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Diastasis Recti.

What is it? How does it happen? What I can do to help you.

Diastasis recti, pregnancy chiropractic, mom pouch, c-section mom, maternal health, postpartum rehab

Diastasis recti is the separation of the abdominal muscles (rectus abdominis) along the linea alba, the connective tissue down the center of the abdomen. This condition commonly occurs during pregnancy as the growing uterus stretches the abdominal wall, with hormonal changes increasing tissue elasticity. Up to 60% of women experience diastasis recti during pregnancy, and it can persist postpartum, particularly if the separation is large (more than 2-3 fingers wide).

In the postpartum period, diastasis recti can cause a visible abdominal bulge, along with core weakness, back pain, poor posture, and difficulty with physical activities that require abdominal strength. Complications may include:

  • Lower back pain due to weakened core stability

  • Pelvic floor dysfunction from imbalanced abdominal and pelvic support

  • Urinary incontinence or difficulty with bladder control

  • Poor posture and increased strain on other muscles, leading to further pain or injury

  • Increased risk of hernias in severe cases

Treatment typically involves: a thorough assessment of the separation and ability to functionally contract the core muscles, targeted core-strengthening exercises to close the gap and restore proper muscle function. Pre/postnatal chiropractors are experts at detecting and treating this condition, even in non-pregnant populations. This is something I personally screen on many patients, but especially my mamas.

As a prenatal chiropractor, during your appointment we will discuss preventive measures during pregnancy, including good posture and avoiding excessive abdominal strain (by doing the RIGHT & SAFE exercises), that can help reduce the risk of diastasis recti and its associated complications.

Primitive Reflexes, Baby chiropractor, milestone delay, reflexes, well baby check

Primitive Reflexes

What are they? Why do they matter?

How pediatric chiropractic can help.

As a parent, you may be aware that babies are born with certain reflexes that help them grow and develop. These reflexes are vital for early movement and coordination, but when they don't integrate properly as your child grows, they can lead to motor, sensory, and behavioral challenges. In fact, up to 15-20% of children have retained primitive reflexes past the age they should be integrated, which can impact their development (1). Chiropractors, particularly those trained in pediatric care like myself, can assess these primitive reflexes to help ensure your child’s nervous system is developing as it should.

Common Reflexes Chiropractors Assess:

  1. Moro Reflex (Startle Reflex): Helps babies respond to sudden stimuli. If it persists, it can cause anxiety or poor motor control.

  2. Asymmetric Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR): Develops hand-eye coordination as babies turn their heads. If not integrated, it can affect balance and coordination.

  3. Symmetric Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR): Supports crawling and trunk control. Retention can interfere with sitting, writing, or reading skills.

  4. Palmar Grasp Reflex: A gripping reflex that aids hand development. If retained, it can affect fine motor skills.

  5. Babinski Reflex: A toe-fanning response that should disappear by 18 months. Its persistence can indicate nervous system imbalances.

Pediatric chiropractors assess these reflexes by observing your child’s movements and posture. If any reflexes are retained, chiropractic care may include:

  • Gentle spinal adjustments to help improve nervous system function and encourage reflex integration.

  • Neurodevelopmental exercises to promote better coordination and motor skills.

  • Postural training to correct imbalances and support healthy development.

Why Does It Matter? By addressing retained primitive reflexes early, chiropractic care can help your child develop proper motor skills, coordination, and behaviour, potentially preventing future challenges. Chiropractic care not only supports your child's growth but can also offer relief to moms who may be dealing with their own postnatal discomfort or stress from caring for their little one.

If you're concerned about your child’s development or if you're noticing signs of retained reflexes (like poor coordination, trouble sitting still, or difficulty with balance), booking an pediatic assessment would be a great place to start. In a child friendly atmosphere we can assess, plan and help implement easy & effective ways to support your child’s development

1. Source: "Primitive Reflexes and Their Role in Pediatric Development," Journal of Pediatric Physical Therapy, 2020.

Plagiocephaly:

What Every Parent Should Know from a Chiropractic Perspective

As a parent, there’s nothing more important than ensuring your baby’s health and development. You may have heard of plagiocephaly—a condition commonly known as flat head syndrome—but you might not be aware of how it can impact your baby’s well-being.

Plagiocephaly occurs when a baby’s head develops a flat spot, often due to prolonged pressure on one side of the skull. According to the Canadian Paediatric Society, an estimated 20-30% of infants in Canada experience some form of positional skull flattening in their early months. This can happen when babies spend too much time lying on their backs, especially during wakeful hours when they’re not moving around or being held upright.

While the “Back to Sleep” campaign, which encourages babies to sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), has saved countless lives, it’s also led to a rise in plagiocephaly cases. But here’s the good news: as a parent, you have options to help your baby’s skull develop properly—and chiropractic care can play a significant role.

From a chiropractic perspective, gentle treatments can help correct any misalignments or restrictions in your baby’s spine and skull. Chiropractors who specialize in pediatric care are trained to safely and effectively work with infants, the fontanelles and intra-oral techniques to address this. Dr. Taylor received this training through specific pediatric chiropractic courses and learning the P.I.P.S. technique (coined by Dr. Jenna Davis, DC). By addressing these misalignments early, you can support healthy growth and development, reducing the likelihood of long-term issues related to cranial shape and alignment.

Chiropractors not only focus on the physical aspects of head shape but also on the nervous system. With a well-aligned spine, your baby’s nervous system can function optimally, which supports overall health and development. Chiropractors should also guide parents on exercises, tummy time, and positioning to reduce pressure on the skull and encourage natural head shaping.

So, what can you do as a parent?

If you notice any signs of flat spots or asymmetry in your baby’s head, don’t wait to take action. Early intervention is key, and chiropractic care can make a world of difference in your baby’s development. It’s gentle, non-invasive, focusing on the root causes of the issue. The sooner you seek care, the more effective it can be in promoting proper head and neurological development.

Ready to take the next step for your baby’s health? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Taylor today and give your little one the best start in life. Together, we can help your baby thrive, grow, and develop to their fullest potential.