CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR BABIES
Approximately 80% of babies born in South Africa are delivered by Caesarean. It is important for mothers to understand what the fetus goes through during the birthing process. Every step of the labour has an important role to initiate important neurological and hormonal chains to awaken the little fetus. Just one example is how the contractions awaken the pituitary gland, known as the master gland, and the cascade of hormones through the body begins. This effect in isolation lets the fetus know that “today is the day” and he/she prepares for the journey into the birth canal.
The fetus uses an extension reflex that helps them wriggle and worm their way down the birth canal. Once the babys head is delivered, the extension reflex is inhibited which is an essential step in the development of your baby. The body then follows, and for the first time in 9 months, the body is stretched out, under pressure, from the fetal position. This is such an amazing step in the awakening and maturation of the nervous system.
A Caesar baby in comparison is fast asleep. Suddenly something pulls and tugs and then BRIGHT lights…. neurologically, the fetus gets the fright of his or her life! No warning, no stretching and no loss of the extension reflex. And both these types of births have their high risk complications and potential threats, EG. The cord around the neck, breech presentations and posterior presentation. The use of the ventouse (suction) and forceps is all added trauma to the fetus and the mother. Always keep in mind that the mothers stress is felt directly to the baby. We call these babies adrenalin babies because they have come out fighting and if a Caesar come out with a fright!
Survival is a primal instinct, and the only thing that is neurologically developed at birth is the babies mouth. That is why the sucking reflex is the most essential reflex needed at birth for survival. However, in an immature baby, pain and hunger are interpreted in a similar way and that is “a threat”. So regardless whether your baby is hungry or in pain, they will feel threatened, and ask you for food….. it is the primal instinct of survival.
These are normal reactions for the baby and are important in the maturation of the nervous system. However, if the baby only has to deal with hunger, they cope so much better with their immaturity. Throw in pain in any form, i.e. Cramps, neck pain or an ingrown toe nail, and the baby copes less well with all the ‘threats’ that need to be processed. As chiropractors, we like to rule out and check that there is no possible extra ‘threat’ originating in the spine and also stimulate spine motion and stretching if there was a caesarean birth or trauma.
Dr Deall
