As a parent, ensuring your baby’s comfort and well-being is paramount. You may be a mom or dad who’s seeking natural forms of health care like chiropractic to help your infant flourish through their milestones.
Dr. Marie Perron is here to answer some of the most common questions about how chiropractic care can support your baby’s well-being and comfort and address nursing challenges. Our care may help ease mouth tension and jaw movement that might be associated with tongue and lip ties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the top questions we get asked at Optimum Family Chiropractic pertaining to chiropractic care and babies:
What is a chiropractic adjustment for babies, and how is it different from adjustments for adults?
Chiropractic adjustments for babies are gentle and tailored to their delicate needs. They involve light movements, stretching, and wiggling to release tension, using only as much pressure as you’d apply to check a ripe tomato. While some parents feel apprehensive at first about having their babies get adjusted, they quickly feel at ease when they see their infants enjoy their session. Some babies even giggle or stay asleep!
Are chiropractic adjustments safe for infants? What precautions do you take during treatment?
Yes, adjustments are considered safe when performed by an experienced pediatric chiropractor like Dr. Marie. The process involves gentle, non-invasive techniques. Choosing a knowledgeable practitioner with pediatric experience is key to ensuring your baby’s safety. Dr Marie has seen hundreds of babies over the past 19 years!
How do you assess whether a baby would benefit from a chiropractic adjustment?
Dr. Marie evaluates infants based on observations from parents and other care providers, such as midwives or lactation consultants. Signs like stiffness, discomfort during movement, or difficulty using both sides of the body evenly often indicate that chiropractic care could help.
What are the benefits of chiropractic care for a baby who is breastfeeding?
Gentle chiropractic care can help babies breastfeed more comfortably by improving their neck, jaw, and spinal alignment. This supports easier latching and feeding, reduces tension, and promotes a more relaxed and effective nursing experience for both Baby and Parent.
What are common physical issues in babies that interfere with nursing, and how can chiropractic care address them?
Difficulty with feeding and latching can come from various sources. Issues like neck tension not allowing babies to be comfortable or turning their head to the breast, tension in jaw muscles that prevent a wide opening mouth, and weak or inefficient tongue and lips can lead to slippage, shallow latch and tongue clicking.
Chiropractic care releases these tension points, improving both latch quality and helping babies nurse more comfortably.
Can chiropractic adjustments help alleviate discomfort for nursing mothers as well? If so, how?
Absolutely. Nursing can strain a mom’s back, neck, and shoulders, especially with poor posture during feedings. Chiropractic care for mothers relieves physical tension, reduces stress, and supports overall well-being.
How does a tongue-tie impact a baby’s ability to nurse effectively?
A tongue-tie restricts tongue mobility, leading to shallow latches, inefficient milk transfer, and potential discomfort. These issues can make nursing a challenging experience for both Mom and Baby. If you suspect a tongue-tie, it is best to talk to your family doctor or seek a consultation with a specialized dentist.
In what ways can chiropractic adjustments support babies who have had a tongue-tie release (frenectomy)?
Body care such as chiropractic is recommended after the release is performed; this type of gentle, natural care helps ensure optimal healing and retrains the baby’s mouth muscles to work more effectively. Dentists will provide home instruction for families and recommend body care to help release the overall mouth tension.
What changes or improvements have you seen in babies who receive chiropractic adjustments for nursing or tongue-tie issues?
Many parents notice immediate improvements in their baby’s comfort, movement, and nursing ability. Adjustments address tension that can accumulate during pregnancy or birth, allowing babies to feed and move more naturally. Most results are visible within a few visits, giving both Baby and Parent a smoother experience. Families that follow Dr Marie’s in-home easy exercises will see changes faster and lasting longer.
Have Additional Questions? Contact Us!
If you’re interested in finding out how chiropractic adjustments could benefit your baby or alleviate nursing challenges, give our practice a call. Dr. Marie and her team are here to support you and your little one on the path to better health and greater comfort!