Just today I had 2 new babies in my practice complaining of colic, to varying degrees. I then turn on my computer and find this new study talking about that very thing. They used over 100 babies and found they were 5x more likely to have decrease in symptoms with Chiropractic. Enjoy! Dr. Steph

Efficacy of Chiropractic Manual Therapy on Infant Colic:

A Pragmatic Single-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

The Chiro.Org Blog

SOURCE: J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2012 (Oct); 35 (8): 600–607

Joyce E. Miller, BS, DC, David Newell, PhD, Jennifer E. Bolton, PhD

Associate Professor, Anglo-European College of Chiropractic, Bournemouth, UK. Electronic address: jmiller@aecc.ac.uk.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of chiropractic manual therapy for infants with unexplained crying behavior and if there was any effect of parental reporting bias.

METHODS: Infants with unexplained persistent crying (infant colic) were recruited between October 2007 and November 2009 at a chiropractic teaching clinic in the United Kingdom. Infants younger than 8 weeks were randomized to 1 of 3 groups: (i) infant treated, parent aware; (ii) infant treated, parent unaware; and (iii) infant not treated, parent unaware. The primary outcome was a daily crying diary completed by parents over a period of 10 days. Treatments were pragmatic, individualized to examination findings, and consisted of chiropractic manual therapy of the spine. Analysis of covariance was used to investigate differences between groups.

RESULTS: One hundred four patients were randomized. In parents blinded to treatment allocation, using 2 or less hours of crying per day to determine a clinically significant improvement in crying time, the increased odds of improvement in treated infants compared with those not receiving treatment were statistically significant at day 8 (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 8.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-45.0) and at day 10 (adjusted OR, 11.8; 95% CI, 2.1-68.3). The number needed to treat was 3. In contrast, the odds of improvement in treated infants were not significantly different in blinded compared with nonblinded parents (adjusted ORs, 0.7 [95% CI, 0.2-2.0] and 0.5 [95% CI, 0.1-1.6] at days 8 and 10, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: In this study, chiropractic manual therapy improved crying behavior in infants with colic. The findings showed that knowledge of treatment by the parent did not appear to contribute to the observed treatment effects in this study. Thus, it is unlikely that observed treatment effect is due to bias on the part of the reporting parent.

Introduction

Excessive infant crying in otherwise healthy infants, traditionally called infant colic, continues to be an enigmatic condition with no known cause and no known cure. [1-3] Afflicting between 10% to 30% of all infants and consuming significant health care resources, [2] infant colic is a problem for parents and clinicians, both of whom try a wide range of therapies with often disappointing results.

Despite decades of research, a clear pathogenesis has not been elucidated. Notwithstanding, what is clear is that underlying disease is rare in the excessively crying baby [4] and that half of those affected recover by 6 months of age, [5] with a small proportion at risk of injury [6] or long-term developmental problems. [7-9] In an effort to help their child with what appears to be a painful condition, some parents choose complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), including chiropractic manual therapy. [9-12] To date, several randomized trials have been reported, [13-19] and although these trials demonstrate some reduction in crying, weaknesses in study methodologies have compromised their contribution to the evidence base. [20-23]

A Danish study in 1999 [13] showed manual therapy resulted in a significant reduction in crying in a 2-week trial when compared with simethicone (known to have no effect over placebo [3]) as a control. However, the parents were not blind to treatment allocation, which could have biased their reports of outcome. Similarly, a British study in 2006, comparing manual therapy with no treatment, showed significant declines in crying in the treatment group, but again, parents were not blind to the intervention received. [14] In contrast, a Norwegian study in 2002, which did blind the parents to treatment allocation, showed similar reductions in crying with manual therapy and with placebo. [15] However, the manual therapy in that trial was an intervention nonspecific to the patient. A British study in 2005 compared 2 manual therapies, and although participants in both treatment arms showed reductions in crying, there was no placebo group for comparison. [16] Finally, 3 South African studies showed that significant improvements in crying with manual therapy over detuned ultrasound [17] and medication [18, 19] can only be found in conference proceedings and therefore remain unpublished in the peer-reviewed literature. Based on these studies, there is some but not conclusive evidence to make a recommendation of manual therapy for the excessively crying baby. [22] For there to be a better understanding about the efficacy of chiropractic treatment for infants with colic, these methodological weaknesses should be addressed.

Therefore, the objectives of this study were to conduct a single-blind, randomized controlled trial comparing chiropractic manual therapy with no treatment and to determine whether parents’ knowledge of treatment biases their report of change in infant crying. The questions posed were as follows:

(i) in colicky infants, is there a difference in crying time between infants who receive chiropractic manual therapy and those who do not, and

(ii) in colicky infants, is there a difference in infant crying time between parents blinded and parents not blinded to treatment?

Conclusion

In conclusion, the findings of this study demonstrate a greater decline in crying behavior in colicky infants treated with chiropractic manual therapy compared with infants who were not treated. The findings also showed that knowledge of treatment by the parent did not appear to contribute to the observed treatment effects in this study. Thus, it is unlikely that observed treatment effect is due to bias on the part of the reporting parent.

Practical Application

This study found that excessively crying infants were at least 5 times as likely to cry significantly less if they were treated with chiropractic manual therapy than if they were not treated, even when brought to the same venue.

Infants who were treated were equally likely to improve, whether the parents were blinded to treatment or not.

Parents expected a short course of treatment and left care if no improvement was seen in the first week as well as if recovery was obtained in the first week.

Dr. Stephanie Maj has a thriving family practice in the heart of Chicago. Her clinic is located at 1442 W. Belmont Ave., 1E, Chicago, IL 60657. 773.528.8485.

Originally Published in I.C.P.A. Newsletter May-June 2002

by Dr. Jeanne Ohm

How can chiropractic add comfort?

Chiropractic care in pregnancy is an essential ingredient to your prenatal care choices. A large percent of all pregnant women experience back discomfort/ pain during pregnancy. This is due to the rapid growth of the baby and an interference to your body’s normal structural adaptations to that growth.

Preexisting unnoticed imbalances in your spine and pelvis become overtaxed during these times. The added stresses lead to discomfort and difficulty while performing routine, daily activities. Chiropractic care throughout pregnancy can relieve and even prevent the common discomforts experienced in pregnancy. Specific adjustments eliminate these stresses in your spine, restore balance to your pelvis and result in greater comfort and lifestyle improvements.

Comfort for your baby, too.

As your baby develops, your uterus enlarges to accommodate the rapid growth. So long as the pelvis is in a balanced state, the ligaments connected to the uterus maintain an equalized, supportive suspension for the uterus. If your pelvis is out of balance in any way, these ligaments become torqued and twisted, causing a condition known as constraint to your uterus. This constraint limits the space of the developing baby. Any compromised position for the baby throughout pregnancy will affect his or her optimal development. Conditions such as torticollis occur because a baby’s space was cramped in utero.

If the woman’s uterus is constrained as birth approaches, the baby is prevented from getting into the best possible position for birth. Even if the baby is in the desirable head down position, often times constraint to the uterus affects the baby’s head from moving into the ideal presentation for delivery. The head may be slightly tilted off to one side or even more traumatically, present in the posterior position. Any baby position even slightly off during birth will slow down labor, and add pain to both the mother and baby. Many women have been told that their babies were too big, or labor “just slowed down” when it was really the baby’s presentation interfering with the normal process and progression. Avoidable interventions are implemented turing a natural process into an operative one.

Doctors of Chiropractic work specifically with your pelvis throughout pregnancy restoring a state of balance and creating an environment for an easier, safer delivery.

Preparing for a Safer Birth

Dystocia is defined as difficult labor and is something every woman wants to avoid. In addition to the pain and exhaustion caused by long, difficult labors, dystocia leads to multiple, medical interventions which may be physically and emotionally traumatic to both you and your baby. Some of these interventions are the administering of pitocin, the use of epidurals, painful episiotomies, forceful pulling on the baby’s fragile spine, vacuum extraction, forceps and perhaps even c-sections. Each of these procedures carry a high risk of injury to you, your baby or both! However, all of these procedures used to hasten the delivery process can be avoided if delivery goes more smoothly to begin with.

When reviewing the obstetric texts, the reported reasons for dystocia are caused by pelvic imbalance and its resulting effects on your uterus and your baby’s position. Chiropractic care throughout pregnancy restores balance to your pelvic muscles and ligaments and therefore leads to safer and easier deliveries for you and your baby. Additionally, the chiropractic adjustment removes interference to the nervous system allowing your uterus to function at its maximum potential. Published studies have indicated that chiropractic care does in fact reduce labor time.

We offer specific analysis and adjustments for your special needs in pregnancy. You and your baby’s continued safety and comfort is primary in our care. This pregnancy, offer yourself the best! Include the many benefits chiropractic offers in your prenatal care choices. Call for your individual consultation. Give you and your baby the opportunity for a more comfortable pregnancy and a safer, easier birth!

Article taken from International Chiropractic Pediatric Association

Dr. Stephanie Maj has a thriving family practice in the heart of Chicago. Her clinic is located at 1442 W. Belmont Ave., 1E, Chicago, IL 60657. 773.528.8485.www.communitychiropractic.net

1.  Get adjusted: Recent research reinforces that the chiropractic approach to fertility is the same approach that has encouraged so many to adopt the chiropractic lifestyle: a safe and natural option which has a focus on whole body wellness. Recent chiropractic research into fertility offers hope and encouragement to those seeking a natural option for wellness.

The nervous system controls every function of the body and specific spinal adjustments allow for optimal function.  The nervous system has regulation over hormone balance which is an integral part of conception.  It is essential to have hormones balanced prior to conception for a well balanced pregnancy.  Alignment and nerve supply are essential to maximize body balance and harmony.  Many structural alignment issues can be corrected prior to conception which will allow for a more comfortable and healthy pregnancy.  During pregnancy a mother’s body is basically functioning for two and subluxations in a spine can cause stress overload to a mother’s nervous system.  This may be detrimental to the health and well being of the mother as well as the baby.  What a great way to start life with a balanced nervous system from the beginning.  For Moms and babies the opportunities are endless with great chiropractic care.

2.  Optimal Nutrition: In addition to working with a naturally-oriented health care practitioner for routine tests and monitoring, one of the best things a woman considering pregnancy can do is give herself six months to a year to “clean up” her diet and lifestyle.  Laying the foundation by putting herself in optimal shape nutritionally prior to conceiving will go a long way in minimizing the chance of miscarriage, or developing other complications of pregnancy and delivery.  Specifically reduce or eliminate alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine shifting from a diet based on processed nutrient-deficient white foods:  sugar, white bread, pasta, pizza and bagels to one that contains more organic natural foods like vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, lean source of protein and healthy fats. (5)  Eating a diet rich in colorful organically grown vegetables and fruits will provide an adequate intake of antioxidants to fight off the damaging effects of free radicals.  Juicing organic vegetables is a great alternative if one can’t seem to consume the recommended 4 ½ cups of veggies and fruit per day.  Avoid all genetically modified food. (6)  Also avoid uncooked meats. BestRawOrganic.com has the current list of fruits and vegetables with the highest and lowest in pesticide levels.

3.  Minimize Exposure to Toxins: Do what is reasonable to “green” your home and minimize exposure to toxins in your food, cleaning products and personal care products.  If remodeling is planned and or a new home is being constructed, try to select no VOC paints, sustainable wood as opposed to composites and resin based products.  Allow out – gassing of new materials etc.  If at all possible:  buy a mattress and bedding that is free of PBDEs and Antimony.  (7)  The fetus is not as protected by the placenta as we once thought due to its immature and porous blood brain barrier and the exposure pound for pound is greater than for those of adults. Also, switching to feminine hygiene products that are organic, non-bleached cotton (Seventh Generation, Organic essentials, glad rags or sea sponge tampons).

4.  Exercise: Begin or continue an exercise routine.  A recent study looked at the impact of exercise during pregnancy on the heart/cardiovascular health of infants.  It was found that mother’s who exercised during pregnancy essentially increased the heart/cardiovascular health of the infant.  The theory is that as the heart rate is increased in the mother, so it is in the neonate which in turn strengthens both the mother and babies hearts.

5.  Weight Control: Obesity during pregnancy increased the incidences of neural tube defects, diabetes, premature labor, cesarean sections and preeclampsia.  Getting weight under control via a healthy diet emphasizing good quality protein, additional zinc and B vitamins, exercise, increased water consumption, additional fiber and essential fatty acids, can be effective and inexpensive strategies for enhancing fertility.

6.  Detox: If a woman’s toxic load has been high (has taken many prescriptive, or non prescriptive medications, has multiple amalgam fillings, or works or live in a chemically-laden environment), she might want to consider a detoxification or cleansing program.  No detox program should be done within 6 months of conception.  Detoxification essentially “dumps” the toxic substances into the body and time is needed to heal and clear the system.  Standard Process and Metagenics have good cleanse systems.

7.  Gut Health: If a woman has had a history of yeast infections and or frequent antibiotic usage during her formative years, she may want to consider a natural treatment of yeast.  A yeast free diet along with herbs and other treatments will help ensure a healthy population of beneficial bacteria in mom which has been shown to positively impact a newborn’s immune system. (6)

8.  Dental Amalgams: If a woman has mercury based amalgam dental fillings, prior to becoming pregnant, she may want to consult a dentist familiar with safe procedures for their removal.  See the 6 month rule in the detox section.

9.  Supplements: Also in anticipation of conception, it makes sense to begin taking a natural and comprehensive pre-natal multi-vitamin mineral supplement.  Any pre-natal should have at least 800mcg of Folic acid which has been shown to decrease the incidence of Neural Tube Defect up to 70%.  Adding mercury free source of EFAs (Omega 3s) is also important.  DHA is an Omega 3 which influences brain development.  (Note in pregnancy it is important to discontinue fish oil use at week 37 or sooner and resume no sooner than 1 week post-partum)

10.  Watch the Fish: Minimize consumption of large fish.  For mercury levels of fish check: www.gotmercury.org.  Most fish have 0.2 – 0.3 mcg of mercury.  Sharks, swordfish and tilefish have 1.0mcg.  Nordic Naturals has a great list of the mercury levels in fish and supply a free reference card for your wallet upon email.

11.  Test Vitamin D Levels and add additional Vitamin D3 if necessary. Many studies are supporting the use of higher levels of Vitamin D.  Remember that sunshine is a free natural source!

12.  Vaccines: Discuss with your chiropractor the idea of avoiding the flu shot and any other vaccines for one year prior to conception.  The yearly flue shot as well as the new Swine Flu vaccination both contain Thimerosal (a mercury containing preservative).  It is also important to educate about why declining a Hepatitis B shot at birth is a sound choice for a healthy mom.

13.  STDs: STDs are associated with an increase in miscarriage, premature delivery, fetal malformations, neonatal infections and developmental abnormalities.

14.  Avoid Hot Tubs, Saunas and Tanning beds: If you are considering pregnancy or think you might be pregnant avoid high temperature hot tubs, saunas and tanning beds as they increase core temperature and should be avoided.  If the mother’s core temperature goes higher than 100.4 in the first trimester it can increase the risk of developing neural tube defects.

15.  Water: Get a good home water filter system and drink from a stainless steel water bottle instead of buying water in plastic.  Heated or not, soft plastic bottles release phthalates.  LifeWithoutPlastic.com is a wonderful source of non-BPA products.

16.  Indoor Air: The CDC reports that indoor air pollution is quickly becoming a top health hazard.  Open you windows to create some ventilation.  Sleep in a darkened room with no TV or computers.  Computers and TVs emit Electro Magnetic Radions (EMFs).  Use cell phones only when necessary and keep the phone in your purse instead of your pocket. (10)  Using a corded headset is a better choice.  Avoid setting your laptop or iPad on your lap.

A number of houseplants can absorb dangerous toxins in the air including benzene, PVCs, carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide, and formaldehyde, according to a recent two-year study by NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America.  Other suggestions would be a HEPA filters and Rock-Salt lamps.

17.  Dry Cleaners: Find a “green” dry cleaner.  Perchloroethylene used in dry cleaning may cause tremors, numbness, and with higher levels coma and death due to respiratory paralysis.

Once pregnant, continue the first 17 things and avoid ultrasounds, unnecessary testing (if the outcome of the test will not change the destiny of your pregnancy or care, then decline the testing), decline induction (neurological ramification in the neonate), general intervention (like epidurals/pain medication/elective C section), episiotomy and early cord clamping.

Consider the long term benefits of doing it naturally for mom and baby.  Other things to consider are hiring a Doula (she can be your advocate in the birth), delaying cord clamping (it is beneficial to the baby and the mother), placental encapsulation (aids in hormonal balancing, milk production & may reduce post partum depression) and breastfeeding exclusively.

­­­­References:

1. www.cdc.gov/hceh/dls/report
2. MacDorman, et al, Recent Trends in Infant Mortality in the US  www.cdc.gov/nchsi.databrief/db09.htm
3. Exposure of the US Population to Bisphenol A and 4-terriary-octyphenol: 2003-2004, Environmental Health Perspectives; Volume 116; Number 11, January 11, 2008
4. Maternal residence Near Agricultural Pesticide Applications and Autism spectrum Disorders Among children in the California Central Valley.  Environmental health Perspectives; July 30, 2007; Molecular Psychiatry, November 10, 2005
5. Organic Diets Significantly Lower Children’s Dietary Exposure to Organophosphorus Pesticides.  Environmental Health Perspectives; February 2006; Organic Foods vs. Supermarket Foods: Element Levels; J of Appl. Nutrition, 45 [1], 1993 35
6. Perez, PF et al, Bacterial imprinting of the neonatal system lessons from maternal cells.  Pediatrics, March 2007: 119(3)e724-32
7. Associations between indoor environmental factors and parental-reported autistic spectrum disorders in children 6-8 years of age.  NeuroToxicology.
8. Resources regarding the biological effects of EMFs August 2007 (available on www.bioinitiative.org), and the 2009 special EMF issue of the Journal of Pathophysiology.  Public Health SOS: The Shadow Side of the Wireless Revolution, Camilla Rees, Magda Havas, PhD

Dr. Stephanie Maj has a thriving family practice in the heart of Chicago. Her clinic is located at 1442 W. Belmont Ave., 1E, Chicago, IL 60657. 773.528.8485. www.communitychiropractic.net

My patients are continually amazed at the amount of pregnant women that get adjusting in my practice. At any given time, I am not just helping these women have ideal births, Chiropractic is helping the babies start off on the healthiest foot possible.  In this post, I wanted to address the topic of pregnancy and Chiropractic.

Anyone who is pregnant is wise to ask if a treatment is safe during pregnancy. The health and wellbeing of mother and child are, understandably, of the greatest importance. All chiropractors are trained to treat patients through pregnancy, though some have received additional training specific to prenatal treatment.

Chiropractic care can help keep the body in healthy alignment during pregnancy.  Ideal alignment insures the regular flow of the nerves to all areas of the mother as well as the babies body.  Nerve flow is essential in healthy development.  Reducing the interference in the nerves with Chiropractic adjustments can also decrease pain and discomfort, while also helping to keep the body in the best possible condition for natural childbirth. Other benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy include promoting overall health, controlling nausea, and reducing labor and delivery pain—and possibly preventing the need for a cesarean delivery.

A number of routine aspects of pregnancy can increase the need for chiropractic care. Carrying a child affects the distribution of weight on the body, balance and posture. There are also changes in the pelvic area to facilitate childbirth. Sleeping position may be affected, as may sitting posture. Regular exercise may cease or be modified. Routine actions like picking things up may require a different position or cause struggle. All of these may result in strain and misalignment.

A primary focus for many chiropractors treating pregnant clients is to maintain balance of the pelvis. This is often done using the Webster Technique. A balanced pelvis allows the unborn child the maximum room for movement and growth. A chiropractor can tell if the triangular base of the spine (the sacrum) is tilted, causing a ligament to be pulled in one direction and limiting that side of the uterus. When this goes uncorrected, the baby may stay in a breech position or facing the wrong way, could cause excruciating “back labor.” Reducing the likelihood of these problems also reduces the risk of a Cesarean or the need for painkillers.

A skilled chiropractor can be an indispensable aid during pregnancy. Prenatal chiropractic care can improve the comfort and well-being of both mother and child—during pregnancy and through childbirth.  To find a chiropractor in you area, go to icpa4kids.org.

Dr. Stephanie Maj has a thriving family practice in the heart of Chicago. Her clinic is located at 1442 W. Belmont Ave., 1E, Chicago, IL 60657. 773.528.8485. www.communitychiropractic.net

Patients often ask the following question: “What caused my neck problem?” They are often shocked to discover that the reasons why many individuals suffer from neurological problems and health challenges as adults are from subluxations that were caused during the birth process. Signs and symptoms typically don’t show up until later in life, yet rob the individual of their health, vitality and wellness.

Dr. Godfrey Gutman, medical researcher, discovered that more than 80% of the infants that he examined shortly after birth were suffering from injuries to the cervical spine (the neck), causing all types of health problems.

Dr. Towbin, of the Harvard Medical School’s pathology department, found that “the birth process, even under optimal conditions is potentially a traumatic, crippling event. Spinal cord and brain stem injuries occur often during the process of birth but frequently escape diagnosis.”

As a chiropractor, I would much rather examine and adjust every newborn than to have to deal with a lifetime of health problems. We would rather adjust the newborn than wait 26 years and learn that the young person developed gall bladder disease in the areas where the nerve tissue was injured and compromised since birth.

“The entire birth process, from conception and pregnancy to delivery and post-delivery, can lay the foundation for later mental and physical disease. We now know that the trauma surrounding the birth process is engraved as imprints in the developing nervous system of the fetus and newborn.” Arthur Janov, Ph.D.

Dr. Stephanie Maj has a thriving family practice in the heart of Chicago. Her clinic is located at 1442 W. Belmont Ave., 1E, Chicago, IL 60657. 773.528.8485. www.communitychiropractic.net

After more than 12 months of trying to get pregnant many young, healthy women are discovering they cannot conceive and they don’t know why. Tests are run, fertility charts are meticulously filled out and their partner’s sperm counts have been cupped and measured. These couples fall into the ‘unknown infertility’ category leaving them frustrated and without hope.

Beyond obvious dietary changes to increase conception chances, vitamin supplements, exercise routines, quitting smoking, lowering mercury intake, reducing exposure to pesticides, pharmaceuticals and having intercourse every other day; what else can a woman do?

The answer?

Try discarding tampons containing dioxins.

Dioxins. What are they?

To be blunt; they are toxic. A known carcinogen. They are chemicals that formed or are a by-product of plastics as well as chlorinated or bleached products. This man-made chemical is known to be hazardous and cause fertility issues as well as cancer and links to low sperm counts and immune-system suppression.

Dioxin collects in the fatty tissues of mammals. There is a great deal of heated dialogue currently taking place regarding dioxins within bottled water and their effects on humans.

Tampons and dioxins

Any product that has been bleached; all major big brand tampons are bleached; and are a known source of trouble for some women resulting in endometriosis, toxic shock syndrome (TSS) and you guessed it; infertility. These products may contain bleached wood pulp, chlorine and/or rayon; a hazardous combination.

Are any tampons safe?

Yes. Look for brands that state they are 100% cotton and organic. One brand called Natracare is certified organic, 100% cotton and they are non-chlorine bleached. They contain no chemical additives such as surfactants, lubricants, dyes or fragrances.

Since the average woman will use approximately 11,000 tampons during her child-bearing years, it is wise to address this issue early on and not expose oneself to additional dioxins through tampon use.

Dr. Stephanie Maj has a thriving family practice in the heart of Chicago. Her clinic is located at 1442 W. Belmont Ave., 1E, Chicago, IL 60657. 773.528.8485. www.communitychiropractic.net

Additional Resources:

From the April 1, 2007 issue of the Monterey Herald in California comes an article with a story of a woman who was having trouble with her pregnancy. Jennifer Hernandez was 36 years of age, and 32 weeks pregnant when her obstetrician told her she was facing a Caesarean delivery because the baby in her womb was in a high-risk position.

Hernandez’s obstetrician performed an ultrasound which showed that her baby was 180 degrees from the normal head-down position for birth. With this news and wanting to avoid a possible C-section, she then sought the services of Dr. Anne Lundquist, a prenatal chiropractor certified since 2001 in the Webster In-Utero Constraint Technique.

Hernandez reported her reaction after starting chiropractic care, “I felt a great relief after the first adjustment.” The article then noted that after two sessions with Dr. Lundquist, a new ultrasound showed the baby was in the proper head-down position. “Immediately after the first treatment I felt he moved,” Hernandez said.

Dr. Jeanne Ohm, a chiropractor and executive coordinator of the Philadelphia-based International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, the organization that certifies chiropractors in the technique, described the technique by saying, “It reduces interference to the nervous system, balances out pelvic muscles and ligaments, which in turn removes torsion to the uterus. It allows the baby to get into the best possible position for birth.”

Dr. Ohm, who has 25 years of chiropractic experience and 10 at teaching the “Webster” technique noted that the technique doesn’t involve any risk. However, the article did note that the success rate drops if the patients have passed the 34-week mark of their pregnancies.

Chiropractic Helps New Mothers Produce Milk

An article in the March 2007 issue of the scientific periodical, the Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics, presents three documented case studies of chiropractic care helping new mothers who were unable to produce adequate mother’s milk. A reduction in mothers milk, known as “Hypolactation” can be a serious problem that can create health issues for both the mother and child.

The first case was a women who went to the chiropractor on the referral of her midwife. She had given birth 10 days earlier to her second child and unlike her first, she was unable to establish a milk supply for her second baby. The patient had no other medical issues other than difficulty in swallowing a glass of water.

An examination determined that she had a subluxation, and specific chiropractic care was initiated to correct that issue. After her second visit the patient commented that she found it much easier to swallow. By the third visit she noticed visible changes in her breast and the production of milk. This improvement resulted in a positive weight gain for the infant who was forced to depend of formula until the mothers milk issues were resolved.

The second patient went to the chiropractor for upper back pain but was also unable to produce sufficient milk to feed her one month old infant. Her examination showed no medical history for her problems, however, the chiropractic portion of her exam showed subluxations. She began a series of specific chiropractic adjustments for subluxation correction. By the forth visit the patient was noticing breast enlargement and the production of milk. She also became pain free from the upper back pain she was experiencing.

The third case was a women who came into the chiropractor’s office with her daughter six days after birth. She was sent there on the recommendation of the hospital lactation consultant. As in the previous cases, subluxations were found and care was initiated to correct them. In this case it took only 24 hours for the positive results to show, and for this mother to be able to feed her infant naturally.

Based on their case studies and the volumes of previous research, these researchers concluded that subluxations and the neurological interference they cause play a major role in Hypolactation. The researchers suggest, “Chiropractic evaluation for subluxations would be a key element in the holistic assessment of the failure to establish milk supply in the post partum patient.”

Dr. Stephanie Maj has a thriving family practice in the heart of Chicago. Her clinic is located at 1442 W. Belmont Ave., 1E, Chicago, IL 60657. 773.528.8485. www.communitychiropractic.net