Why would a newborn see a chiropractor?
Birth is one of the most physically intense experiences a person ever goes through, and that includes the baby. Even a smooth, unmedicated delivery involves hours of compression, twisting and pressure on a tiny head, neck and spine.
Add in common interventions like a long labor, induction, vacuum or forceps assistance, or a C-section, and a newborn’s body and nervous system have a lot to adapt to in their first days of life.
At New Ridge Chiropractic & Wellness, our focus is the nervous system. It is the master control system that runs everything from feeding and digestion to sleep and the ability to settle and feel calm. When we check a newborn, we are looking at how well that system is adapting after birth.
What parents often notice
Many families come to us because something feels a little off and they want another set of eyes on their baby. Common things parents mention include:
- Trouble latching, or nursing comfortably on one side but not the other
- A strong preference for turning the head in one direction
- Arching, stiffness or tension through the body
- Fussiness that is hard to settle
- Difficult or interrupted sleep
These are not diagnoses, and we always encourage parents to keep their pediatrician and lactation consultant in the loop. What we can do is assess whether tension in the spine and nervous system may be part of the picture.
What a newborn visit looks like
The word “chiropractor” can bring to mind adult adjustments with twisting and popping sounds. Newborn care looks nothing like that.
- A detailed history. We talk through pregnancy, labor, delivery, feeding and sleep. Your birth story tells us a lot about the stress your baby’s body went through.
- INSiGHT scanning. Our INSiGHT technology uses two scans that take only a couple of minutes but give us real-time data on how well your baby’s nervous system is functioning and adapting.
- Gentle adjustments. Newborn adjustments use about the amount of pressure you would use to check the ripeness of a tomato. Most babies stay calm, and many fall asleep during or right after their visit.
- A plan that fits your family. We explain what we found in plain language and give you simple things to do at home, like positioning and tummy time tips.
Is chiropractic care safe for newborns?
We Work Alongside Your OT and Other Providers
Parents ask this more than anything else, and it is the right question to ask. Pediatric chiropractic care uses techniques adapted specifically for infants, with very light pressure and no forceful movements.
Our doctors focus on pediatric, prenatal and family care, and we work alongside the pediatricians, midwives, doulas and lactation consultants who also care for your baby. If anything we see calls for a referral, we will tell you.
Starting life with a strong foundation
The first months of life are a period of rapid brain and nervous system development. Checking your baby early is a simple way to make sure that development is getting the support it needs from the start.
If you are expecting, many families schedule their baby’s first visit within the first few weeks after birth. You can also bring your newborn in at any point if you have questions.
Ready to schedule your baby’s first visit? Book a newborn appointment at New Ridge Chiropractic & Wellness, 7075 Lexington Drive in Colorado Springs.
