Baby’s Neck Could Be the Missing Link
Feeding your newborn should be a time of bonding, comfort, and nourishment. But for many moms, it can feel like a daily battle — shallow latch, clicking sounds, reflux-like symptoms, or a baby who tires out before finishing a feed. If this is your story, you’re not alone.
In fact, research from the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) shows that up to 95% of babies experience misalignments after birth, with the very top bone in the neck — the atlas, or C1 vertebra — being one of the most commonly affected areas.
This tiny bone plays a surprisingly big role in your baby’s ability to feed properly.
The Atlas (C1) and Feeding Reflexes
The atlas (C1) sits just beneath the base of the skull, surrounding and protecting the lower brainstem. This area houses the control centers for several cranial nerves critical for feeding:
- Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII): moves the tongue for suction and latching.
- Glossopharyngeal (CN IX) & Vagus (CN X): coordinate swallowing and breathing.
- Trigeminal (CN V): provides sensory feedback for rooting and suckling.
If the atlas is misaligned — often due to birth stress or trauma — it can interfere with these nerves and even affect blood flow through the vertebral artery to the brainstem. The result? A baby who struggles with the very reflexes needed to eat.
Why the Suck-Swallow-Breathe Reflex Matters
The suckle reflex develops before birth and is vital for survival. It requires precise coordination of the tongue, jaw, throat, and airway. When C1 is restricted, it can disrupt communication between the body and brainstem, leading to:
- Weak or inconsistent latch
- Clicking or popping during feeding
- Excess air swallowing → gassiness or reflux symptoms
- Falling asleep quickly at the breast from fatigue
- Preference for one side or breast
For moms, this often means sore nipples, painful feeding sessions, and added stress when all you want is to nourish your little one with ease.
The Biomechanical Piece
Beyond nerves, babies also need full range of motion in the neck and jaw to feed well. A restriction at C1 can limit how far they extend their head, rotate evenly to both sides, or coordinate tongue and jaw movement — making feeding a constant struggle.
Hope Through Gentle Chiropractic Care
The good news? These challenges don’t have to be permanent. Pediatric chiropractic care focuses on gently assessing and correcting stress at the atlas and surrounding areas. Even subtle improvements in motion can relieve tension, restore nerve communication, and allow the natural reflexes of feeding to shine through.
Countless parents report immediate changes after their baby’s first gentle adjustment — deeper latch, less clicking, more efficient feeding, and a calmer, happier baby.
A Gentle Solution for a Strong Start
At The Wellness Path in Maryville, TN, we specialize in pediatric chiropractic care, helping families just like yours find answers when feeding feels impossible. If your baby is showing signs of struggle, know that there is hope — and that help may be as close as your baby’s first neck bone.
Ready to explore how chiropractic can support your baby’s feeding journey? Schedule an appointment with The Wellness Path by CLICKING HERE
Or you can text us as 865-214-7438 or email us at: info@wellnesspathchiro.com to answer any of your questions you may have.