Respiratory Risk linked to Caesarean choice

Babies born to mothers who have an elective Caesarean section are four times more likely to suffer respiratory problems, according to new research published recently. The findings add to the body of evidence concerning the risks linked to the procedure-which continues to rise in popularity in the U.S. It also brings sharp focus the debate between the “too posh to push” lobby- including celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Britney Spears, and Madonna- and those advocating natural childbirth. In 2001, almost 35% of hospital deliveries in the US were by Caesarean section, far above the 10-15% rate recommended by the World Health Organization. The latest figures show that one in 11 births north of the border involves an elective Caesarean section. The latest study found that babies delivered through pre-planned Caesarean sections were 4 times more likely to suffer breathing difficulties compared to those born naturally or by emergency Caesarean section. It also suggests that the earlier in the pregnancy the baby was delivered, the higher risk of problems. The study supports previous research linking elective Caesareans with an increased risk of respiratory difficulties in new-born babies. Dr. Burnett Lunan, a Glasgow-based consultant obstetrician and gynecologist, said: “It’s been known for some time that babies born electively can have problems.”

Studies like this support the idea that it’s time for the pendulum to swing back in favor of natural, healthy childbirth options, practices and trends.

Colic

Research on chiropractic care and colic has shown significant benefits over other treatments such as dietary changes, medication, and infant positioning. A randomized clinical trial published in 1999 in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that “Spinal manipulation is effective in relieving infantile colic.” two groups were used for the trial. One was given chiropractic care for two weeks and the other was given the anti-gas medication dimethicone for two weeks. The first group had a 67% decrease in crying while the medication group showed a 38% decrease in crying. Chiropractic has also been shown to be effective in other clinical trials up to 94%! So if you or someone you know is suffering through with a colicy baby, let them know about chiropractic and what it could be doing for them.

Colic

Colic is not a fun place to be for the infant or the parents and there are many treaments out there that aren’t really all that helpful. Most parents think that you just have to “get through” colic and wait for the baby to grow out of it. But the truth is that there is something you can do for your baby and for yourself. Chiropractic can help free the nervous system of the child. Birth is a traumatic experience to the baby’s neck area and commonly results in subluxations in that area. By freeing these nerves the body starts to respond to the changes and will start to function better causing the baby to digest food better, handle gas production better, etc. This can significantly reduce or even help eliminate colic in infants. The body was not designed to have colic so by eliminating the subluxations and reducing nervous system stress the body can function like it was always intended to.

Traumatic Birth Syndrome

Did you know that birth can be very traumatic to the infant? Neck injuries are common occurances during the birth process. Dr. Gutmann, a German medical researcher, discovered that over 80% of the infants he examined shortly after birth were suffering from injury to the cervical spine, the neck, causing all types of health problems. The neck is an area of the body where you cannot afford to have an injury remain uncorrected. Since injuries here can affect the brain stem, all the vital functions of the body are inhibited. This can occur whether there are symptoms or not. These injuries, called vertebral subluxation complex, can alter the course of a person’s life if they are not immediately corrected.

Chiropractic Care in Pregnancy

Chiropractic can help create greater comfort during the birthing process as well as a safer birth for you and your baby. Birth can be difficult for so many reasons, but with regular chiropractic care the pains that a mother goes through can be decreased not only during delivery but also throughout the pregnancy itself. Regular care also keeps the pelvis in alignment which gives the baby the optimum amount of room in the uterus to grow, develop, and get positioned correctly when the time comes to travel through the birth canal. Published studies have indicated that chiropractic care does in fact reduce labor time. So please give you and your baby the opportunity for a more comfortable pregnancy and a safer, easier birth.