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The birth process, whether a vaginal birth or cesarean, can be a traumatic experience for some babies. But even before labor begins, there are pressures on the baby’s cranium from the mother’s pelvis causing an immense amount of strain on the neck and cranium of the baby.

Return Cranial Plates to Their Normal Position

While traveling through the birth canal, a baby’s cranial plates naturally overlap to allow for delivery. Those plates usually return back to their normal position within 24 hours, but this doesn’t always happen. This resulting cranial tension can cause asymmetrical features such as uneven ears, difficulty opening the jaw symmetrically, and one eye that looks smaller than the other; all of which can cause difficulties with growth and development. Babies with cranial tension tend to have problems latching or staying on the breast, favor turning their head to one side over the other, and even have poor digestion. A pediatric chiropractor can perform a gentle technique called craniopathy or SOT to allow the baby’s cranial plates to release and return to their normal position.

Promote Spinal Elongation

In the first year of life, a baby’s spine increases in length by as much as 50 percent, and the normal curves of the spine form in the first three years. If any misalignments exist from birth, proper elongation and curvature can be compromised. Regular infant chiropractic visits can help ensure a child’s rapidly growing spine develops without misalignments that will cause problems later in life.

Reduce Ear Infections

Infants are susceptible to ear infections due to fluid buildup in their tiny eustachian tubes. When these tubes become blocked and can’t drain, it causes pressure, pain, and eventually infection if bacteria settles in. A skilled infant chiropractor can release the muscles around the eustachian tube and along the lymphatics in the neck to allow easier drainage and offering relief.

Reduce Colic

Chiropractic care has been shown to reduce colic symptoms in 9 out of 10 babies. An infant’s digestive system isn’t initially developed enough to cope with gas buildup that’s caused by nursing or sucking on a bottle, so gas simply stays where it is and can cause tremendous pain and bloating. Through gentle manipulation of the spine, a chiropractor can help stimulate nerve flow to the small intestine to aid the movement of fluid and gas.

It’s Never Too Early to Have Your Baby Evaluated by a Skilled Family Chiropractor

Dr. Colleen Miller, Dr. Jen Kujawski and Dr. Katie Neff at Turning Point Wellness Center have extensive training by the Academy of Chiropractic Family Practice Council on Chiropractic Pediatrics, and provide care for infants beginning at birth. If you have concerns about your baby’s growth and development, contact our Waterloo office at 618-939-5585, or our Red Bud office at 618-282-3900.