Feeding challenges are a common concern for many families. Whether it’s difficulty latching, slow weight gain, reflux, or fussiness during feeding, these issues can be stressful for both babies and parents. While feeding therapists and occupational or speech-language pathologists (OT/SLP) provide excellent support for oral-motor and behavioral strategies, addressing the root cause, often interference in the nervous system, is essential for lasting results.
At Surpass Chiropractic, we focus on gentle, neurologically-centered care for infants. Our goal is to restore communication between the brain and body, helping your baby feed more efficiently and comfortably. Families in Grapevine, TX and Colleyville often report improved feeding, better digestion, and calmer babies after consistent care.
Understanding Infant Feeding Challenges
Infant feeding involves complex coordination. Babies must simultaneously suck, swallow, and breathe in rhythm. When the nervous system is disrupted, due to birth trauma, tension in the neck or jaw, or subluxations along the spine, this delicate process can be impaired. Common signs of feeding difficulties include:
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Poor latch or difficulty staying latched during breastfeeding
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Gagging, choking, or coughing during feeds
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Frequent spitting up or reflux
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Slow weight gain
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Fussiness or irritability during or after feeding
Early intervention improves outcomes. Chiropractic care can help babies better coordinate the muscles and reflexes needed for efficient feeding, supporting growth and overall health.
The Nervous System and Feeding
The nervous system is the body’s communication network. It controls muscle movement, coordination, digestion, and reflexes needed for feeding. If the nervous system is not functioning optimally, messages between the brain, mouth, jaw, tongue, and digestive system may be delayed or incomplete. This can lead to:
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Difficulty achieving a deep, effective latch
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Trouble swallowing safely
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Poor coordination of breathing and feeding
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Digestive disturbances like reflux or colic
Chiropractic care helps restore clarity to the nervous system, ensuring the brain and body can communicate effectively. This is especially important for infants, as their nervous systems are still developing and highly adaptable.
How Chiropractic Care Helps
At Surpass Chiropractic, we use gentle, age-appropriate adjustments tailored to infants. Our focus is on areas of the spine and cranium where nervous system interference may affect feeding mechanics. Benefits of care include:
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Improved latch and sucking ability
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Better swallowing coordination
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Reduced tension in the jaw, neck, and shoulders
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Enhanced digestion and reduced reflux symptoms
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Overall increased comfort and calmness during feeds
These adjustments are gentle and safe for newborns and infants. We encourage natural nervous system regulation, allowing your baby’s body to function optimally.
Integration with Feeding Therapy
While chiropractic care addresses nervous system interference, feeding therapists, OT, and SLP provide guidance on oral-motor exercises, positioning, and technique. At Surpass Chiropractic, we often collaborate with these professionals to ensure comprehensive care. The nervous system must be clear first. Once the brain and body communicate efficiently, feeding therapy can be even more effective.
Local Families in Grapevine and Colleyville
Many families in Grapevine, TX and Colleyville trust Surpass Chiropractic for infant care. We understand how stressful feeding challenges can be and provide compassionate, evidence-informed care that supports both baby and family. By focusing on the nervous system, we help babies feed efficiently, gain weight appropriately, and develop strong foundational skills for growth and learning.
When to Seek Help
If your baby struggles with feeding, it’s important to act early. Signs to watch for include poor weight gain, repeated gagging or choking, persistent reflux, or significant fussiness during feeds. Early chiropractic care, combined with feeding therapy when necessary, can make a significant difference in your baby’s health and comfort.
Conclusion: Supporting Healthy Feeding and Development
Feeding challenges are often multi-factorial, but the nervous system plays a central role. Gentle chiropractic care helps restore communication between brain and body, ensuring babies can feed effectively, digest properly, and thrive. At Surpass Chiropractic, we work with families in Grapevine, TX and Colleyville to provide neurologically-focused care that supports lifelong health and development.