Can Chiropractic Help My Baby With Birth Trauma?

Birth trauma refers to the physical stress and neurological tension placed on an infant’s body during labour and delivery. While natural and assisted deliveries aim to ensure the safety of both mother and baby, the process can still result in strain, particularly when interventions such as medication, induction, forceps, vacuum extractions, or caesarean sections are used.

Even without interventions, the journey through the birth canal can be overwhelming for a new baby. As a result, chiropractors often check for and find what is known as subluxation – an interference to the normal functioning of the nervous system and communication within the body. As the nervous system is responsible for feedback and regulation of vital functions such as latch, swallow, digestion, sleep, and immune responses, these disruptions may present both short and long term challenges when not addressed.

Signs That Subluxation May Be Affecting Your Baby

Subluxation is the interference to normal nervous system communication, and an inability to appropriately adapt to stressors before, during and after birth.
Recognising the signs of subluxation in infants can help parents seek appropriate care early. Some common indicators include:

• Feeding difficulties: Struggles with latching or discomfort during breastfeeding can sometimes indicate tension in the neck or jaw.
• Preferences: A baby that prefers to feed on one side or look one way may be experiencing neurological interference following the physical nature of birth
• Excessive crying or colic: Digestive issues like reflux or persistent crying may stem from nervous system imbalances.
• Uneven movement patterns: If your baby consistently favours turning their head to one side or shows stiffness in certain positions, it may point to underlying nervous system interference.
• Sleep challenges: Babies with nervous system interference might have trouble settling, resulting in disrupted sleep patterns.
• Developmental delays: The nervous system develops sequentially and clear communication is essential for this process to occur with ease

The Nervous System’s Role in Early Development

Your baby’s nervous system serves as the control centre for every process in their body. From coordinating physical movements to supporting cognitive growth, the nervous system ensures that your child develops as they should. In the early months and years of life, this system works tirelessly to adapt and respond to the world around them. It allows for feeding, digestion, growth, sleep, movement development and social interactions.

When the nervous system is functioning optimally, smooth communication between the brain and body will support key milestones like rolling over, crawling, and walking. However, nervous system interference can disrupt these pathways, potentially leading to delays in development, heightened stress responses, and reduced adaptability. Addressing these issues early can have a profound impact on a child’s growth and overall health.

How Chiropractic Care Can Support Your Baby

Family chiropractic care offers a gentle and effective approach to addressing the impact of birth trauma and subsequently subluxation. Chiropractors trained in caring for infants use specialised techniques that apply minimal pressure—comparable to the touch used to check the ripeness of a piece of fruit. These adjustments aim to address nervous system interference, restore proper nervous system function, and help your baby grow and thrive

By resolving subluxations, chiropractic care can:

• Support better feeding and digestion
• Promote restful sleep
• Enhance physical development
• Boost overall resilience and adaptability

At Advanced Health Chiropractic, we understand the importance of providing safe and compassionate care for even the youngest members of your family. Our team is experienced in working with babies and children, ensuring that every adjustment is tailored to their unique needs.