Lasting Effects of Birth Trauma: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Birth trauma doesn’t always fade—it often leaves hidden stress on the nervous system that can show up as colic, reflux, immune challenges, or even ADHD and anxiety later in life. In this video, Dr. Drake breaks down how birth trauma affects kids long-term, how INSiGHT scans reveal hidden stress, and how gentle chiropractic care helps restore resilience.
Hi everyone, Dr. Drake here. Today we’re diving into an important topic that often gets overlooked—birth trauma, and how its effects can last long after the delivery room.
When we say birth trauma, most parents think of major complications like emergency C-sections, forceps, or vacuum extractions. And while those do create significant stress on the baby, the truth is that even what looks like a ‘normal’ vaginal birth can create tension and trauma in a baby’s nervous system.
Let me explain why. The birth process is one of the most physically intense experiences a human being goes through. A baby’s delicate neck and spine are put under enormous pressure during contractions, delivery, and any assistance from doctors or nurses. Even without interventions, that pressure can shift the spine and stress the nervous system.
Now, why does this matter? Because the nervous system is the master controller of everything—digestion, sleep, immune function, emotional regulation, and motor development. If birth trauma creates subluxations or tension in that system, the baby’s ability to regulate and adapt is compromised.
We often see the earliest signs in infancy: colic, reflux, difficulty latching, poor sleep, or constipation. These are not just “fussy baby” problems—they’re signals that the nervous system is under stress.
If unresolved, those stress patterns tend to grow with the child. They can show up as chronic ear infections, sensory challenges, immune struggles, ADHD, or anxiety. This is why some kids seem to struggle year after year—the root cause was never addressed.
So what can be done? That’s where neurologically-focused chiropractic comes in. In our office, we start with INSiGHT scans, which allow us to measure how well a child’s nervous system is functioning and adapting. These scans help us see the hidden stress patterns that may have started at birth.
From there, we provide gentle, specific chiropractic adjustments that release tension, restore communication between the brain and body, and allow the nervous system to heal. Over time, we see kids not only resolve their challenges but also grow more resilient—emotionally, physically, and neurologically.
So if you’ve ever wondered whether birth trauma could be affecting your child, you’re not alone. And there is hope. Healing is possible.
If this resonates with you, I invite you to click the link below to learn more, read our blog, or schedule a consultation so we can take a closer look at your child’s unique situation.