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Writer's pictureRadiant Waves Chiro

The Long-Term Impact of Birth Trauma: What Happens After Leaving the Hospital

As a parent, there's nothing more heart-wrenching than watching your child struggle with chronic health issues. You've likely endured a long journey of doctor's appointments, treatments, and therapies, searching for elusive answers. If you're feeling frustrated and overwhelmed, you're not alone.


The Overlooked Culprit: Birth Trauma

Birth trauma is a term unfamiliar to many parents, yet it could be the missing piece in your child's health puzzle. It refers to physical injuries that can occur during birth, often resulting from common interventions like forceps, vacuum extraction, or cesarean sections. Though often dismissed as "normal" by medical professionals, these injuries can profoundly affect your child's developing nervous system.

Did you know that about 30% of babies in the U.S. are born via C-section? That's just one type of intervention. When we include assisted deliveries using forceps or vacuum extraction, the numbers rise even higher. In our practice, we often see children with chronic health issues traceable to birth complications.


Understanding the Domino Effect

To grasp how birth trauma affects your child's health, let's break down the process:

  1. Physical Injury: Trauma occurs in the delicate upper cervical spine and brainstem region.

  2. Nervous System Disruption: This injury shifts the central nervous system into a stressed, "fight-or-flight" state.

  3. Vagus Nerve Impact: The trauma affects vagus nerve function, crucial for regulating digestion, immune function, and overall well-being.

  4. Subluxation: Misalignment and dysfunction of the upper cervical spine vertebrae create ongoing nervous system stress.

  5. Chronic Health Challenges: As long as this subluxation and nervous system dysfunction persist, your child may struggle with various health issues.


    Dr. Jodi Wiechman adjusting a pregnant mom in Jupiter, Florida

The "Perfect Storm"

Birth trauma doesn't occur in isolation. It combines with other stressors and environmental factors to create what we call the "Perfect Storm." This combination can overwhelm your child's developing nervous system, leading to a wide range of chronic health challenges, including:

  • Colic and digestive issues

  • Sleep disturbances

  • Developmental delays

  • Sensory processing difficulties

  • Weakened immune function

  • Behavioral challenges

  • Learning difficulties

  • Chronic ear infections

  • Asthma and allergies


The Emotional Component

It's crucial to understand that birth trauma isn't solely physical. The emotional stress experienced by both mother and baby during a difficult birth can have lasting effects. Immediate post-birth separation, bonding or breastfeeding difficulties, and the stress of medical interventions all contribute to birth trauma's overall impact.


Signs Your Child Might Be Affected by Birth Trauma

While every child is unique, here are common signs that might indicate your baby or child is dealing with birth trauma effects:

  1. Difficulty nursing or latching as a baby

  2. Preference for turning the head to one side

  3. Chronic digestive issues or reflux

  4. Frequent ear infections

  5. Delayed developmental milestones

  6. Sensory sensitivities

  7. Sleep disturbances

  8. Behavioral challenges or mood swings

  9. Difficulty concentrating or learning


If you recognize any of these signs in your child, it might be worth exploring whether nervous system dysregulation stemming from birth trauma could be a contributing factor.


Breaking the Cycle: A New Approach to Healing

If you're frustrated with conventional medical approaches that seem to only address symptoms, it's time for a paradigm shift. As a parent, you have the power to take charge of your child's health by addressing the root cause of their challenges.


Dr. Jodi Wiechman holding a baby at Radiant Waves Chiropractic in Jupiter, Florida

The Power of Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care

At Radiant Waves Chiropractic, our pediatric care approach focuses on identifying and correcting subluxation in the upper cervical spine and brainstem region. Using advanced technology like INSiGHT scans, we assess your child's nervous system function and provide gentle, precise adjustments tailored to their unique needs.


This neurologically-focused care aims to:

  • Restore proper alignment and nervous system function

  • Promote the body's natural healing abilities

  • Address the root cause of chronic health issues

  • Support overall development and well-being


Remember, you are your child's best advocate. By addressing the often-overlooked effects of birth trauma, you're taking a powerful step toward unlocking your child's full potential for health and well-being.


Are you ready to start your child's journey to optimal health? Reach out to Radiant Waves Chiropractic today. If you're not local to us, check out the PX Docs directory to find an office near you. Together, we can help your child thrive!

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