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The Hidden Impact of Birth Stress on Babies’ Nervous Systems—And What You Can Do

  • Writer: Dr Elly Teear
    Dr Elly Teear
  • Jul 28
  • 3 min read

Bringing a baby into the world is one of life’s most profound experiences—but it’s also one of the most physically demanding processes a baby will ever go through. Whether a birth is fast or prolonged, natural or assisted, the physical and neurological stress babies experience during birth can have lasting effects on their developing nervous systems.

As a holistic, neurologically-focused chiropractic practice, we see firsthand how birth stress can influence everything from sleep and digestion to emotional regulation and developmental milestones.

The good news? There are natural, gentle ways to support your baby’s nervous system from the very beginning.



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🌱 What Is Birth Stress?


Birth stress refers to the physical and emotional tension a baby may experience during labor and delivery.

This can include:

  • Long or a very fast labor

  • Cesarean births

  • Forceps or vacuum assistance

  • Cord wrapping

  • Malpositioning (like posterior or breech presentations)


Even in smooth, uncomplicated births, babies are exposed to compression, traction, and pressure that can place tension on their delicate head, neck, and spine—areas that are rich in nerve connections.


🌱 How Birth Stress Impacts the Nervous System


The nervous system is the body’s master controller. It’s responsible for regulating digestion, sleep, muscle tone, immunity, and how your baby perceives and responds to the world.


When a baby experiences birth stress, it can lead to interference or imbalance in the nervous system, often called “subluxation” in chiropractic terms.


This can show up as:

  • Trouble latching or breastfeeding

  • Head tilts or favoring one side

  • Excessive crying or colic

  • Startle reflexes or difficulty settling

  • Constipation or reflux

  • Sleep struggles


Many parents instinctively know something feels “off,” even if everything seems normal on paper.


🌱 The Power of Early Chiropractic Care


Gentle, neurologically-focused chiropractic care can help restore balance to your baby’s nervous system by releasing built-up tension and supporting optimal communication between the brain and body.


In our office, adjustments for babies are:

  • Incredibly gentle (about the pressure you’d use to check a ripe avocado)

  • Tailored to each baby’s unique needs

  • Designed to support their natural growth, movement, and development


We often work closely with midwives, lactation consultants, and paediatricians to provide a truly holistic care team for your family.



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🌱 What You Can Do as a Parent


  • Observe your baby closely – Are they favoring one side? Struggling to latch? Seeming uncomfortable often? Trust your instincts.

  • Book a gentle neuro-check – A chiropractic assessment can identify any imbalances and help prevent them from becoming bigger issues later.

  • Support their environment – Skin-to-skin contact, tummy time, babywearing, and responsive care all help regulate their nervous system too.

  • Ask questions – You don’t have to wait for a problem to seek support. Prevention is powerful.





🌱 A Healthy Start for a Lifetime of Wellness


We believe that every baby deserves the best possible start to life—and that means a nervous system that’s free to adapt, regulate, and thrive.


If your baby had a tough birth (or even if it was smooth but your instincts are telling you something’s not quite right), reach out.

We’re here to support your little one’s journey with love, knowledge, and truly gentle care.


Ready to give your baby the best start?

📞 Call us today or 📩 book online for your baby’s first neuro-check with our caring chiropractic team.


Native Chiropractic

2/45 Nayland st, Sumner

Christchurch




 
 
 

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