Why Your Newborn Needs to be Adjusted Right After Birth

As a brand-new parent, you’re doing everything you can to give your baby the healthiest, safest start in life. From researching the best feeding methods to finding the right car seat and perfecting that sleep setup, you’re going above and beyond.

But there’s one incredibly important piece many parents overlook: the physical stress that birth places on your baby’s tiny body—especially their neck, brainstem, and developing nervous system.

Birth Is More Physically Intense Than Most Realize

Today, nearly 1 in 3 births in the U.S. are delivered via C-section. Add to that the widespread use of interventions like inductions, vacuum extraction, forceps, or manual assistance, and you begin to understand just how common birth-related physical stress has become.

Even in smooth, natural deliveries without any intervention, the birthing process still places a great deal of strain on an infant’s spine and nervous system. This can lead to subtle misalignments—called subluxations—that interfere with your baby’s neurological function and development right from the start.

Why the First Few Weeks Can Be Tough

If your baby seems constantly fussy, struggles to latch, deals with reflux, colic, or has trouble sleeping, you’ve probably been told these are just “typical baby issues.”

But what if those issues are actually your baby’s way of signaling that something deeper is out of balance?

A study published by the American Osteopathic Association found that 99% of healthy newborns had some level of spinal or cranial misalignment (also called somatic dysfunction). These findings were even more common in births involving interventions or prolonged labor.

This means that even babies born “naturally” can benefit tremendously from a gentle chiropractic assessment in the early days of life.

Early Detection = Long-Term Benefits

Finding and correcting subluxations early doesn’t just ease short-term issues like latching, digestion, or sleep—it plays a critical role in how your child’s brain and body develop over time.

Because these subluxations often affect the brainstem and upper spine, they can interfere with crucial developmental milestones down the road—such as motor control, speech, coordination, and emotional regulation.

Why Newborns Are So Vulnerable

Babies have no muscular control or motor coordination at birth, so they’re completely unable to protect their spine and neck during delivery. That’s why the upper cervical spine and brainstem are the most common areas affected during birth.

Once misaligned, three key problems arise:

• Misalignment can lead to feeding difficulties, head tilts (torticollis), or flat spots on the head (plagiocephaly).

• Fixation restricts movement, which is vital for providing the brain with the sensory input it needs for growth.

• Neurological interference disrupts the connection between the brain and body, impacting overall development.

The Upper Neck and Vagus Nerve: The Hidden Connection

The brainstem and upper neck don’t just manage movement—they also house the vagus nerve, which controls your baby’s parasympathetic nervous system. This system helps regulate digestion, sleep, immune function, and calming responses.

When this nerve is affected by birth-related subluxation, it can cause:

• Colic and excessive crying

• Trouble latching or feeding

• Reflux or constipation

• Difficulty sleeping

• Heightened stress or poor emotional regulation

  
  

All of these may be signs of nervous system stress, not just “typical baby phases.”

How Pediatric Chiropractic Can Help

Let’s clear up a common misconception: newborn adjustments are nothing like what you might picture with adults. They are extremely gentle and safe—using only light, precise pressure, comparable to checking the ripeness of a peach or pressing on your eyelid.

Many pediatric chiropractors use cutting-edge technology like INSiGHT Scans to assess nervous system function and pinpoint areas of stress, allowing for tailored care that supports your baby’s individual needs.

Supporting Development From Day One

Your baby’s first year of life is filled with rapid growth—especially in the brain. Neural connections are forming by the millions every second, laying the groundwork for their health and function for years to come.

When you help ensure their nervous system is in proper alignment from the beginning, you’re doing far more than easing colic or sleep issues. You’re helping build a strong foundation for immunity, regulation, motor skills, and long-term well-being.

Be Proactive, Not Reactive

Don't wait for small signs of distress to turn into bigger concerns. Take a proactive approach to your baby’s health by scheduling a newborn evaluation at Bright Futures Chiropractic.

A thorough exam will include a detailed history, a gentle hands-on assessment, and state-of-the-art neurological scans to identify any early signs of stress.

Welcoming a newborn can be both joyful and overwhelming. But by choosing chiropractic care right from the start, you’re giving your child the opportunity to grow, heal, and thrive—naturally and powerfully—just as nature intended.

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