This post is presented by East Coast Chiropractic

Ever wonder why you would bring a baby to see a chiropractor? You’re not alone!

An awesome study was just published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics all about chiropractic care for infants. They had 2001 families participate in this prospective study! 1092 of the initial families completed follow up questionnaires. Data was gathered to study the reasons parents brought their baby to see a chiropractor, the age of the infant, the type of birth they had, the number of visits they had, the mother’s mental health status, and the parents’ satisfaction with and effectiveness of the care provided. WOW!

Here is what they found:

1. The majority of the families were referred to the chiropractor from another health care provider. It is important to note, however, that a referral is NOT necessary. Chiropractic is a primary healthcare profession that does not require a referral.

2. The most common age parents brought their infants in was 3 weeks old. (* 79% of infants were less than 12 weeks old at age of first appointment)

3. On average, parents had 2.2 “problems” they were concerned about regarding their infant’s behaviour.

4. Feeding issues were one of the top reasons parents sought care for their infant (47%). Other reasons included:

•  excessive crying/colic (31%)
•  uncomfortable when lying on their back (26.9%)
•  sleep difficulties (24.9%)
•  difficult birth process (18.7%)
•  reflux/constipation (12.5%)
• abnormal head shape (11.4%)
• inability to turn head equally to both sides (13.6%)
• well baby check up aka had no reported “problems” (22.5%)

5. Significant improvements were seen across all parameters of infant behaviour studied. (82.4% reported a definite improvement or completely better, “like a different baby”)

6. The shared source of these problems was musculoskeletal irritability and imbalance… which can result from the birth process!
* 1163 of the 2001 families had a birth with intervention and only 645 had a birth with no intervention.

7. The greatest reductions in ratings were reported for feeding problems of the infant and the mother’s own anxiety level (this makes sense – the mother’s psychological experience is entwined with breastfeeding issues and inconsolable infant crying). Postpartum anxiety and depression have been linked to feeding, crying, and sleeping issues of the newborn. Research has shown that mothers report lower scores on validated anxiety and depression indices and better quality of life after their infant has received a course of chiropractic care.

8. Significant improvements in infant behaviour occurred within 2 weeks of beginning care (statistically significant compared to natural history)

9. 90.9% of parents were satisfied with the care at 8 or above on a scale of 10 (71.6% of those were 10/10)

10. 95.8% of parents reported that the care was cost-effective

11. No adverse events were reported.

This study sums up what we already know about chiropractic care for infants: it is safe, effective and affects entire family units in a positive way!

Have an awesome week,

 

 

 

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I’m Dr. Marie and I love helping moms and moms-to-be who think differently. My passion for chiropractic, exercise, food, and motherhood are what drive me to wake up everyday, to live life to the fullest, and to help others do the same. I grew up in suburban Toronto but always envisioned ending up somewhere quite different. My visions of the perfect place to live became a reality here in Fredericton. Before moving here I did my undergraduate degree at Western University in London, Ontario and then earned by Doctor of Chiropractic degree in Toronto. While studying for my dream job I also found my dream husband. Along with our newest addition Eloise, and 3 year old Zoey, we help families reach more of their health potential.

I’m Dr. Graham and I love being a dad. My daughters Zoey and Eloise are my inspiration to be as healthy as I can be and to help as many families as I can do the same. I grew up in Fredericton, did my undergraduate education at UNB and then moved to Toronto to complete my 4-year Doctorate in Chiropractic at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. It was there that I met my wife Marie. I managed to convince Marie to move back east with me to start our practice and our family. We opened East Coast Chiropractic with a big vision and have been helping lots of families live happier, healthier lives ever since.

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East Coast Chiropractic |530 Brookside Drive, Unit E, Fredericton, NB| 506.454.2004

 

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