How Babies Promote Chiropractic
By Brandi Swieter
Many people rave about the use of chiropractic for newborns, telling how beneficial it can be to help them sleep. Even expectant mothers are told to see the chiropractor, as the process is supposed to help prepare the body for birth and produce an easier labor. What many fail to report is the true need for chiropractic for parents as the baby ages. With car seats to lug around, heavy kids to carry regularly, and plenty of other baby gear to handle, moms and dads tend to experience a tremendous amount of back pain that leave them in need of professional help.
Carrying an Infant
An infant carrier is often the first type of car seat parents put their babies in for travel. These carriers can weigh around nine or so pounds on their own, then add the weight of the baby with it. While newborns use the seat, the weight shouldn’t be too much for a parent to handle. As they grow, however, the combined weight of both the infant and the carrier can start to take its toll. Lugging the seat around, picking it up to put it in the car, and getting it back out again can all do damage to the back. Many new parents start to notice an increase in pain as their carried babies get bigger.
Baby Wearing
Aside from carrying an infant in a carrier seat, many parents also carry them on themselves. Baby wearing is the term most often heard, referring to using a body carrier or wrap that allows mom or dad to keep baby close to them at all times. It works well for infants who want to be held while parents have things to do, but it can put added strain on the body as extra weight is put on either the front or back.
Lack of Sleep
Babies tend to wake multiple times a night. This, paired with a parent’s aching back, can really have mom or dad tossing and turning and unable to get any rest. Chiropractic care helps to eliminate pain and stress in the body, thus promoting a better night’s sleep. Though parents will still have to get up when their infant cries, they may be able to get some Zzz’s when they do get to fall back to sleep for the night.
Any parents experiencing back pain or other joint restrictions should see a chiropractor as soon as possible. Chiropractic care from The Joint Chiropractic can ease tension and allow parents to gain back some flexibility so they can continue to care for their babies as necessary. With extended hours, moms and dads can make it in when it fits their schedule.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Alexandria, Va