Top 5 Most Common Reasons Babies Seek Chiropractic Care at Hamilton Chiropractic

It's a very exciting that more parents are seeking natural alternative care for their babies and they are

more aware that chiropractic is one of those options. I am always so honored to work with an infant or baby because I know how much it takes for parents to trust a provider with their little one. There are many reasons why babies get chiropractic care and they can range from eating difficulties to constipation to limited range of motion.

Here are the 5 most common reasons parents bring their infants and babies to see me, Dr. Elise, for chiropractic care at Hamilton Chiropractic.

1. Tongue Tie Release or Revisions - The most common reason I see infants is because of a tongue tie. I work closely with a few well known and well respected pediatric dentists in the Bay Area that do tongue tie and lip tie releases. Most, if not all, pediatric dentists know the benefits of chiropractic care in aiding with a better release, so the dentists I work closely with refer to me for pre release bodywork. We also work during the post release time to help baby heal and gain the proper mobility of their tongue. Because I have built some great relationships in this space, I also check for tongue ties on all my initial visits. Chiropractic adjustments help relax the body and muscles so baby carries less tension and is able to use their body, and mouth specifically, in a better way, which helps the release go more smoothly and efficiently.

2. Feeding/Latching/Nursing Difficulties - The second most common reason a baby comes to see me is for nursing or latching difficulties. During our initial visit I assess the way the mouth is moving and working by looking at the joints, the position and development of the palate, assessing their suck, and any restrictions of the tongue/lips/cheeks. I also assess how the joints of the cervical spine and cranial bones are moving. All of those contribute to nursing/feeding. If there are restrictions it makes it harder for baby to nurse and latch properly, which leads to improper nursing, which can lead to many more challenges like pain for mom and reflux or excess gas. Chiropractic care improves those restrictions leading to improved latch/nursing/feeding. I have also built a strong referral network of lactation consultants so we can help more families with their breastfeeding journeys.

3. Reflux and Spitting Up - There are a few different types of reflux. Most common among infants and babies is the reflux that causes spitting up and the second most common would be the silent reflux that doesn't have spit up associated with it. Spitting up can also happen without reflux. These are all very common amongst infants and babies, but it doesn't have to be normal and yes, chiropractic may help. Sometimes spitting up can be related to the latch and feeding difficulties, too. Typically, the medical treatment for reflux is medication like Pepcid or Prilosec. This is the third most common reason parents seek chiropractic care for their infant because they want a more natural way to help first.

4. Constipation and Gas - Another common thing that happens to babies is that they become constipated. This may look like grunting, pushing hard (bearing down), turning red, or constantly moving trying to pass their bowels. They also may go a day or several without having a bowel movement. These symptoms mean it isn't easy for them to have a bowel movement and I consider them to be constipated. They also may be crying or really sensitive to their belly being touched. Gas may also be hard for them to pass causing more discomfort. They also may have more gas trapped in their body due to latching/feeding difficulties. As the fourth reason babies come to see me, this reason usually resolves the quickest.

5. Sleep - All parents want more sleep, right? No, babies are not supposed to sleep through the night from day one. They are designed to wake at night for food, but I understand that if baby is up more often and it doesn't seem like sleep is ever happening that parents want their baby to sleep more. This is a common reason why babies come in for care because chiropractic care helps relax and calm the nervous system, and in turn helps babies be able to rest better leading to more sleep.

Neither I or nor chiropractic care treat any of these directly. However, they are commonly helped through chiropractic and improvements in these areas are seen on a daily basis. As a reminder, chiropractic focuses on getting the nervous system functioning better by adjusting the joints of the spine in a very gentle way. Because the nervous system controls everything in our body, if it is functioning at its best then they rest of the body can also function at its best. We then see improvements in the digestive system and better bowel movements, or being able to pass gas better, or using their mouth in the proper way so they can nurse more efficiently, or they are not having as much reflux and spitting up, and their body is calmer so they can settle and sleep better.

If your baby is dealing with any of these or you know a baby who is suffering with any of these maybe it's time to give chiropractic a try. I would be happy to help you and your baby if you are in the Bay Area or local to San Mateo. If you are outside of the San Francisco Bay Area you can find a trained pediatric chiropractor in your area through the ICPA website directory. Send this to a friend who has a new bundle of joy so they can learn too!