Pregnancy, Baby and Postpartum Chiropractic – FAQs

Question 1

What is baby chiropractic care?

Accepted Answer

Baby chiropractic care involves gentle, modified techniques tailored to infants and young children. Practitioners use light, specific pressure and supportive positioning to assess how a baby is moving, feeding and settling. The focus is on supporting comfort, movement and general wellbeing, not diagnosing medical conditions.

Question 2

Is chiropractic care safe for babies?

Accepted Answer

Chiropractic care for babies uses very gentle, age-appropriate approaches. Current evidence suggests that adverse events in paediatric manual therapy are rare when care is provided by appropriately trained practitioners. If you have questions about safety, your chiropractor will gladly explain each step, discuss whether care is appropriate for your baby and encourage you to stay in close contact with your GP or paediatric healthcare team.

Question 3

Why might a parent bring their baby to see a chiropractor?

Accepted Answer

Parents often seek a baby chiropractic assessment when they notice things like a strong preference to look or feed to one side, unsettled behaviour, tension through the body, changes after a difficult birth, or slower-than-expected milestone progression. These signs do not diagnose a condition, but they can be a helpful reason to have someone look more closely at your baby’s movement, posture and comfort.

Question 4

What happens at a baby chiropractic appointment?

Accepted Answer

A baby chiropractic visit usually includes a detailed history of pregnancy and birth, discussion of feeding, sleep and milestones, and a gentle, hands-on assessment of how your baby moves, rests and responds. If care is appropriate, the chiropractor will use very light techniques and may also suggest home care ideas such as positioning, tummy time variations or movement-based activities. Parents are encouraged to ask questions at every stage.

Question 5

What is pregnancy chiropractic care?

Accepted Answer

Pregnancy chiropractic care uses modified, pregnancy-safe techniques to support posture, movement and general comfort as your body changes. Chiropractors may use special pregnancy pillows, drop tables and gentle adjustments, along with advice on positions, movement and daily activities. Care is always tailored to your stage of pregnancy and personal preferences, and is not a replacement for obstetric or midwifery care.

Question 6

When during pregnancy can I see a chiropractor?

Accepted Answer

Many people choose to see a chiropractor before pregnancy, in early pregnancy and throughout the second and third trimesters. The timing and frequency of visits is individual and can be discussed with both your chiropractor and primary maternity care provider. If there are any concerns, your chiropractor may ask for additional medical clearance or suggest collaborative care.

Question 7

How can chiropractic care support me after birth (postpartum)?

Accepted Answer

Postpartum chiropractic care focuses on supporting posture, lifting and feeding positions, and general spinal and pelvic comfort as your body recovers from pregnancy and birth. Many new parents appreciate guidance around ergonomics, simple exercises and ways to move that feel kinder on their body as they care for their baby. Chiropractic care sits alongside, and does not replace, medical follow-up with your GP, midwife or obstetric provider.

Question 8

What should I expect at my first postpartum chiropractic appointment?

Accepted Answer

A first postpartum appointment usually includes a conversation about your pregnancy, labour and birth experience, current symptoms, daily activities and feeding positions. Your chiropractor will perform a gentle physical assessment, discuss whether chiropractic care is appropriate for you, and talk through a plan that may include hands-on care, movement strategies and home advice. You are welcome to bring your baby to the appointment.

Question 9

Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor for pregnancy or baby care?

Accepted Answer

In most cases in Australia, you do not need a referral to see a chiropractor for pregnancy, postpartum or paediatric care. Some people are referred by their GP, midwife, lactation consultant or other health professional, while others self-refer. If you have a complex medical history, you may be encouraged to keep your primary provider updated so your care can be coordinated.

Question 10

Can chiropractic care replace my GP, obstetrician or paediatrician?

Accepted Answer

No. Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care. Bump & Bub Chiro practitioners encourage families to maintain regular contact with their GP, obstetrician, midwife or paediatrician. Chiropractic care is focused on supporting movement, posture and general wellbeing, and chiropractors will refer or co-manage if something sits outside their scope.

Question 11

How do I choose a chiropractor for my baby or during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

When choosing a chiropractor, you may wish to look for someone with additional training or experience in pregnancy, postpartum and paediatric care, who communicates clearly, encourages questions and is happy to collaborate with your wider health team. The Bump & Bub Chiro directory lists chiropractors who see a high number of families and who focus on gentle, family-centred care.

Question 12

What kinds of techniques are used for babies and children?

Accepted Answer

Techniques used for babies and children are very different to those commonly seen in adult chiropractic videos online. Practitioners may use light fingertip pressure, gentle holds, soft tissue work and movement-based approaches rather than strong forces. The pressure used is usually similar to what you might apply when pressing on closed eyelids or checking the ripeness of a tomato.

Question 13

Can chiropractic care help with breastfeeding posture and holding positions?

Accepted Answer

Many chiropractors who see postpartum parents and babies spend time discussing feeding and holding positions, baby-wearing, lifting and settling strategies. They may suggest simple adjustments to how you sit, stand or carry your baby, which can feel more comfortable on your neck, shoulders, back and pelvis. This advice is supportive in nature and complements, rather than replaces, breastfeeding or feeding advice from qualified lactation consultants and health professionals.

Question 14

What should I bring to a baby or pregnancy chiropractic appointment?

Accepted Answer

For baby visits, it can help to bring nappies, a change of clothes, favourite comforter and anything you use for feeding. For pregnancy and postpartum visits, wear or bring comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily. If you have relevant medical reports, imaging or letters from other providers, you are welcome to bring copies so your chiropractor can see the bigger picture.

Question 15

Are there conditions that chiropractors do not treat?

Accepted Answer

Chiropractors do not diagnose or treat serious medical conditions such as infections, congenital abnormalities or emergencies. If something is outside a chiropractor’s scope, you may be referred or advised to seek review with your GP, paediatrician, obstetrician, midwife or emergency department. Chiropractic care is positioned as a supportive approach for movement, posture and wellbeing, not as a cure for specific diseases.