Constipation in Infants & Gentle Chiropractic Care
Constipation in Infants & Gentle Chiropractic Care in Ormond Beach
If your baby is straining, uncomfortable, or having difficulty passing stools, you are not alone. Digestive concerns are common during infancy, but that does not make them any less stressful for families. At New Journey Chiropractic, we provide gentle, neurologically-focused care to support your baby’s comfort and overall well-being.
What Is Infant Constipation?
Infant constipation occurs when a baby has infrequent bowel movements, difficulty passing stools, or stools that are hard and dry.
It is important to know that every baby is different. Some breastfed babies may have multiple bowel movements each day, while others may go several days without stooling and still be perfectly healthy.
Constipation is not defined by how often a baby poops, but rather by how difficult or uncomfortable it is for them to pass stool.
Common Signs & Symptoms
- Hard or pellet-like stools
- Straining or crying when having a bowel movement
- Infrequent bowel movements
- Fussiness or irritability
- Belly bloating or distention
- Pulling knees toward the chest
- Decreased appetite
- Arching the back
- Difficulty sleeping comfortably
- Passing large stools
- Small streaks of blood on the stool from an anal fissure
- Increased gassiness
Possible Causes
Infant constipation can occur for many reasons, and identifying the underlying cause is important.
Common contributing factors include:
- Transitioning from breast milk to formula
- Introducing solid foods
- Mild dehydration
- Food sensitivities
- Changes in feeding patterns
- Temporary slowing of the digestive system
- Prematurity
- Nervous system immaturity
- Muscle tension or postural imbalances
Red Flags
Although constipation is common, certain symptoms require prompt medical evaluation.
Parents should contact their pediatrician if their baby has:
- Failure to pass meconium within the first 48 hours after birth
- Persistent vomiting
- Green or bilious vomiting
- Blood in the stool
- Poor weight gain
- Fever
- Significant abdominal swelling
- Severe lethargy
- Ribbon-like stools
- Weakness or developmental concerns
- Constipation that does not improve with treatment
These symptoms may indicate an underlying medical condition that requires further evaluation.
How New Journey Chiropractic Approaches Care
At New Journey Chiropractic, we understand that digestive concerns can affect the entire family.
Our approach focuses on evaluating the nervous system and looking for areas of tension or imbalance that may affect your baby’s comfort, movement, and overall function.
Dr. Jayme performs a thorough assessment that may include:
- Pregnancy and birth history
- Feeding history
- Nervous system evaluation
- Postural assessment
- Spinal and pelvic mobility
- Developmental milestone review
- Sleep patterns
- Digestive and bowel history
Infant chiropractic care is extremely gentle and uses light pressure specifically designed for babies. There is no twisting, cracking, or forceful manipulation.
Our goal is not to “treat constipation” as a disease, but to support nervous system function, improve comfort, and help babies move and function as well as possible.
Collaboration With Other Healthcare Providers
We believe the best outcomes happen when providers work together.
Depending on your baby’s needs, Dr. Jayme may collaborate with:
- Pediatricians
- Pediatric gastroenterologists
- Lactation consultants
- Occupational therapists
- Physical therapists
- Pediatric dietitians
If there are concerns for an underlying medical condition, we will help guide your family toward the appropriate specialist.
How often should my baby have a bowel movement?
Every baby is different. Some babies have multiple bowel movements daily, while others may go several days between stools. The consistency of the stool and your baby’s comfort are often more important than the exact frequency.
Is straining normal?
Yes. Young babies often grunt, strain, or turn red while learning to coordinate their abdominal muscles and pelvic floor. If the stool is soft, this is often normal and not true constipation.
Can chiropractic care cure constipation?
No. Chiropractic care does not cure constipation. However, gentle chiropractic care may help support nervous system function and overall comfort as part of a comprehensive approach to your baby’s health.
Is chiropractic care safe for babies with constipation?
Yes. Infant chiropractic care uses very gentle, age-appropriate techniques designed specifically for babies. There is no cracking, twisting, or forceful movement.
When should I call my pediatrician?
You should contact your pediatrician if your baby has blood in the stool, vomiting, fever, poor weight gain, severe abdominal swelling, or constipation that is persistent or worsening.
If your baby is struggling with constipation, digestive discomfort, or seems uncomfortable during bowel movements, you do not have to navigate it alone.
At New Journey Chiropractic, we provide gentle, neurologically-focused care designed to support your baby’s comfort, development, and overall well-being.
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Meet Dr. Jayme
Dr. Jayme Frear is a Registered Nurse and Doctor of Chiropractic who is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Pediatrics.
Her backgrounds in nursing and chiropractic provide a unique perspective when caring for infants and children. She understands how stressful digestive concerns can be for parents and believes families deserve compassionate care, thorough evaluations, and a provider who listens.
Dr. Jayme takes a family-centered approach focused on supporting your child’s development while partnering with you every step of the way.