The First Year: A Timeline of Integrative Bodywork for Parent & Baby
Supporting Healing, Growth & Bonding Through Acupuncture & Chiropractic Care
From the first cry to the first steps, a baby’s first year is full of milestones—and not just for them. For parents, it’s a time of immense change, healing, and adjustment. Integrative bodywork, including chiropractic care and acupuncture, offers safe, natural support for both parent and baby through every phase.
Here’s a month-by-month guide to how these modalities can support your family's health and well-being in the first year.
Postpartum Weeks 1–6: Recovery & Regulation
For Mom:
Focus: Healing, hormonal balance, emotional support.
Chiropractic Care: Helps realign the spine and pelvis after delivery.
Acupuncture: Aids in hormone regulation, sleep, emotional well-being, and milk production.
“The fourth trimester” is just as important as pregnancy. This is when your body needs nurturing care to heal and reset.
For Baby:
Focus: Nervous system regulation, feeding issues, tension from birth.
Chiropractic: Gentle adjustments help with colic, reflux, poor latch, and sleep.
Pediatric Bodywork: Addresses any potential birth-related strain on various body regions
Months 2–3: Growth Spurts & Adaptation
For Mom:
Common concerns: Exhaustion, neck/shoulder pain from breastfeeding, emotional ups and downs.
Chiropractic: Improves posture, relieves upper back and neck strain.
Acupuncture: Addresses postpartum fatigue, anxiety, and regulates the menstrual cycle if it returns.
For Baby:
Chiropractic Support: May ease tension during growth spurts, improve sleep patterns, and support motor development.
Months 4–6: Development & Digestive Shifts
For Mom:
Chiropractic: Preps the body for baby wearing and increasingly active caregiving.
Acupuncture: Addresses menstrual irregularities, hormonal acne, energy dips.
For Baby:
Focus: Teething, rolling, and digestive shifts as solid foods begin.
Bodywork Benefits: Eases teething discomfort, supports immune health, and encourages motor coordination.
Months 7–9: Mobility & Milestones
For Baby:
Crawling, sitting, standing—all these milestones rely on a strong, aligned foundation.
Gentle adjustments help balance the hips, spine, and shoulders for symmetrical movement.
Acupuncture for toddlers can support immunity and soothe fussiness.
Months 10–12: First Steps & First-Year Check-In
For Mom:
Chiropractic care may help prevent chronic issues from the physical demands of caregiving.
Acupuncture can support long-term health, stress relief, and even future family planning.
For Baby:
Walking places new stress on the spine and joints.
This is a great time for a chiropractic milestone check-up to ensure proper alignment as mobility increases.
Why Integrative Bodywork Matters in the First Year
Offers support for common challenges.
Promotes nervous system balance, which is key for growth, healing, and bonding.
Helps build a lifelong foundation of health and body awareness.
When to See a Chiropractor or Acupuncturist
Baby has trouble nursing, turning their head, fussiness, sleep issues, or constipation.
You’re feeling “off,” stuck, or are struggling with sleep, pain, or mood swings.
You want a proactive, preventative approach to whole-family wellness.
Ready to Start Your Bodywork Journey?
Whether you're newly postpartum or chasing a curious crawler, integrative care is here to support you. We'd love to help you and your family thrive.
Book your initial consultation today or contact us with any questions!