectfully, aligns beautifully with these values.
In Summary
The Webster Technique is not about forcing anything. It’s about restoring balance, function, and space. Whether you’re seeking relief from discomfort, preparing for a natural birth, or supporting a breech baby, Webster care is a powerful, respectful way to enhance your pregnancy experience.
The Nomad Approach to Pregnancy Chiropractic
At Nomad Chiropractic, we approach pregnancy care with respect, specificity, and deep understanding of how the body and nervous system change throughout each trimester. Our goal is not to simply relieve pain—it’s to help your body adapt, align, and thrive.
🌀 Gentle, Specific, and Neurologically Focused
We use low-force, pregnancy-safe techniques that are tailored to your stage of pregnancy and individual needs. Every adjustment is designed to support not just your spine, but your nervous system—which governs how you adapt to stress, sleep, movement, and birth preparation.
Our care enhances communication between your brain and body, supporting hormonal balance, immune function, and emotional regulation—all crucial in pregnancy.
🌿 Certified in the Webster Technique
All our chiropractors are trained in the Webster Technique through the ICPA (International Chiropractic Pediatric Association). This specialised approach focuses on restoring pelvic alignment and reducing tension in the surrounding ligaments, particularly the round ligaments that can influence uterine positioning.
While often associated with breech presentations, Webster care is beneficial for all pregnant people to support pelvic mobility, comfort, and birth readiness.
🤝 Collaborative and Woman-Centred Care
We believe the best outcomes come from collaborative, respectful care. That’s why we work closely with midwives, doulas, physiotherapists, and other perinatal professionals in the Mosman and Sydney area. Whether you’re planning a homebirth, VBAC, or hospital birth, your care with us is personalised and aligned with your goals.
🐣 More Than Just Pain Relief
While many women come to chiropractic for back or pelvic pain, they stay because of how much better their whole body functions. Improved sleep, better digestion, reduced round ligament pain, calmer nervous system—it’s all part of what we call the Nomad difference.
You and your baby are already working together. We’re here to support that connection—every step of the way.
Coming up next in Part 3: we’ll explore the fourth trimester—that raw, beautiful, often-overlooked postpartum window—and how chiropractic care supports healing, breastfeeding, and nervous system recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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It’s a chiropractic protocol used to restore pelvic balance and reduce ligament tension during pregnancy.
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No. It doesn't turn babies—it creates space in the pelvis so baby can move more freely into an optimal position.
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Yes. It’s a gentle and specific technique used safely throughout all stages of pregnancy by certified chiropractors.
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Any pregnant person, not just those with breech babies. It supports comfort, pelvic mobility, and birth preparation.
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Webster is a specialized approach developed specifically for pregnancy and trained through the ICPA.
Want to learn more? Book a FREE 15min discovery call with one of our Sydney Pregnancy Chiropractors today: Book HERE
Disclaimer:
The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace individualised medical advice. Chiropractic care is not a replacement for obstetric or medical care. All care provided at Nomad Chiropractic is tailored to individual needs following a thorough clinical assessment. Results may vary. Please consult with your healthcare provider to determine if chiropractic care is appropriate for you.