When my daughter was about 10 months old she had gone through so many chronic ear infections that our pediatrician suggested tubes. I decided not to do it until I had exhausted every natural option that I could think of. That’s when someone suggested taking her to see a pediatric chiropractor. I had never even heard of a pediatric chiropractor, wasn’t really familiar with what they do and was very skeptical–but I was also desperate, so I tried.

We went 3 times the first week and the ear inflection cleared up. We slowly started spacing our visits our more and more and nowadays, 5 years later, we go about once every six weeks. The ear infections went away and she never really gets sick–maybe once a year. While we do follow a healthy diet and try to keep our immune systems boosted with food and supplements, I certainly believe that regular chiropractic care has a great deal to do with keeping us healthy.

According to the Well Adjusted website, chiropractic care can help what they call “ineffective communication” in the body. The nervous system controls the body’s communication, so if it is not functioning at its highest potential it can manifest as a range of different things such as colic, digestive issues, asthma and poor sleep to name just a few. The bottom line is to give the body back its natural ability to self regulate and function at its highest capacity.

Over the years I have met several moms who take their children to get adjusted regularly for very different reasons. As I mentioned, for us it started with ear infections but for others it might have been colic, a constipated baby, trouble sleeping or just to help keep their immune system boosted!

If you decide to try chiropractic care for your child, make sure you chose someone who is trained in working with children. Take the time to search out a pediatric chiropractor in your area and remember that this is not a quick fix for anything. Chances are you won’t see the dramatic results you might like after just one visit so don’t give up. Let your chiropractor know what you want to get out of the visits and come up with a regular treatment plan together.

Jacqueline Banks is a certified Holistic Health Counselor focused on nutrition and green living strategies. She works with women in all stages of motherhood, from mothers struggling with conception, through pregnancy, lactation and beyond to ensure the best health and nutrition for both mother and baby.