Gentle Chiropractic Care for Infants
Dr. Davis and Dr. Brown have seen babies at just a few days old and checked both their own babies at just a few hours old! Both doctors have completed additional training in pediatrics. Your doctor will get a history on your pregnancy and birth, perform an exam on your baby, and perform a gentle adjustment on the first visit. You’ll discuss a plan going forward and you will be encouraged to ask questions. Dr. Davis and Dr. Brown are excited for the opportunity to serve you and your little one!
Being born is tough work!
Studies show about 90 percent of newborns have some kind of birth trauma. This means that the baby suffered a muscle strain through the neck and cranial areas following birth. Left uncorrected, this trauma continues to impact a baby’s spinal growth and development. A baby’s spine lengthens by 50 percent in the first year of life. At no other time in life does this type of growth happen! Chiropractic care is solely focused on removing nerve dysfunction so a new baby can grow, develop, and function at its highest potential. Birth, no matter how it happens, can be quite traumatic. Birth trauma can be caused by:
- A very short labor
- A very long labor
- Failure of the cervix to dilate
- Use of Pitocin to strengthen/induce uterine contractions
- Use of forceps or vacuum extraction
- Cord around baby’s neck
- Cesarean delivery (due to lack of progress)
- Pulling or twisting on the head to deliver the infant’s body
If left uncorrected, trauma can impact a baby’s spinal growth and development, and may reduce the healthy function of the nervous system. This could cause many health challenges later on in life. As an infant, nerve dysfunction from birth trauma can look like:
- Trouble breathing
- Reflux/frequent spitting up
- Irritability/colic
- Difficulty nursing (impaired sucking/swallowing or head positioning)
- Balance issues
- Sleeping difficulty
- Delayed developmental milestones
The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord, and it processes everything that your body does. Your heartbeat, movement, smiling, laughing, smelling, creativity – all are coordinated by the brain and spinal cord. In infants, the central nervous system also controls their growth and development. Chiropractors who take care of babies look for disturbances in their nerve systems that interfere with healthy growth and development.
Early Care, Lasting Benefits
Pediatric chiropractic care is gentle, safe, and effective. Many parents have their children checked regularly by a chiropractor. It’s part of a healthy lifestyle!
Dr. Davis, being raised by two chiropractic parents, has been adjusted since birth. She personally has lived the results, such as fewer illnesses, good posture, better adaptability to life’s stresses, and fewer aches and pains in her adult life. She only had one ear infection growing up and has never been on antibiotics. She’s lived the chiropractic lifestyle since birth and now teaches other parents what that looks like. A healthy lifestyle includes chiropractic and the best time to start is at birth.
Patient Success Stories
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chiropractic care safe for infants?
Absolutely! We love seeing babies in our office. Chiropractic care for infants is extremely gentle and specifically adapted for a baby’s delicate spine. There is no popping, no twisting, and no heavy pressure. Adjustments are very light – often compared to the amount of pressure you would use to test the ripeness of a tomato. The safety and comfort of you and your baby is always the top priority.
Why would a baby need chiropractic care?
Birth is a very traumatic event, no matter which way your baby came into this world. Even when birth is natural and uncomplicated, it can still place stress on a baby’s spine and nervous system. Assisted deliveries (forceps, vacuum, etc.), long labors, very quick labors, or in-utero positioning may contribute to tension and imbalance in a baby’s spine. Gentle chiropractic care supports spinal movement and nervous system function during the most important years of growth and development.
Can chiropractic care help with colic, reflux, or feeding difficulties?
Yes! Many parents seek chiropractic care for concerns such as colic, reflux, general fussiness, difficulty latching, head preference, sleep disturbances, constipation, not hitting milestones, and so much more. Chiropractic care can help support nervous system balance and overall regulation in your little one’s body.
What does an infant adjustment look like?
Infant adjustments are very different from adult adjustments. There is no forceful twisting, popping, and no sudden pushes. Infant care involves gentle pressure, specifically applied to the area(s) of the spine or body that need a little more support. The Doctor will talk you through every movement.
How will my baby respond to an adjustment?
Many babies remain calm or even sleep during their adjustment. Some may fuss simply due to being handled, being away from mom or dad, or if they are tired or hungry. The techniques used are gentle and not painful to the baby. Parents are always welcome to stay close, hold, or comfort their baby during the visit. Visits are typically longer to account for this.
Where gentle care meets early development.