Reduction of Labor and Delivery Time Due to Chiropractic Care

Posted on May 3, 2017 by Dr. Justin Swanson

Do Chiropractor’s Help Pregnant Patients? Can Chiropractic Help Delivery?

The Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health published a case study on April 3, 2017, documenting the case of a woman who experienced a shorter and easier birth due to chiropractic care. This improvement was compared to her first pregnancy and delivery where she did not receive any chiropractic care.

The study begins by noting that chiropractic care has been involved in the care of pregnant women since the early days of the profession over a century ago. The authors note that over 76% of practicing chiropractors report that the care of pregnant women is a part of their practices. This care is rendered for both musculoskeletal issues related to pregnancy as well as care for overall wellness during pregnancy.

In this study, a 28-year-old woman went to the chiropractor for evaluation and possible care. She sought chiropractic for a pain in her tailbone area as well as for wellness care. The woman believed that her pelvis had shifted due to her first pregnancy. She reported that after the delivery of her firstborn, she experienced pain and discomfort at her tailbone any time she sat on a hard surface. The woman reported that her first pregnancy went well, but that her delivery was very long and difficult. This was one of the factors in her desire to receive chiropractic care in anticipation of her second pregnancy.

Her history revealed that between the ages of eight and sixteen, she was a competitive gymnast and was receiving chiropractic intermittently during that time. She also noted that she did not receive any chiropractic care during her first pregnancy. Prior to her first pregnancy, she did not have tailbone pain. She later attributed her long and difficult labor and delivery as being the cause of the tailbone pain.

A chiropractic examination was performed and it was determined that multiple vertebral subluxations were present. Care was started to address the subluxations through a series of adjustments to the areas involved. After a number of adjustments, the woman reported a 50% reduction in the tail bone pain. She then became pregnant for the second time. The chiropractic care was continued to, hopefully, facilitate an easier delivery process.

As with her first birth, the woman decided to have her second child at home. She was supervised by the same Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) that attended her first home birth. According to the midwife, the woman’s first labor and delivery time combined was 32 hours and 25 minutes. After chiropractic care, the midwife reported that the woman’s labor and delivery times for her second child was only two hours and 45 minutes combined.

In their conclusion, the study authors note that chiropractic care during pregnancy is far more valuable than just symptomatic relief of musculoskeletal pains, and should be considered for the overall wellness and process of pregnancy. They stated, “This case report provides supporting evidence that subluxation centered chiropractic care on pregnant patients can have beneficial effects on the birthing process.”

If you or anyone you know could benefit from a better functioning nervous system, please call us at 512-452-2525 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Swanson. Austin chiropractor located in north central Austin, TX.

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New Guidelines Recommend Hands-Off Approach for Low-Risk Pregnancies

Posted on March 29, 2017 by Dr. Justin Swanson

The January 25, 2017, issue of the MedPage Today published an article on new guidelines suggesting that less intervention in low-risk births is better. A similar articles based upon the same guidelines also appeared in a number of publications including the Huffington Post.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), which represents over 58,000 members, put out a release titled, “Approaches for Ob-gyns and Maternity Care Providers to Limit Intervention During Labor and Birth in Low-Risk Pregnancies.” This release brings new guidelines that emphasis less medical interference with the birth process.

There has been much written over the past few years suggesting that the birth process has moved from a natural and normal process to a medical procedure. The discussion of how much intervention is really needed for a safe and normal birth has left many expectant mothers confused.

The ACOG has attempted to decrease the intervention at childbirth by issuing new guidelines for low-risk births. The new recommendations have also been endorsed by American College of Nurse-Midwives and the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses.

The new guidelines include the following:

Consider allowing low-risk women to labor at home on their own for longer.
Avoid rupturing the amniotic sac if a woman is progressing normally.
Avoid constant fetal heart rate monitoring when appropriate to allow women to move around.
Allow women to switch positions and push in whatever manner works best for them during labor.
Offer women non-pharmacologic pain relief techniques.

In prefacing the guidelines committee opinion author, Jeffrey L. Ecker, M.D., chief of the Obstetrics & Gynecology department at Massachusetts General Hospital stated, “Practitioners always put the best interests of moms and babies at the forefront of all their medical decision-making, but in many cases those interests will be served with only limited intervention or use of technology. Dr. Ecker continued, “These new recommendations offer providers an opportunity to reexamine the necessity of obstetric practices that may have uncertain benefit among low-risk women. When appropriate, providers are encouraged to consider using low-intervention approaches that have been associated with healthy outcomes and may increase a woman’s satisfaction with her birth experience.”

The conclusion of the ACOG sums up the new guidelines, “Many common obstetric practices are of limited or uncertain benefit for low-risk women in spontaneous labor. In addition, some women may seek to reduce medical interventions during labor and delivery. Satisfaction with one’s birth experience also is related to personal expectations, support from caregivers, quality of the patient–caregiver relationship, and the patient’s involvement in decision making. Therefore, obstetrician–gynecologists and other obstetric care providers should be familiar with and consider using low-interventional approaches, when appropriate, for the intrapartum management of low-risk women in spontaneous labor.”

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Resolution of Infertility Following Chiropractic Care

Posted on March 11, 2017 by Dr. Justin Swanson

What Causes Infertility? Does Chiropractic Help Fertility?

A case study and review of literature on the results of chiropractic care on patients with infertility was published on January 19, 2017, in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health. The study defines this condition by stating, “Infertility is a reproductive issue defined as the inability to accomplish a pregnancy within one year or more of regular sexual intercourse without the use of contraceptives.”

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the number of married women between the ages of 15 and 44 who are suffering with infertility is 1 million, or 6.1% of that age population. In that age group, 6.9 million, about 11.3%, have used fertility services.

The study reports that infertility can also have psychological effects on the woman affected by this and can lead to depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, and guilt, as well as self-loathing. Medical treatment for infertility can vary but usually carries a price tag in the thousands of dollars.

In this case, a 24-year-old woman presented herself for chiropractic care with a chief complaint of back pain. Her history also showed that she was under medical care for infertility for the past three and a half years. Additionally, it was reported that all of her menstrual cycles had to be progesterone induced and would occur infrequently every 3-5 months on average.

A chiropractic examination was performed that showed postural irregularities, tender areas along her spine, and muscle spasms. Motion muscle tests, reflexes and sensation were all within normal limits with only one orthopedic test showing a positive finding. X-rays revealed a reversal of the normal neck curve as well as malpositioning of several vertebrae in the lower back.

Based on the determination of the presence of subluxations, care was started on the woman in the form of specific chiropractic adjustments. By the third visit, the woman reported that she started menstruating. However, her cycle was not of normal duration or flow. By the ninth visit, she reported that she had finished her first normal menstrual cycle. On her tenth chiropractic visit, she stated that she had began ovulating. Two visits later, she reported that she had become pregnant. The woman went on to have a successful vaginal birth. She continued to receive chiropractic care and, as of the writing of this study, she was pregnant with her second child.

In their conclusion, the study authors explained how the woman was able to overcome infertility and conceive by saying, “Chiropractic care has the ability to restore biomechanical function and neurological integrity by working with the nervous system through the reduction of subluxations. This restoration of the nervous system can improve the function of the body in many aspects, including whole organ systems. The altered function of a female reproductive system has the potential to be improved through the enhancement of neurological function due to the effects of reducing subluxations.”

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Resolution of Breech Pregnancy with Chiropractic

Posted on January 11, 2017 by Dr. Justin Swanson

What is Breech Position? Can Chiropractic Care Help Turn Breech Babies?

The Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health published a case study on November 28, 2016, documenting the resolution of a breech presentation pregnancy as confirmed by ultrasound following chiropractic.

The study begins by pointing out that as delivery is closer, the ideal position for a fetus is called vertex. This is where the fetus has the head downward with the back of the head facing forward. A breech presentation is when the buttock is positioned to exit the vaginal canal before the head. A breech birth can create a number of issues including problems with dilation and compression of the umbilical cord. Additionally issues including baby inhaling fluids, higher death rates, neurological issues, cerebral palsy, fractures and brachial plexus traction injuries can occur from this situation.

In this case, a 27-year-old woman who was 35 weeks pregnant came to the chiropractor. At that time, her fetus was in the breech position. She was also experiencing some intermittent pain in the tailbone region that was worse at night and relieved by changing positions. The woman had heard about the Webster technique, used by chiropractors, that has shown success with breech pregnancies.

A chiropractic examination was performed which included palpation, a postural analysis, and thermal scans. Based on the examination, chiropractic was started using specific forms of adjustments and the Webster technique.

After the first adjustment, the patient noticed the baby moving at night. On her next visit, she stated that she believed her baby had turned and that she had an appointment with her obstetrician scheduled. On the third visit to the chiropractor, the woman confirmed that an ultrasound examination by her obstetrician showed the fetus had moved into the normal vertex position. She also reported that her other conditions had improved by 90% since starting chiropractic care.

The authors of this case study also conducted a literature review of similar cases and noted that the documented cases show the Webster technique having a 95% success rate in having breech pregnancies return to the normal vertex.

The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), founded by the late Dr. Larry Webster defines the chiropractic technique he developed as, “The Webster technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and diversified adjustment. The goal of the adjustment is to reduce the effects of sacral subluxation/ SI joint dysfunction. In so doing neuro-biomechanical function in the pelvis is improved.” The ICPA further explained the relationship between breech pregnancy resolution and the Webster technique by saying, “In regards to pregnant mothers, Dr. Webster reported that when a mother sought care and her baby was in a breech position, the restoration of pelvic neuro-biomechanics with this adjustment also frequently facilitated optimal fetal positioning.”

If you or anyone you know could benefit from a better functioning nervous system, please call us at 512-452-2525 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Swanson. We are located in north central Austin, TX.

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Breech Pregnancy Corrected Under Chiropractic Care

Posted on April 30, 2016 by Dr. Justin Swanson

Can Chiropractic Help Turn A Breech Baby? How Does Chiropractic Help Pregnancy?

The March 31, 2016, issue of the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health documented the case of a woman who was 35 weeks into her pregnancy with a breech presentation who was helped and gave birth normally due to chiropractic care.

The usage of chiropractic care by women who are pregnant has been increasing. The most common reason that woman seek chiropractic is for musculoskeletal pain, specifically back pain. However, more women are turning to chiropractic with breech pregnancies after reading information about a chiropractic procedure known as the “Webster Technique.”

In this case, a 37-year-old woman went for a chiropractic consultation and possible care at 35 weeks of her second pregnancy. She was suffering from right hip and pelvic pain. Additionally, an ultrasound examination performed the week prior showed that her baby was in the frank breech position.

The history revealed that the woman gave birth to her first child after being induced at 37 weeks into her pregnancy. The baby was born vaginally in the posterior position but showed significant bruises on his head.

A chiropractic examination was performed using structural analysis and palpation of the spine and pelvis. Subluxations were noted and adjustments along with the Webster Technique was utilized. Pillows and a specialized adjusting table were used to accommodate her pregnancy. Care was rendered three times over a five day period prior to her delivery.

The patient reported that after the first visit she felt the baby had changed position. She stated that her “baby was sitting in the pelvis and was moving differently.” As a result of the chiropractic care, the woman’s baby was delivered normally, in the head-down vertex position, with no complications.

In their discussion, the authors explain the results by stating, “The use of the Webster Technique during pregnancy has been well documented in the peer-reviewed and non peer-reviewed literature.” They describe the Webster Technique as “a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment to establish neuro-biomechanical balance and function in the pelvis via the correction of sacral subluxation.”

The authors’ conclusion stated, “This case report provides supporting evidence on the effectiveness of chiropractic care via Webster Technique during pregnancy with positive outcomes.”

If you or anyone you know could benefit from a better functioning nervous system, please call us at 512-452-2525 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Swanson.

Now You Know, Inc.

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Credited to Chiropractic Care

Posted on March 21, 2016 by Dr. Justin Swanson

Can Chiropractic Help Make Childbirth Easier? Do Chiropractors Help Pregnancy Issues?

The February 18, 2016, issue of the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health published a documented case study of a pregnant woman who was suffering from migraines, neck pain and back pain being helped with chiropractic.

The study begins by reporting that, “The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for women and particularly for women of childbearing years and during pregnancy is substantial.” Chiropractic is one of the most widely utilized forms of CAM. The authors note that about a third of all pregnant woman use some form of CAM, but only half of them disclose this information to their medical practitioner.

In this case, a 28-year-old woman presented herself for chiropractic evaluation and possible care. At that time, she was 29 weeks pregnant with her second pregnancy. She was suffering from chronic migraines associated with neck and back pain.

She reported that her first pregnancy resulted in an emergency C-section and she was hoping to be able to have a vaginal birth for this current pregnancy. However, complicating this pregnancy was that a recent ultrasound showed that the baby’s placenta was partially blocking the mother’s cervix. This condition is known placenta previa.

A chiropractic examination was performed which included postural analysis, spinal palpation, spinal motion, surface electromyogram, and paraspinal thermography. With consent, chiropractic care began for correction of subluxations that were determined from the examination.

By the third visit, the patient reported that her migraines were gone. By the fourth visit her placenta previa was resolved as confirmed on imaging. The patient was successfully able to have a vaginal birth even after her first pregnancy resulted in a c-section. She reported no complications to her birth, and her labor was fast and without the need for any medications.

In their conclusions the authors wrote, “We described the successful care of a pregnant patient presenting with a chief complaint of chronic migraines and pregnancy-related neck and back pain. This case report highlights benefits of chiropractic care beyond symptom care with resolution of placenta previa and successful VBAC, (vaginal birth after cesarean).”

If you or anyone you know could benefit from a better functioning nervous system, please call us at 512-452-2525 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Swanson.

Now You Know, Inc.

Infertility Helped with Chiropractic: A Case Study

Posted on May 23, 2015 by Dr. Justin Swanson

Why Can’t I Get Pregnant? Can Chiropractic Care Help Infertility?

A case study published in the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research on April 27, 2015, documented the case of a woman who was struggling with infertility being able to become pregnant due to receiving chiropractic care.

The study authors report that as many as one in six couples may need to seek help from a specialist because of the inability to conceive. They also report that it is generally accepted that one in four women are affected by infertility lasting up to 29 months.

In this case, a 27-year-old woman who worked as a bank teller came to the chiropractor after suffering from lower back pain for years. She also had complaints of occasional neck and mid-back pain after activities such as lifting. In addition, she would occasionally suffer from headaches when waking up, sinus problems, left wrist pain with numbness, frequent sore throats, and dizziness.

Her history revealed that she had been medically diagnosed with infertility and was taking several prescription medications given by her medical doctor. She had been under medical care for 6 months with no help for her infertility. She reported having several types of accidents years prior, and her first child had been born via cesarean.

A chiropractic examination consisting of palpation, range of motion, and spinal x-rays was performed to determine the presence of vertebral subluxations. It was determined that subluxations were present in multiple areas of her spine and a course of specific chiropractic adjustments was begun to correct the subluxations.

The patient was initially seen three times per week, which was reduced to twice per week later in care. Specific types of adjustments were used depending on the findings of that particular visit and the original x-ray findings.

The study records that the patient conceived after approximately 19 chiropractic adjustments. She also noted improvement in many of her additional symptoms and continued with her care through pregnancy.

If you or anyone you know could benefit from a better functioning nervous system, please call us at 512-452-2525 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Swanson.

Pregnant Woman with Migraines, Hypothyroidism, and Tachycardia Helped with Chiropractic

Posted on May 3, 2015 by Dr. Justin Swanson

Can Chiropractic Help Pregnancy Related Issues? Can Chiropractic Care Help Delivery?

From the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, a case study published on March 25, 2015, reports on the case of a pregnant woman suffering from migraine headaches, hypothyroidism, and tachycardia being helped with chiropractic.

The study authors begin by pointing out that the use of chiropractic by pregnant women is fairly common. A survey of women between the ages of 18 and 49 years who were pregnant or had children less than 1 year old found that 37% of pregnant women and 28% of postpartum women reported using some form of CAM (complementary or alternative medicine) in the last 12 months. Of the practitioner-based CAM therapies, chiropractic remains the popular choice for care.

In this case, a 28-year-old woman, who was in the 14th week of her pregnancy, presented herself for chiropractic care. A previous pregnancy resulted in a cesarean delivery. She sought chiropractic care in the hopes that it would help improve her chances of an easier labor and a vaginal delivery. From her medical physician, she had received a diagnosis of hypothyroidism with mild tachycardia, and occasional migraine-type headaches.

A chiropractic analysis was performed consisting of a spinal postural analysis, and spinal range of motion, as well as static and dynamic palpation. From this, it was determined that subluxations were present in the upper cervical, pelvic, and upper thoracic spine. Chiropractic adjustments were begun and continued throughout her pregnancy.

On several occasions during her chiropractic care the woman would experience a variety of symptoms such as headaches, pelvic pain, and dizziness. These problems were quickly corrected after her chiropractic adjustment.

During the 30th week of her pregnancy, the woman fell at home and her obstetrician’s discovered that her fetus had moved from the proper vertex position to a transverse lie. She received two chiropractic appointments, and performed a set of recommended inversion exercises at home. Shortly thereafter, she reported that she felt her baby had shifted back into the normal vertex position. This was confirmed by her medical physician.

The study reports that the woman was able to successfully carry her fetus through a normal labor, and at 40 weeks plus 4 days, she delivered a baby girl vaginally weighing 8 lbs., 9 oz., and measuring 21 inches long.

If you or anyone you know could benefit from a better functioning nervous system, please call us at 512-452-2525 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Swanson.

Prolonged Breastfeeding Linked to Higher IQ and Wealth in Adulthood

Posted on April 28, 2015 by Dr. Justin Swanson

Is Breastfed Best? How Does Breastfeeding Help My Newborn?

The title above is from a Time article published on March 18, 2015. The article is based on a pre-released April 2015 study published in The Lancet Global Health journal titled, Association between breastfeeding and intelligence, educational attainment, and income at 30 years of age: a prospective birth cohort study from Brazil.

The Time article begins by stating, “New research suggests that breastfeeding newborns longer helps enhance brain development. Children that breastfeed for longer periods end up smarter, more educated and wealthier in adulthood…”

This study was conducted over a long period of time. It began in Brazil in 1982, and involved following 3700 babies born in five maternity hospitals in Pelotas, Brazil. Researchers recorded how long these babies were breastfed after birth.

Approximately 30 years later, the researchers followed up on these grown adults to see if there was a difference in life development between those that were breastfed for their first year and their counterparts that were breastfed for shorter periods of time.

The results compared those who breastfed for one year to those who breastfed for a month or less. Those babies who breastfed for one year showed a four points higher IQ level. These individuals also usually attained one year more of education and made 15% higher income at age 30.

Lead author Bernardo Lessa Horta, a professor at Federal University of Pelotas in Brazil, offers a possible explanation by saying, “Our finding that predominant breastfeeding is positively related to IQ in adulthood also suggests that the amount of milk consumed plays a role.” He continues, “Breast-feeding not only has short-term benefits, but also breast-feeding has long-term benefits.”

In a March 18, 2015 BBC article on this research, Dr, Colin Michie, chairman of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health’s nutrition committee, commented, “It is important to note that breastfeeding is one of many factors that can contribute to a child’s outcomes, however, this study emphasizes the need for continued and enhanced breastfeeding promotion so expectant mothers are aware of the benefits of breastfeeding.”

In their conclusion the researchers reported, “Our results suggest that breastfeeding not only improves intelligence up to adulthood, but also has an effect at both the individual and societal level, by increasing educational attainment and earning ability.”

If you or anyone you know could benefit from a better functioning nervous system, please call us at 512-452-2525 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Swanson.

Infant Twins with Breastfeeding and Gastrointestinal Problems Helped with Chiropractic

Posted on April 8, 2015 by Dr. Justin Swanson

Do Chiropractors See Infants and Newborns? Does Chiropractic Help with Acid Reflux, Irritability, Colic and Excessive Crying? What About Difficulties Breastfeeding?

The Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health published a case study on February 10, 2015, documenting the improvement of infant twins with a variety of health issues being helped by chiropractic. The study showed that the infants had been suffering with chronic reflux, breastfeeding difficulties, irritability, excessive crying, plagiocephaly, and scaphocephaly.

Plagiocephaly and scaphocephaly are conditions in infants where the head is misshaped in various ways. This usually happens from complications during the birth process or from force during the delivery process. The study authors report that recent estimates say that, “…2.6% of births are complicated by some type of birth trauma. The resulting injuries are comprehensive (i.e. injuries to the nervous system, organs, etc) and of interest in this case report, injuries to the craniofacial region and spine resulting in plagiocephaly, facial asymmetry and altered functionality.”

This case study reports on seven-month-old fraternal twin boys who were brought to the chiropractor by their mother. The baby boys were suffering from chronic acid reflux and difficulty feeding since birth. The history noted that at 33 weeks into the woman’s pregnancy, the amnionic membrane of one twin ruptured which resulted in an emergency Caesarean section. This premature birth resulted in both twins being in a special care unit for three weeks after birth.

The mother attempted to breastfeed the infants for the first three months but problems led to a change to formula by the fourth month. The infants reflux and irritability continued and medical attempts to help these problems were unsuccessful.

A chiropractic examination including a spinal analysis was performed on the infants to determine the need for chiropractic care. Based on the examination and the finding of subluxations, chiropractic care was begun with the approval of the twin’s mother.

After eight weeks of care, the mother reported that her twin’s reflux had decreased in severity and that her sons were much more settled and would feed much easier. After 16 weeks, the infants’ problems had resolved and it was noted that their head shapes had returned to near normal.

The authors commented in their summary, “Complaints associated with birth trauma including deformational plagiocephaly, breastfeeding difficulties and general irritability improved in seven month old twin boys while they were receiving chiropractic care.”

If you know of a child that could benefit from seeing a chiropractor, please call 512-452-2525 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Swanson.

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Tag Archives: pregnancy

Reduction of Labor and Delivery Time Due to Chiropractic Care

Do Chiropractor’s Help Pregnant Patients? Can Chiropractic Help Delivery?

Now You Know, Inc.

New Guidelines Recommend Hands-Off Approach for Low-Risk Pregnancies

Now You Know, Inc.

Resolution of Infertility Following Chiropractic Care

What Causes Infertility? Does Chiropractic Help Fertility?

Now You Know, Inc.

Resolution of Breech Pregnancy with Chiropractic

What is Breech Position? Can Chiropractic Care Help Turn Breech Babies?

Now You Know, Inc.

Breech Pregnancy Corrected Under Chiropractic Care

Can Chiropractic Help Turn A Breech Baby? How Does Chiropractic Help Pregnancy?

Now You Know, Inc.

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Credited to Chiropractic Care

Can Chiropractic Help Make Childbirth Easier? Do Chiropractors Help Pregnancy Issues?

Now You Know, Inc.

Infertility Helped with Chiropractic: A Case Study

Why Can’t I Get Pregnant? Can Chiropractic Care Help Infertility?

Pregnant Woman with Migraines, Hypothyroidism, and Tachycardia Helped with Chiropractic

Can Chiropractic Help Pregnancy Related Issues? Can Chiropractic Care Help Delivery?

Prolonged Breastfeeding Linked to Higher IQ and Wealth in Adulthood

Is Breastfed Best? How Does Breastfeeding Help My Newborn?

Infant Twins with Breastfeeding and Gastrointestinal Problems Helped with Chiropractic

Do Chiropractors See Infants and Newborns? Does Chiropractic Help with Acid Reflux, Irritability, Colic and Excessive Crying? What About Difficulties Breastfeeding?