• The journal Paediatrics published a study whereby researchers found crying was reduced by 43% with babywearing for 3 hours per day. It also found that if the carrying occurred during the evening, crying reduced by 54%. Less crying for baby means more energy for baby to observe and learn about the environment around them. It means they can have time for more positive interactions and their parents and are less exhausted.

• Babies who suffer from colic or reflux are often more settled when being worn due to the upright position. Health practitioners often advise for baby to be upright after eating and baby carrying can facilitate this.

• Children that are carried have a tendency to sleep for longer periods of time when being carried. The carrier also allows for a simple swaying/rocking movement to allow bub to move into another sleep cycle. It also allows for sleeping or settling while the parent looks after life admin. There is also some research that indicates that night sleep improves with babywearing in the day. It is thought that circadian rhythms may be regulated allowing for baby to distinguish day from night sleep patterns.

• Once you and baby are used to baby carrying you will be amazed by how much you can do. It is a common story that parents feel they can’t attend a party or Saturday evening out because of bub being unsettled. Babywearing allows for the baby to feel calm and comfortable and for parents to have some adult time. It also will allow baby to become involved in their parent’s world. They can participate in special events and get to know other family or friends. 

• Babies gain more independence from babywearing (contrary to popular belief!). Studies have shown that children that have their needs met during infancy (we are naturally clingers) are more confident individuals as they learn that the parents are available when needed but have the confidence to try new things on their own.

• Parents often feel overwhelmed by caring for baby and running a household. This can often be driven by bub not wanting to be put down. A baby carrier allows one to continue with daily chores or even work while carrying bub. It allows for easy use of stairs, shopping aisle navigation and movement through crowds. Baby carrying allows increases the parent’s confidence in interacting with the child. There is an increased ability to read bub’s cues and an increased responsiveness. 

• Babywearing gives parents the ability to spend time with all their children. Often a new baby can challenge the relationship with other children. Baby carrying allows for hands to be free to play and interact with other children while keeping bub comforted. It also allows for reconnecting with bub once parent returns to work. Coming home and being able to prepare dinner, make lunch for other children or help with homework while wearing baby allows for another opportunity to reconnect with your child while balancing time with other kids. 

• Carrying on the hip, nursing and feeding can create bad postural habits and back pain. A good baby carrier can help distribute weight of baby evenly across the body and reduce the strain. The carriers can also be beneficial for bub’s hip alignment when used properly. I recommend the Manduca or Ergo if looking for a structured carrier, the hug a bub for newborns and ring slings for toddlers. 

For more information or for a baby carrying assessment, contact Amy Melamet- Chiropractor in Petersham or Edgecliff 
 
 
 
 
 

Sleep is extremely important as it is the time that the body can rest and replenish its energy stores and allow for healing. In fact we spend most of our time during a lifetime asleep.
Headaches, Neck Pain, Shoulder Pain, Muscular Pain & Spasm, Pins & Needles in the hands or arms may all be symptoms associated with using the wrong pillow or with poor sleeping position.

What is the function of a pillow?
The role of a good pillow is to support the cervical spine (the neck) and to fill the gap between the head and the shoulder to alleviate stress otherwise placed on the nerves of the cervical spine and on the shoulder. This is achieved by maintaining proper alignment of the neck.

• The Cervical spine is made of 7 vertebrae (C1-C7) with 8 accompanying spinal nerves on each side. The role of the cervical spine is to protect the spinal cord, support the head and create movement of the neck.
• The Cervical nerves have varying roles including innervating the muscles of the neck, shoulders and arms and if irritated they may affect the immune system, allergies, sinuses, energy levels and balance or cause migraines & headaches.

Quick Tips:
1. When trying a new pillow put it against a wall with your head against it. Your head should be neutral and not be pushed away from the wall or tilt towards the wall.
2. Try before you buy - at Crystal Street Chiro, we prefer that you take the pillow home with you for a night or two and see if it is the right pillow for you. There are different heights and materials available. It is important to find the right style for your neck and needs.

Why sleep on a Memory Foam/Latex Pillow?
Feather and Down pillows conform to the head and neck. They are usually soft and snuggly but do not give the spine the support that is needed.
Memory Foam and Latex pillows are firmer pillows which mould to the contour of the neck whilst still stabilising the spine. The contour pillows also have a ridge that simulates the lordosis (neck curve), thus supporting the neck in the correct alignment. They also create space between the head and shoulder allowing for the muscles in the area to relax.
Food for Thought!
A pillow is meant to give the body support and comfort so that the body is in alignment during times of rest. The spine contains important nerves, which are vital for the functioning of the body. These need to be protected.
You have to sleep for at least 7 hours a night for the rest of your life therefore choosing the correct pillow is highly important! 

It's almost Spring!! 
Just 1 month and we are there, so it's time to get yourself ready for the better half of the year. 

Research
Everyone knows turmeric as a beautiful spice used in indian cooking but it has some powerful properties. Curcumin has been found to help with post-exercise soreness, chronic inflammation and even treatment of alzheimer's disease.

Another interesting article: It has been found that commonly prescribed pain medication for lower back pain is not as effective as once thought. 

Nutritional Tip
Iron is a vital mineral that when low can cause tiredness, breathlessness and lightheadedness. It is often lower in women due to menstruation. It is important to get tested for iron deficiency before supplementing.

Fee schedule Update
From August 1st, Crystal Street Family Chiropractic's fee schedule has changed slightly. This is due to rising costs.
Initial consultations are going to remain the same but all other consultations will increase by $4. 
Standard consultations will now be $59 or $49 for a student.
Please have a chat with me if you have any financial concerns about the new schedule.

Out & About
I recently ate at Fish & Co in Annandale which was excellent. Dan is a pescatarian (vegetarian but eats fish) so is a rarity to go out and he be able to eat almost everything on the menu. Everything we tried was yum! Other notable to fish restaurants are Mohr Fish in Surry Hills, Love Fish in Rozelle, North Bondi Fish in Bondi & Fish Face in Double Bay. I've found fish restaurants tend to be a little more pricey but the portions are always huge!!

Extras
Pillows, rollers, massagers heat packs and supplements are still available for purchase. Currently I only have rollers in stock but am happy to order in anything you may need. 

Cancellation Policy
Just as a reminder if you do need to cancel or reschedule your appointment please give at least 12 hours notice or a cancellation fee will apply of $25. Missing an appointment without letting me know will incur the full fee of the consultation. 

Have a great week and I look forward to seeing you soon for a spinal checkup!

Amy

Iron

Iron is an important part of haemoglobin, which carries oxygen around the body, most importantly to the brain. It is also a vital part of myoglobin, a muscle pigment that carries oxygen to the muscle tissue and helps with muscle contraction. Iron also helps metabolise proteins, improves concentration and fatigue.

Try eating more iron rich foods

Here are some ideas: 
Red meat, Dark leafy greens, Beans, Lentils, Egg yolk, Artichokes, Chickpeas, Mussels, Oysters, Liver, Nuts, Whole grains, Dark chocolate, Tofu, Seeds, Dried fruit, Broccoli

Note: Get tested before supplementing!

Hi!

Slowly (& sadly) the temperature is dropping and winter is emerging! I hope you are keeping warm and looking after your immune system.

Research
So many of us are getting into Luminosity and other such apps or books in order to sharpen our focus and memory. The article "Brain Games: Do They Really Work" looks at some studies carried out to prove/disprove the effectiveness. 

Many people suffer from osteoarthritis in the hips and knees. This is because they are the big weight bearing joints of the body and therefore take the brunt of the force with running, falls and sitting. Research is finding that exercise can prevent or slow down the progression of wear and tear, to eliminate the need for surgery.

Nutritional Tip
It can be hard to keep the immune system working at 100% this time of year. Zinc is a powerful mineral that can help ward off & decrease the time of colds. 

Fee schedule Update
From August 1st, Crystal Street Family Chiropractic's fee schedule is going to change slightly. This is due to rising costs.
Initial consultations are going to remain the same but all other consultations will increase by $4. 
Standard consultations will now be $59 or $49 for a student.
Please have a chat with me if you have any financial concerns about the new schedule.

Out & About
I recently went to Jamie's Italian for the first time in the city. It was really delicious and very reasonably priced for a huge dinner. The vegetarian board was excellent, as was the risotto. 
I also finally went to Brighton the Corner for food and it definitely lives up the hype. I had the cauliflower salad and it was excellent!

Cancellation Policy
Just as a reminder if you do need to cancel or reschedule your appointment please give at least 12 hours notice or a cancellation fee will apply of $25. Missing an appointment without letting me know will incur the full fee of the consultation. 


Have a great week and I look forward to seeing you soon for a spinal checkup!

Amy

Hi!

Welcome to the Easter/ANZAC Day Edition of the Crystal Street Family Chiropractic newsletter. I hope everyone is excited for a bit of time away from the desk and hopefully some fresh air, good food and maybe even some stretching.

Research
A Cochrane review has found that upright labour lowers caesarean rates. This is a worthwhile read!
I have also included a very interesting study which has linked cancer treatment and arthritis. Although it is very complex, refer to page 438-439 for the summary.

Nutrition Tip
Vitamin of the month - Vitamin C, vital for this time of the year with its fantastic antioxident and immune properties.

Article
There is a lot of talk about the benefits and safety of babywearing. This article details a few of my thoughts.

In and Around Petersham and the Inner West
There are a few new places popping up in Petersham. Just down the road from the clinic is Brighton the Corner & on Stanmore rd is Daisy's Milk Bar. I have yet to try more than a coffee from Brighton the Corner, but that was good!

Foam Rollers
I have started stocking foam rollers for $60. They are extremely useful for stretching of the legs and upper body. They are also perfect for lying over instead of a rolled towel. Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing.
 
Housekeeping
Just as a reminder if you do need to cancel or reschedule your appointment please give at least 12 hours notice or a cancellation fee will apply of $25. Missing an appointment without letting me know will incur the full fee of the consultation. 

Have a great week!

Amy

 Baby carriers

There are many benefits of baby carrying. These include body contact, developmental benefits such as constant movement and hip alignment, ease of day-to-day activities for the parent and the feeling of security for the baby.  With so many styles available, it can be difficult to find the most suited to the wearer and to the baby.  Here are a few ideas;

The Newborn


Best choice of carry:

• Woven wraps in the front cross carry
• Stretchy wraps in front carry
• Ring Sling 
• Soft structure carrier

 All of these carrying methods allow for the baby’s head to be supported when they do not have this control, supports the developing spine and gives a broad base of support. They also allow for the hips to be placed in the ideal position for hip joint growth (when worn correctly).  The hips should be in flexion and abduction, a deep squat position.

Use of the cradle carry is not encouraged due to the risk of closure of the baby’s airways with prolonged chin tucking.

 The Young Baby (>3 months) with Neck Control

 At this stage, the baby should be able to lift their own head, which allows for other options, predominately the hip carry.


Whether using woven wraps or ring slings, the baby again should have a good base of support with their legs in a squatting position and should have their back and neck supported.  The same carries as the newborn are still great for this age-group too.

There is much debate about the use of back carries for this age. It is ok, if the baby is well supported in the above-mentioned ways. At this age, it can be difficult to get the baby into a back carry due to their lack of muscle strength and control. If you can get assistance in getting bub on and off the back or learn safe techniques to do so then this is fine too.


The Sitting Baby & Toddler

 Once the baby can sit on their own, most carrying techniques are safe. This includes upright back carrying.  At this age, baby will have more muscle control and therefore the positioning of the back carry will be easier.

Most of the time, the way baby is carried will be determined by the parent, based on what is comfortable and of course what baby enjoys. As previously mentioned, it is still important to make sure baby is secure, has good hip positioning, and a stable base of support.

International Hip Dysplasia Association, “Baby Carriers, Seats and other Equipment”, 2012, http://hipdysplasia.org/developmental-dysplasia-of-the-hip/prevention/baby-carriers-seats-and-other-equipment/


Considerations

• Does the sling allow for various carrying positions for the baby on the wearer? This is important if the wearer has mid or lower back problems. Some carrying positions and techniques will feel more comfortable and will help stabilise the area. Wide and/or cushioned adjustable shoulder straps will allow for easier carrying and less strain on the Carriers neck and shoulders too.

 

• Does the carrier allow for different positions for the baby:  for example; forward or chest facing, vertical, horizontal, folded legs, straight, or frog-leg position? All of these will help with the baby’s postural development. Does it allow for optimal positioning; specifically of the hips? The carrier should have a wide base of support that supports the thighs and flexes the knees. The legs should be in an “M” position. · Make sure that there is head and neck support for the baby and/or sleeping infant

 

• How long will the sling/wrap/pouch accommodate for the child’s growth and postural development?  This is important as often carriers suit different ages.

 

• Can the infant be moved from one wearer to another without disturbing them and can they be removed without disturbing them? This can be an important consideration especially if the baby is generally hard to settle or is in a clingy phase or a wonder week. It can be stressful for both the parent and baby.

• Is cleaning of the carrier easy? Can you throw it in the washing machine?

 

• Does the wearer have both hands free or does the baby still require some support with a hand? The baby should be secure enough in the carrier for the wearer to not have to support with their hands. If this is the case, it is possible that the carrier is not tight enough, not on correctly or not suited to the wearer or baby.

 

• Can the baby be put into all carrying positions by the wearer on their own, or do they require help from a second person?

 

• Is there an even distribution of the baby’s weight for the wearer’s comfort? Does the sling/wrap cause repetitive postural stress to one area of the wearer’s spine and pelvis?

 

• Breastfeeding is not generally recommended while baby is in the carrier. This is not because it isn’t possible or more efficient, but because breastfeeding is its own activity and should have the focus of Mum. Eye and body contact is important during this time.

 
 My favourite carriers are the soft structured carriers. Based on the Mei Tai design, they are easy to use for beginners, quick to put on and take off and some designs allow for a number of different carries. In saying that, I like almost all carriers because they allow for contact between parent and baby.

 Amy Melamet is an Inner West Chiropractor in Sydney and a university tutor with a special interest in women’s and kid’s health and pregnancy care. She is also a Die Trageschule baby wearing consultant, having completed the basic course earlier this year.
http://www.crystalstreetchiro.com
http://www.facebook.com/crystalstreetchiropractic

References:

Anisfed, E, Casper, V, Nozyce, M & Cunningham, N, “Does infant carry promote attachment? An experimental study of the effects of increased physical contact on the development of attachment.” Child Development, Vol 5, October 1990, pp1617-1627

Barham-Floreani, J, 2013, “Are baby carriers safe for my baby’s developing hips and spine”, http://welladjustedbabies.com/are-baby-carriers-safe/

Blois, M. “Birth: Care of Infant and Mother: Time Sensitive Issues.” Best Practices in the Behavioral Management of Health from Preconception to Adolescence, edited by William Gordon and Jodie Trafton. Los Altos: Institute for Disease Management. 2007-8. pp. 108-132. (www.indiseasemanagement.org).

Didymos,  2012, “Experts’ Opinions’, http://www.didymos.de/en/DIDYMagazine/Opinions-and-Photos/Experts-Opinions

Fettweis, E.: The child Hüftluxationsleiden. The treatment in seated squat position. In: Steel, Ch (eds.):. Advances in orthopedics and traumatology. Vol 3:. Landsberg ecomed, (1992) 

Hunziker, U, Barr, R,  “Increased carrying reduces infant crying: A Randomized Control Trial. “ Paediatrics, Vol 77, May 1986, pp641-648

International Hip Dysplasia Association,  2012, “Baby Carriers, Seats and other Equipment”, http://hipdysplasia.org/developmental-dysplasia-of-the-hip/prevention/baby-carriers-seats-and-other-equipment/

Kirkilionis, E.: A baby wants to be carried. Kösel, Munich (1999) 


Kirkilionis, E.: The basic needs of the infant and the medical aspects - prepared and characterized on the type of boy carrying Ling. notabene medici,1997, 27 (2), pp61-66, 27 (3), pp117-121

Welcome to 2014! I have a feeling it is going to be a good year.


Research
Here are 12 reasons chiropractic is the best choice for back pain using research studies. This is an interesting look at some of the research backing the profession. 

Reflux
Does your little one have reflux? It can be a stressful and tiring to deal with. Here are some Reflux Survival Tips. 

Nutrition Tip: Each month I will be focusing on different vitamins and minerals. This month it's all about Omega 3.

Recipe
Looking for a healthy, filling breakfast option? Try Shakshuka. This egg dish hails from the Middle East and is really healthy and delicious as a breakfast, lunch or dinner. Serve with some toast and hummus on the side. There are many different recipes available. This one uses paleo fat but margarine, butter or olive oil is fine to grease the pan. 

Out and About
The newly opened Grumpy Barista on Audley Street has fantastic coffee and a build it yourself salad bar. I love that! What a great option for a quick, healthy lunch. 

Massagers
I have ordered some more massage machines in. Please contact the clinic ASAP to reserve one. 

I hope the beginning of the year has treated you well! Please let me know if there is a way I can support any community initiatives that your are involved in.

Remember to keep up your maintenance care to keep your body working as its the only one you have to live in!

Keep Healthy

Amy