Why in the world does a newborn need to see a chiropractor?

Newborns can have a tough journey getting out of the womb. In fact, it is pretty tight quarters in there and sometimes they get stuck before they even try to emerge.  Breech babies, babies that are sunny side up (occiput posterior) and multiples (wombmates) get a bit more squeezed than others.  Some babies seem tense in their body right from the start. They might develop a head preference keeping their head turned more in one direction than the other.  Eventually that could lead to a flat spot on their skull or even a diagnosis of torticollis.  Other babies are tense and seem cranky or colicky most of the day. Having gentle chiropractic care by a chiropractor trained to work on babies can restore normal joint motion and release body tension.  Since the cranial bones of the head are not fused yet, the bones can shift during the first year of life.  Craniolsacral therapy can help ease the tension in the mouth, head, neck and body.  We combine gentle chiropractic adjustments with cranial work.  The hands-on care for a child is extremely gentle and never involves cracking, twisting or pushing like it might when an adult receives chiropractic care.

Infants will be placed in a cozy pillow and examined checking to see how their body moves right side compared to left. We will check their shoulder and hip range of motion as well as spinal motion. We will note any body tension or restriction as well as if the infant appears uncomfortable with any movements made. We will check infantile reflexes and make sure they are on track with motor development.    

Does your baby cry the second you put them down? Do they not sleep unless they are contact napping?  We LOVE cranky babies at this office.  Let's evaluate your sweet little one to determine if our gentle bodywork could ease their tension.   We will do a combo of cranial work, reflexology, myofascial release as well as specific and extremely gentle chiropractic adjustments to calm your baby.
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Most of the infants we see at this office are struggling to either breastfeed effectively or take a bottle, maybe even both.  That could be due to body tension, jaw tension, oral ties, discoordinated suck patterns or weak oral  muscles as well as common issues like maternal milk supply, positioning, nipple pain and gaining and sustaining a deep enough latch. 

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The oral evaluation we will perform will determine if there is a tongue, lip or cheeks ties. The function and movement of the tongue muscles will be evaluated and we will examine if there is a high palate or hypersensitive gag reflex that might be interfering with feeding. We will discuss what the problems are and what to do about it. We might suggest visiting other medical professionals if further evaluations are needed. We will contact your pediatrician as well as communicate with any other provider your infant is currently seeing for care. 
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We take a team approach to helping set your baby up for success. Let's start with an evaluation. Call my office to set up a new patient visit for your baby. I look forward to helping you!

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