Even if your baby is born naturally, the birth experience can be highly traumatic, particularly in the upper cervical spine. It’s no wonder most newborns are subluxated at birth. According to significant research from the ICPA (International Chiropractic Pediatric Association), they project that 85 to 90 percent of babies are subluxated.
That’s why we encourage parents to get their newborn checked and adjusted as soon after birth as possible. Dr. Katie has adjusted infants that were a few minutes old after a home birth. Typically, families bring their little ones in a couple of days after they’re born, but Dr. Katie can also adjust them shortly after birth.
How Do You Adjust Babies?
Rest assured that infants are adjusted gently. Extremely light pressure is used on the atlas or sacrum. It’s as much pressure as you’d use to touch your eyelid gently or check a tomato for ripeness. A gentle sustained hold is used, and there’s no twisting, cracking, popping, or turning involved.
What Are Some Benefits?
By getting your infant adjusted, the brain and body connection is on point and at “five bars,” as we say in our office. The nervous system balances and functions better, so your child can heal and thrive in an environment that’s better connected and neurologically aligned. Here are some benefits your baby may experience:
- Helps Baby have a better latch
- Improves overall neurological structure
- Increases reflexes
- Increases neurological communication
- Boosts the immune system
- Addresses colic and digestion issues
Signs Your Newborn May Need Adjusted
If your infant has trouble latching or experiencing colic or excessive fussiness, they can benefit from chiropractic. Also, if they went through any sort of birth trauma (e.g. forceps, vacuum extraction or C-section), it’s a good idea to bring your baby in.
We can recommend frequency of visits depending on the birth process and the subluxation patterns Dr. Katie identifies.
Our office loves taking care of newborns, and Dr. Katie welcomes you to bring your infant in for safe and gentle care. Beyond infancy, children can benefit from continued chiropractic care. The children we meet in our office that get adjusted from the day they’re born or at a young age thrive; they are healthier, happier and function better.
Contact us today to book an appointment for pediatric chiropractic care.