Frequently Asked Questions About Family, Prenatal & Pediatric Chiropractic Care
Dr. Bonn specializes in family chiropractic, prenatal care, pediatric chiropractic, and the Webster Technique.
What can I expect at my first visit?
At your first visit, Dr. Bonn will take time to understand your health history, current symptoms, lifestyle, and goals. She’ll perform a thorough assessment including posture, mobility, and any areas of discomfort to determine what’s contributing to your concerns. If appropriate, you may receive your first treatment the same day. Dr. Bonn will explain everything clearly, answer any questions, and outline a personalized care plan designed to help you feel better, move better, and support your long-term wellness.
How can chiropractic care help the health and wellness of my family?
Your spine is an integral part of your mind and body. From even before you are born, your brain communicates and controls the many functions of your body through the nervous system. The nerves from the brain run down your spine to each and every part of you. Many families experience unavoidable physical, mental and chemical stresses (such as lack of sleep, less exercise, balancing work with home life). These stresses can cause tension in the spine (called subluxations) and irritate the corresponding nerves. Over time, subtle spinal subluxations may cause pain, stress, degeneration and even organ dysfunction. Your chiropractor will release the tension in your spine (through adjustments) so that your body can function optimally and express a maximum state of health and wellness. Many families are proactive and have regular chiropractic check-ups much in the same way we preventatively see a dentist. Chiropractic maintenance is a natural approach for a healthier and happier family.
Is prenatal and paediatric chiropractic care safe and gentle?
Yes. Chiropractic is one of the safest forms of healthcare for expectant mothers and their children. It is a natural, drug-free, non-invasive approach specific to the mother and child. Your chiropractor will use individualized techniques to release spinal tension with as little amount of pressure as a finger touch. Special pillow supports assist the pregnant mother for comfortable care. Infants and children relax and enjoy their adjustments. Safe and gentle care for you and your family.
When should I see a chiropractor if I’m pregnant?
Chiropractic care is beneficial throughout all stages of pregnancy:
-
First trimester: Helps balance your spine and pelvis, reduces prenatal back pain, and supports the body as it adapts to fatigue, nausea, and hormonal changes.
-
Second trimester: Promotes proper alignment, improves stability, helps with sleep, and reduces ergonomic strain from daily activities.
-
Third trimester: Specific prenatal chiropractic techniques can help with common concerns such as sciatica, rib pain, round-ligament discomfort, pubic symphysis dysfunction, tailbone tension, plantar fasciitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Prenatal chiropractic care helps your body adapt more comfortably to pregnancy while preparing for labour and birth.
How can chiropractic help the baby be in a good position for birth?
Dr. Bonn is trained in the Webster Technique, a chiropractic method developed by Dr. Larry Webster of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). This technique focuses on sacral alignment and easing tension in the surrounding ligaments and muscles to support optimal pelvic balance.
A balanced pelvis allows more space for the baby to move into the best possible position for birth. The number of adjustments varies depending on your individual needs and health history. Dr. Bonn may also recommend exercises, posture modifications, and ergonomic tips to help support your pregnancy and encourage ideal fetal positioning.
Why should I see my chiropractor after having a baby?
Postnatal chiropractic care supports your recovery after pregnancy and birth so you can comfortably care for your newborn. It’s ideal to receive an adjustment within the first few weeks postpartum as your ligaments begin to stabilize.
Chiropractic can help with common postnatal concerns such as:
-
Neck and upper-back pain
-
Headaches
-
Fatigue and stress
-
Wrist tendonitis (often from feeding or carrying your baby)
-
Pelvic, hip, or tailbone discomfort
Dr. Bonn adapts techniques safely for both vaginal and cesarean recovery. She also provides guidance on postnatal exercises, breastfeeding ergonomics, and how to lift, carry, and wear your baby safely. Ongoing family chiropractic care supports both you and your baby as you adjust to life together.
What are some of the signs that my newborn should be checked by a chiropractor?
A newborn chiropractic assessment can help support your baby’s development, especially after the physical stresses of pregnancy and birth. Signs your baby may benefit from gentle pediatric chiropractic care include:
-
Preferring to turn the head to one side
-
Difficulty latching or sucking
-
Flat spots on the head
-
Colic, gas, or inconsolable crying
-
Frequent spitting up or reflux
-
Trouble passing bowel movements
-
Sleep difficulties
-
Clicking or uneven movement in the hips
Gentle pediatric chiropractic removes spinal tension to support healthy neurological development. Early assessment helps your baby progress through important growth and developmental milestones.
How does chiropractic care help infants with newborn issues such as gas & colic?
Gas and colic are common during the first months of life as your baby’s digestive and nervous systems mature. Some babies also experience spinal tension from in-utero positioning or the birth process. This tension (subluxation) can disrupt nerve signals between the brain and digestive system. Gentle pediatric chiropractic care relieves this tension and helps the digestive system function more effectively. Research shows that chiropractic care can significantly reduce crying and discomfort in colicky infants (JMPT 1999, 22(8)).
Chiropractic offers a natural, gentle way to help ease your baby’s gas, colic, and digestive discomfort.
When should my child have chiropractic check-up?
Children experience rapid physical and neurological growth, especially in their first year. Regular pediatric chiropractic check-ups support healthy development and help address issues such as nursing difficulties, colic, ear infections, and breathing challenges. Children also face daily stresses from falls, crawling, walking, sports, screens, backpacks, and posture habits. Because their spines are more flexible and adaptable, children often respond to chiropractic adjustments even faster than adults. Routine chiropractic care helps prevent future imbalances and supports milestones such as sitting, crawling, walking, and sports participation. Many parents notice their children are healthier and more resilient with regular chiropractic maintenance care.
Will my chiropractor help me with family health-related questions?
Yes. In addition to chiropractic adjustments, Dr. Bonn provides guidance on a wide range of family wellness topics, including:
-
Prenatal and postnatal exercises
-
Nutrition and supplements for pregnancy symptoms (nausea, fatigue, heartburn)
-
Foods that may reduce infant colic or sensitivities
-
Relaxation techniques for labour
-
Ergonomic tips for babywearing, nursing, lifting, and carrying
-
Infant sleep habits
-
Car seat, backpack, and mobility safety
-
Scoliosis screening and developmental milestone checks
Family chiropractic care supports you through every stage of pregnancy, birth, and parenthood, and dads benefit from care too.
What is the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association?
The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing family wellness through chiropractic care. The ICPA provides continuing education, research, and specialized training in prenatal, pediatric, and family chiropractic. Their mission is to support informed healthcare decisions and to promote natural, holistic approaches to pregnancy, birth, and childhood. Their website (www.icpa4kids.org) offers up-to-date research and resources for families and chiropractors worldwide.