Caring Bodywork for Newborns

 A soft, supportive guide to caring for your baby’s body in the early days 

Those first few weeks with your newborn are filled with so many feelings: love, wonder, exhaustion, and questions. You’re learning each other, and as you get to know your baby, you may begin to notice the little things they do with their body — the way they hold their head, how they feed, how they settle (or don’t). You might wonder if this is just newborn stuff, or if something else might be going on.

At AltaVie, we support newborns through gentle chiropractic care focused on body tension and nervous system regulation. Our approach is calm, connective, and deeply respectful of both babies and the parents who love them. You don’t need to know exactly what’s “off.” If something in your gut says your baby could use some support, we’re here to help.

 

 A Baby’s Body After Birth

The journey into the world is a big one. Even in the smoothest birth, babies do a lot of work to get here. Their little bodies have grown in a curled-up space and then moved through a narrow path to be born. They’re stretching, rotating, and compressing along the way.

All of that effort can create patterns of tension in the soft tissues. This often shows up in the neck, shoulders, jaw, and torso. It’s not always dramatic. Sometimes it shows up in tiny ways — how baby turns their head, how they latch, or how they settle.

Our goal is simple. We want to help your baby feel more at ease in their body as they adjust to life on the outside.

 

 Gentle Signs Your Baby Might Benefit from Bodywork

Every baby is different. You don’t need a diagnosis or a major concern to come see us. Many parents come in just to support their baby’s transition after birth. Here are some signs we often see in babies who benefit from care:

Feeding Challenges
• Trouble latching or staying latched
• Favouring one side or position during feeding
• Clicking, dribbling, or fussiness at the breast or bottle
• Gassy tummies or reflux-like symptoms

Movement and Body Preferences
•Always turning their head to one side
• A strong arching motion when held or during tummy time
• Seeming stiff in certain parts of their body
• Uneven movement in their arms or legs

Trouble Settling
• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• Appearing uncomfortable even when fed, changed, and cuddled
• Crying more than seems typical, especially with no clear cause

None of these signs mean something is wrong. They’re just little ways your baby’s body might be working harder than it needs to, and we’re here to gently help release that tension.

 

 What Does a Visit Look Like?

When you bring your baby to AltaVie Health, your visit is grounded in comfort, connection, and calm. We take time to listen — to you, and to your baby.

We’ll have your baby snuggled up in one of our specialty pillows, but if they feel safer in your arms or on your chest, we can adapt with ease! We gently assess their movement patterns and areas of tissue tension using soft, sustained contact (think about testing the ripeness of a peach!). There’s no force or cracking, just gentle support to help your baby’s tissues unwind and their nervous system settle.

Sometimes babies melt into care. They may yawn, stretch, nurse, or fall asleep. Other times, a baby may feel unsettled at first. When tension is present, it’s common for babies to express it through fussing or crying. They simply don’t have the words to tell us where it feels “off”. We move slowly, honor their pace, and always work in partnership with you to help them feel safe.

 

 Why Parents Choose Bodywork for Their Newborns

We support babies for many reasons, including:

There is no “right” reason to come in. Whether you’re noticing something specific or just have a sense that your baby could use some help finding ease in their body, we’re here to meet you right where you are.

 

 We’re Here for You, Too

You’re doing an incredible job navigating these early days. We know it’s a lot. The questions, the feelings, the constant learning curve. Our care isn’t just for babies, it’s for families. When you come to AltaVie Health, you’ll be met with warmth, compassion, and care that honors this magical chapter in your life.

If you’re curious about whether bodywork might support your baby’s journey, or you just want to talk it through, reach out. We’re here when you’re ready.