ClickCease
Babies with Sleeping Issues

Babies with Sleeping Issues

Possible Reasons Why Your Baby Won’t Sleep (Plus, What You Can Do About It)

Does your baby have trouble sleeping? Are you wondering what you can do to help your baby sleep better?

If your baby is having trouble sleeping, this is a definite cause for concern. Sleep has a direct impact on babies‘ mental and physical development. If your baby is missing out on sleep, development in these areas may be stunted.

To help your baby get a better night’s sleep, you first need to know why he/she is struggling. Check out this guide to discover the reasons why your baby won’t sleep and what you can do about it.

Why Sleep is Important for Babies 

Before we talk about the reasons why your baby isn’t sleeping, let’s first talk about why sleep is so important for babies. As we mentioned in the intro, sleep is important for a baby’s physical and mental development.

Additionally, forming good sleep habits as a baby will carry over into the rest of one’s life. Also, we can’t forget that babies who do not get enough sleep tend to be fussy and cranky when they’re awake.

REM Sleep

But, to say that babies need sleep to be healthy isn’t enough. In particular, babies need REM sleep. REM stands for rapid eye movement, and this refers to the period of sleep in which your eyes quickly move in different directions. This is a light period of sleep that is often characterized by vivid dreams.

Babies spend about half of their sleep cycles in REM sleep.

REM sleep is important for humans at every age of life, but it’s especially important for babies. It’s during this sleep cycle that the brain regions used in learning are stimulated. REM sleep is also associated with increased protein production, which is important for helping your baby grow.

Why Your Baby Won’t Sleep 

Now that you know why sleep is so important for babies, let’s take a look at some of the reasons as to why your baby is struggling to fall asleep. Here are some reasons why:

  • Your baby is too hot/cold
  • Your baby is overstimulated
  • Your baby is hungry
  • Your baby is too tired/nap deprived
  • Your baby lacks routine
  • You’re interfering too quickly when your baby doesn’t fall asleep right away
  • Your baby is napping too late
  • Your baby is sleeping in different rooms
  • Your baby is transitioning through sleep cycles
  • Your baby is sleeping in the wrong position
  • Your baby is experiencing teething or growing pains
  • Your baby is sick
  • Your baby is suffering from a sleep disorder

As you can see, there are many reasons why your baby may be struggling to sleep.

How to Promote Better Sleep 

Luckily, there are things you can do to help promote better sleep in your baby. One of the most important things to do is to make sure that your baby is sleeping in the right position.

For a good night’s sleep, we recommend placing your baby on their back. Not only will this promote good sleep, but this will also ensure that your baby sleeps safely.

You may also want to consider gently massaging your baby to help him/her sleep. Or, you may want to consider taking your baby to a chiropractor to get adjusted which will improve parasympathetic nervous system which will ultimately help them sleep better.

Are You Ready to Help Your Baby Sleep? 

Now that you know why your baby won’t sleep, it’s time to take action. If you’ve tried all sorts of things to help your baby fall asleep but are still having difficulties, it may be time to take your baby to a chiropractor.

If you’re looking to schedule an appointment in the Mill Creek, Washington area, contact us today.

Acid Reflux in Infants

Acid Reflux in Infants

Acid Reflux in Babies: What You Need to Know

Baby spit up is about as common as diaper changes. Whether you’re a new parent or have experience in raising little ones, getting acquainted with bodily fluids is just part of the job.

While it’s common for infants to spit up after a meal here and there, frequent vomiting and discomfort could point to something a little more sinister. Reflux in babies, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may require professional treatment by a doctor and a chiropractor.

Learn all about it GERD in this blog and the important steps to take as a parent.

What is Acid Reflux or GERD? 

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) cause the upward movement of stomach content, which may include stomach acid. This stomach content is moved up through the esophagus and sometimes into the mouth, too. The difference between the two conditions is defined by the severity and frequency of reflux and vomiting in children.

Most infants experience acid reflux or GER in the first year of life and usually outgrow it around the 24-month mark. However, if symptoms persist for longer than this, your child could be suffering from GERD.

The Causes of Acid Reflux in Babies 

The development of this condition is linked to a poorly coordinated gastrointestinal tract. GER and GERD are most often associated with an infant’s immature digestive system which has not quite developed. In rare instances, infants with problems affecting nerves, brain function, and muscles can also develop GERD.

Common Symptoms to Watch For

If your infant struggles with acid reflux past their second birthday, it could point to the more serious condition, GERD. Here are the most common signs to look for:

  • A refusal to eat
  • Difficulty eating or swallowing
  • Wet burps and wet hiccups
  • Failure to maintain or gain weight
  • Abnormal arching of the back
  • Frequent coughing or recurrent bouts of pneumonia
  • Gagging or choking
  • Disturbed sleep

Bear in mind that acid reflux or GER usually peaks at the age of 4-months in infants. It should begin to resolve itself by 12-18 months. Any persistent symptoms after this may require medical diagnosis and care.

Acid Reflux Treatment and Feeding

Most infants may not require any medical treatment for acid reflux. However, there are few things you can do as a parent to manage the condition. Some of these steps include:

  • Smaller, more frequent feedings
  • Burp your baby during feedings to help facilitate the process
  • Make sure to hold your baby upright for 20-30 minutes after each feed, avoid laying them down
  • If not breastfeeding, consider changing the  type of formula for feeding
  • Use a different size nipple on feeding bottles to prevent your baby from swallowing air

It may also be wise for mothers to eliminate dairy products, eggs, and beef from their diets while breastfeeding. This is a good way to rule out whether your baby has an allergy to these foods. You can also add rice cereal to formula or breast milk to thicken it slightly to assist with feeding. However, this should be done in very small amounts.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help with GERD 

No matter how old you are, the body’s system needs to be able to communicate effectively in order to function. Spinal misalignment in infants and children cause nerve interference that affects this communication system. This can cause health problems such as GERD due to spinal misalignments near the stomach and esophagus.

Chiropractic care helps to gently realign the spine, correcting misalignments and restoring the body’s full ability to function. This could lead to a major reduction in GERD symptoms and even full recovery. If your baby is experiencing signs of GERD or acid reflux, please reach out to us.

Find Professional Infant Care with Amazing Life Chiropractic

Reflux in babies can be a harrowing experience as a parent. If you need professional care, Amazing Life Chiropractic is here to help.

We offer a full examination, gentle spinal realignment, as well as massage therapy, expert nutritional advice, and more. We’re conveniently located in Mill Creek, WA. Call us at (425) 737-5343 or fill out the form below to schedule your appointment.

Choosing a Chiropractor in Mill Creek, Washington

Choosing a Chiropractor in Mill Creek, Washington

Choosing the Right Chiropractor in Mill Creek

There are a variety of reasons why someone may want to consult a Mill Creek chiropractor…maybe they’re interested in exploring healthy lifestyle alternatives, are experiencing some minor aches and pains, or they recently suffered an acute injury.  Whatever the reason, now may be a great time to look at the holistic wellness benefits of chiropractic care.

6 Inspiring Things to Know About Mill Creek Chiropractic Care

Without a doubt, we are the total sum of our individual parts!  There is equal benefit in evaluating both our physical well being and our lifestyle choices, such as nutrition and exercise.  This way, a Mill Creek Chiropractor can develop an overall approach that is both wide-ranging and comprehensive.

When considering this unique approach to healing the body and preventing illness, remember these six inspiring concepts:

  1. Chiropractic care is ageless. From infants to seniors, chiropractic care can improve your quality of life, reducing the need for medications and invasive interventions.  It can restore proper nerve function, increase joint mobility, and improve coordination.  And for someone facing surgery, it can lessen pain and swelling post-procedure.

 

  1. Your chiropractor looks at your health holistically and assesses action and reaction instead of random and spontaneous elements. They understand that all things are truly linked together.

 

  1. Most people don’t seek out a Mill Creek Chiropractor until they experience pain (most often back pain), but that’s not usually the first sign or symptom. Often, they have been masking a problem with home remedies like over-the-counter pain medications or the application of heat or cold.  Also, if you experience headaches, diarrhea, asthma, or allergies, this may be a symptom of a bigger problem manifesting physically.

 

  1. Chiropractic care is a non-invasive and natural treatment. People report feeling lighter or relieved following an adjustment session and some say they experience fewer colds and flus.

 

  1. Mill Creek and Snohomish County are home to many athletes and people seeking healthy, active lifestyles. Chiropractic care encourages them to maximize their true potential and to help maintain flexibility, keep their lungs functioning properly, and improve their coordination.

 

  1. Chiropractors are for more than back pain! The Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness in Mill Creek is a lifetime partner in nutrition, weight management, and fitness.

 

Much like visiting a trusted friend, a Mill Creek chiropractor is committed to your physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing.  People seeking a healthy, less invasive style of care have been drawn to chiropractic care in expanding numbers the last 15 or 20 years.  With its fundamental core foundation resting on the body’s ability to self-heal, chiropractic practitioners focus on evaluating and treating the musculoskeletal system as it affects other systems for overall health.

Your Mill Creek Chiropractor Solution

At Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness in Mill Creek, we have created a wellness retreat where you can comfortably experience the benefits of chiropractic care.  Please talk with one of our providers or staff members about our full range of services that work in a complementary way including:

  • Nutrition and supplement counseling
  • Doctor-guided weight loss programs for the benefit of your whole life
  • Massage therapy that compliments as an integrative practice
  • Custom Orthotics for foundational support for a lifetime
  • Treatment and care following an auto accident injury

Our mission is to Add Life to Your YearsPlease contact us at our Mill Creek Location to discuss the natural and healthy benefits of chiropractic manipulation.

Try THIS for Better Sleep

Try THIS for Better Sleep

Tips to Sleep Better!

Sleep! We did a previous blog on REM Cycles. Now let’s talk about sleeping habits! Do you wake up feeling unrested, sore, and frustrated? Are you constantly yawning through out the day anticipating the time you can go to bed? You may have be having troubles sleeping due to bad sleeping habits. Have no fear, Dr. Gabrielle Soucy, D.C. explains what you can do to help improve your sleep!

Often times, people are not getting rest due to bad sleeping posture. For optimal sleep, Dr. Gabby advises to lay with a pillow under your legs, or on your side with a pillow in between your legs. Also, neck positioning while sleeping has a big effect on how much rest you are getting. Always have your eyes and your chin on a horizontal plane. If you are sleeping on your side, always have a pillow that’s as thick as your ear to your shoulder. These are some simple ways you can use to improve your sleep! If you have anymore questions feel free to reach out to us!

For more information or if you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact us or visit our clinic at the Mill Creek location in Washington State.

Live without health problems – Because you’re worth it!

1(425)-737-5343

800 164th St SE Ste O Mill Creek, WA 98012

[email protected]

Let’s Talk About REM Cycles

Let’s Talk About REM Cycles

Let’s Talk About REM Cycles!

We created a blog about how many hours of sleep we should get, but what about REM Cycles! We have all heard of the “rules” regarding how many hours of sleep we should get. But what if they key is planning your sleep around REM cycles?

A full REM Cycle takes 90 minutes. Instead of sleeping the suggested 8 hours that we so often hear, why not sleep 7.5 to 9 hours so your sleep is not disturbed? REM Sleep occurs in three cycles. The first cycle is when your eyes are closed, however, it is easy to wake you up. The second cycle is light sleep, where your body is preparing itself for the third cycle of sleep. The third and last cycle, is the deepest cycle; where your body is in the heaviest state of sleep. This stage is important because  your body is healing and repairing itself.

Most people don’t understand the importance of REM sleep. Rather than planning to sleep a certain number of hours, Dr. Sergey Kochelayev suggest you plan the hours off how many cycles you will be able to reach. A good number is 7.5 hours and 9 hours.

For more information or if you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact us or visit our clinic at the Mill Creek location in Washington State.

Live without health problems – Because you’re worth it!

Amazing Life Chiropractic

1(425)-737-5343

800 164th St SE Ste O Mill Creek, WA 98012

[email protected]