028: Benefits of Chiropractic for Kids, Craniosacral Bodywork, Addressing Oral Ties & Colic in Babies with Dr. Jen Rousseau of Kyd Kyro

If you’re not new to this show, then you probably know that as parents, we are extremely passionate about children’s health and we’re constantly educating ourselves on the different ways we can support our son to be the healthiest, happiest baby possible.    Dr. Jen Rousseau from Kyd Kyro here in Nashville was so pivotal in our journey with our son. He was dealing with some breastfeeding issues, feeding issues, tension in his body, and colic. And truly the things we learned from her on our journey were so monumental.    We feel that every parent deserves to know more information about how to help their child be as healthy as possible. This is why we are so excited to have Dr. Jen Rousseau on the show to talk about all things children’s health!   In this conversation, we loved listening to Dr. Rousseau’s insights, and we know that all of the parents listening will be mind-blown to hear what she has to say about craniosacral work, breastfeeding struggles, oral ties, and more.   

What Is Colic?

Colic is a term used to describe uncontrolled or inconsolable fussiness in babies that persists for prolonged periods of time. While there is no definitive diagnosis for colic, it is essentially characterized by a fussy baby who cannot be easily soothed.    Babies have three main functions: eating, sleeping, and pooping. If a baby is unable to perform one or all three of these functions, it is likely that they will experience colic. Understanding the root cause of this fussiness is crucial in addressing the issue.   When a baby experiences colic, Dr. Jen says it’s crucial to identify what may be causing the fussiness. Possible factors could be the baby’s diet, a protein allergy or intolerance, difficulties in latching, tension, or imbalances in the baby’s body. Consulting with a chiropractor or other healthcare professional who specializes in craniosacral work can provide insights and techniques to address these underlying issues.   Parents: be proactive in seeking solutions for colic. While it can be a challenging and frustrating experience, there are resources and professionals available who can provide guidance and support. By addressing the root causes of colic, you can help your baby find relief and create a more comfortable and soothing environment for them!  

How Oral Ties Affect Feeding

Oral ties can significantly affect a baby’s feeding abilities and overall well-being. Oral ties, also known as frenulums, are bands of tissue that exist on the frenulum in various parts of the mouth, including the upper lip, under the tongue, and in the buccal area. These ties can cause interferences in feeding, resulting in difficulties for the baby to eat efficiently. This tension in the jaw can create a clamp-like effect, making it challenging for the baby to suck, chew, and feed properly.   The consequences of uncorrected oral ties can extend beyond feeding issues. They can potentially lead to problems with airway and breathing, speech development, and even the development of picky eating habits. The presence of oral ties can also contribute to the formation of a high palate, which can trigger the gag reflex.   To determine if a child has oral ties and assess their severity, it is crucial to consult with healthcare professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating these issues. Lactation experts, pediatric dentists, and oral ties specialists can provide definitive diagnostics and grade the severity of the ties. This assessment helps determine the appropriate course of action.   The decision to revise or treat oral ties depends on the individual child. While some children may have less severe ties or a combination of different ties, others may require more intervention. The function of the tongue plays a significant role in determining whether revision or treatment is necessary. If the tongue’s ability to function in the mouth for feeding purposes is compromised, it may be necessary to address the oral ties.   Treatment options can range from conservative bodywork to revision procedures and feeding therapy. Conservative bodywork involves techniques that aim to loosen the tissue and improve the baby’s feeding abilities. However, in severe cases, revision procedures may be necessary to correct the oral ties and restore proper function.   It is important for parents to understand that not every child with oral ties requires a revision or treatment. Each child is unique, and their specific needs must be considered. The goals of the parents and the child’s overall well-being should guide the decision-making process. Sometimes a combination of approaches, such as bodywork, revision, and feeding therapy, may be necessary to achieve the desired outcomes.  

Supportive Resources for Breastfeeding Mothers

When Erika gave birth to our son Dawson, she was not prepared to have difficulty breastfeeding; it actually took several days for them to get the hang of it.   If you and your newborn have difficulty too, one of the best resources we can recommend are lactation consultants. These professionals have specialized knowledge and training in breastfeeding and can provide valuable guidance and assistance to mothers. They can help mothers learn proper breastfeeding techniques, address any issues or concerns, and provide support throughout the breastfeeding journey.    Dr. Jen also suggests getting assessed for oral tie dysfunction and receiving bodywork, such as chiropractic care, which can also be beneficial in preparing the body for breastfeeding and alleviating any discomfort or tension that may arise during pregnancy.   Of course, there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to breastfeeding, and every mother and baby is unique. If breastfeeding is not possible or does not work for you, there are other options available, such as bottle feeding or donor milk. The best thing you can do is feed your baby by whatever means necessary!  

About Dr. Jen Rousseau

Dr. Jennifer Rousseau is a Board Certified licensed Doctor of Chiropractic. After completing her undergraduate degree in Business Management at the University of Texas, she attended Parker College of Chiropractic where she received her doctorate in Chiropractic. She specializes in pediatrics, pregnancy, and women’s health issues – such as lupus, autoimmune diseases, weight loss counseling, neck and low back pain, and headaches just to name a few. Her specialty in pregnancy is using the Webster technique to help reduce malposition of developing babies.   Dr. Rousseau has been highly successful in helping many women decrease low back pain associated with pregnancy, and decrease delivery time by reducing subluxations in the pelvis, low back, and sacrum. She also sees children for a multitude of conditions – including ear aches, cranial malformations caused by vacuum or forceps delivery, many cases of asthma and allergies, scoliosis, and bed wetting along with many other conditions. Dr. Rousseau also works with children with behavioral issues such as ADD, OCD, and autism. She is currently studying the latest technique in pediatrics in order to provide the safest and latest in adjusting techniques.   Dr. Rousseau works with OB/GYNs, nurses, midwives, pediatricians, and doctors in other specialties with the goal of providing optimal healthcare to each patient. She also leads a support group for Lupus that meets monthly wherein she counsels individuals with lupus through education and information. Dr. Rousseau herself has had Lupus for over 20 years and has dedicated a large part of her practice to helping those with lupus lead a healthier lifestyle. She is an active member of ICPA, ACA, and the Lupus Midsouth Chapter Foundation of America. Dr. Rousseau is an Adjunct Professor for Palmer College of Chiropractic, training Chiropractic Doctoral Candidates in the most current diagnostics and treatment techniques. Learn more about her practice on the Kyd Kyro website and Instagram.

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