Parents today face a barrage of information, from TikTok chiropractors to pediatric orthopedic surgeons. Navigating the best care choices for your baby can be overwhelming. The concept of providing regular chiropractic care for infants has recently gained traction. Let’s explore why you should take your newborn to the chiropractor!
What is ICPA and Webster Certification?
First, let’s look at what kind of certifications your chiropractor should have to work with your newborn. Understanding the professional’s qualifications becomes paramount when considering chiropractic care for your buddle of joy. The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) is a recognized leader in pediatric chiropractic. They advocate for safe and specialized care for infants and pregnant women.
The Webster Technique is a flagship approach of this specialization. Tailored for the unique needs of expecting mothers, it emphasizes the proper alignment of the pelvis during pregnancy. This alignment helps facilitate a smoother birthing process and reduces potential stress on the newborn.
However, only some chiropractors are certified in this technique. Ensuring that your chiropractor holds a Webster Certification guarantees that they’ve been trained intensively in this method and are qualified to provide specialized care to pregnant mothers. Your baby’s safety and well-being hinge on the practitioner’s expertise. You want to ensure your chiropractor has the proper certifications before entrusting them with your newborn’s care.
Another certification also comes from the ICPA and it is the Pediatric Certification. The ICPA Pediatric Certification Program provides chiropractors with fundamental clinical skills, knowledge, and research pertaining to the care of children and pregnant mothers. At the close of the program, ICPA graduates are eligible for the credentials CACCP: Certified by the Academy Council of Chiropractic Pediatrics. When looking at the ICPA website for a chiropractor near you, look to see that they have the Webster Technique Certification and CACCP certification.
Why Newborns Might Need Chiropractic Care
The birth process, while natural, can be quite taxing for a newborn’s fragile body, from navigating through the birth canal to the adjustments required in the outside world. These experiences can create subtle misalignments in a baby’s spine or cause stress on their nervous system.
For starters, colic, acid reflux, and sleep disturbances are common among newborns. Many don’t realize that these can sometimes stem from misalignments in the baby’s spine. For example, a misalignment can impact nerve function, leading to digestive troubles like acid reflux, constipation, or colic. Regular chiropractic adjustments aim to rectify these misalignments, potentially easing these conditions.
Eustachian tubes in infants are shorter and more horizontal than in older children and adults. This makes babies more susceptible to blockages, leading to ear infections. Gentle chiropractic adjustments can help improve ear drainage and reduce the risk of recurrent ear infections.
Furthermore, the baby’s physical state can influence other challenges, such as breastfeeding. If a baby is uncomfortable due to a misaligned spine or neck, it might be hard to latch or feed in certain positions. Chiropractic care can offer solutions by properly aligning the baby’s spine and neck.
Another factor to consider is the baby’s position in the womb during pregnancy. Positions like the breech presentation can cause strain on the baby’s spine and hips. Post-birth chiropractic care can be beneficial in addressing any stresses or strains this positioning might have caused.
In essence, the benefits of chiropractic care for newborns go beyond just ‘back health.’ It’s about ensuring the baby’s overall well-being, comfort, and optimal development as they navigate their early growth stages. Always ensure that the chiropractor you choose is experienced in treating infants and holds the necessary certifications.
How to Choose the Right Chiropractor for Your Newborn
In today’s digital age, it’s easy to fall for the first “expert” we see, whether TikTok chiropractors or influencers. But choosing a chiropractor for your baby is a decision that requires thoughtful research. First, ensure they have specialized training in pediatric care. As mentioned before, look for Webster and ICPA-certified pediatric chiropractors (CACCP).
Ask questions! How often have they worked with infants? What are their credentials? Do they have patient testimonials? What does their care plan look like? Remember, it’s not just about fixing a current issue. It’s about ensuring long-term health.
Navigating the realm of your baby’s health can be both rewarding and daunting. As you consider the many avenues of care available, chiropractic treatment is a valuable tool to ensure your child’s optimal growth and comfort. Remember, it’s about addressing immediate issues and fostering a foundation for long-term well-being. As always, staying informed, asking the right questions, and collaborating with certified professionals are the cornerstones of making the best decisions for your little one. As parents, our ultimate goal is to provide our children with the best start in life, and informed choices are the first step in that journey.
Contact Us
Chiropractic care is excellent for people of all ages! I see patients of all ages in my office and always enjoy helping them achieve better health. Newborns, infants, children, teens, adults, and seniors can all benefit from chiropractic care. If you’re looking for a way to improve your overall health and wellness and are located in Charlotte or the surrounding areas, reach out to us today.
