Also see Natural Therapies – treating common conditions without pharmaceuticals
Women, babies and children can benefit greatly from chiropractic and osteopathic care. These therapies are highly effective in treating a range of conditions by ensuring the nervous system is functioning well:
- pregnancy – low back pain, nausea, heartburn, shortness of breath, constipation, haemorrhoids, frequent urination, fluid retention
- babies – crying, difficulties settling, colic, reflux, respiratory and ear infections
- breastfeeding related issues, including poor latch and sucking, neck and back strain or tension and asymmetry
Chiropractic & Osteopathic care during pregnancy.
During pregnancy (and even before conception) it is beneficial to have your spine checked by a chiropractor or osteopath as they can “ensure your pelvis sits correctly to allow optimum room for your baby to grow and move”(Source).
A well positioned baby can mean the difference between a straightforward labour and one requiring intervention (see Optimal foetal positioning).
It is also useful for any persistent discomfort during pregnancy. (Siatica, pelvic pain)
Chiropractic & Osteopathic care for babies.
All newborns can benefit from a check up. Especially those who can support their own head from birth (this can mean they have very tense neck muscles or morrow reflex is active which can effect their dexterity later on in life)); those who will only breastfeed from one side or only turn their head to one side when lying down; those who “make peculiar grunting sounds, wriggle a lot and either arch their back or want to stay excessively curled up from birth, which may indicate abdominal discomfort" (Source).
Many women tell stories of Chiropractic and Osteopathic treatments turning a crying baby into a peaceful sleeper. A baby can be 'ill at ease' due to the skeletal system being out place from the pregnancy or birth. If your baby experienced a difficult birth, she could certainly benefit from the gentle hands of a good practitioner.
Chiropractic & Osteopathic care for breastfeeding.
The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association – Research Foundation
The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association – Research Foundation (ICPA), a non-profit organization, has an excellent website with articles on issues such as co-sleeping, breastfeeding, asthma, immunisation (or not), wellness and holistic approaches to sickness. They also have a free quarterly newsletter.
Effectiveness of OSTEOPATHY
at treating common conditions
Effectiveness of CHIROPRACTIC
at treating common conditions