Understanding gas, constipation, reflux, torticollis, and latch struggles, whether your baby is breast or bottle fed.

In the early weeks with a new baby, there is so much you are told to expect. The sleepless nights, the round-the-clock feeding, the steep learning curve. But there is one thing most parents are never told, and it quietly shapes so much of those first months.

 

Tension affects function.

When a baby carries tension in their little body, from how they were positioned in the womb to the journey through birth, it can show up in the way they feed, digest, move, and settle. And so often, the things we are told to simply wait out are the very things that gentle, early support can ease.

The things we are often told

You have probably heard at least one of these:

• Your baby doesn't have to poop every day
• Reflux is just something babies grow out of
• Some babies just prefer one side
• Some babies are just stiff
• Painful breastfeeding is normal

Each one holds a little truth. But when your gut tells you something feels off, mama, it is worth a closer look. Discomfort is your baby's way of communicating, and there is often more we can do than wait it out.

What tension can look like

Tension rarely announces itself. It shows up in small, everyday patterns that are easy to chalk up to "just how my baby is." You might notice:

• Straining, or fewer bowel movements than expected
• A strong preference for turning the head one direction
• Arching the back, especially during or after feeds
• A body that feels stiff, almost like a board
• Sleeping with the mouth open
• A flat spot beginning to develop
• Spitting up after nearly every meal

And in the harder moments:

• A red face and crying that is tough to soothe
• Refusing to nurse on one side
• Pain while nursing
• Trouble settling once upset
• A fight every single time you get them dressed
• Restless sleep and fussiness that stretches through the day
• And, yes, so much laundry

If you are nodding along, you are not imagining it, and you are not doing anything wrong. These patterns are common, and they often respond beautifully to gentle support.

Gas and constipation

For the gassy, straining, uncomfortable-after-feeds baby, a few gentle techniques can help things get moving. In her hands-on work, Dr. Jess uses supports like sacral pumping, a gentle "booty massage," and a soft hip flexor stretch, all aimed at easing pressure and encouraging healthy digestion.

A quick word on what is normal: under one month, expect five or more bowel movements a day. After one month, movements should still be regular, though the frequency can vary from baby to baby. These techniques are gentle and baby-led, and they are best learned hands-on so you can feel the right pressure and pace.

Reflux

Reflux does not always look like the textbook image of constant spitting up. It can be silent, showing up instead as arching, congestion, or discomfort when your baby lies on their back. Gentle supports here include diaphragm massage, light belly compression, and a left side full body stretch, each meant to relieve pressure and help your baby feel more settled after feeds.

Head preferences and torticollis

If your baby always wants to look one way, resists the other, or is starting to develop a flat spot, it may be more than a simple preference. During tummy or chest time, you can gently encourage them to switch the direction they are facing, softly support a head rotation, and use the "happy baby" position to open things up.

There is often more going on beneath a side preference, though. A pediatric chiropractor or pediatric physical therapist can help identify what is contributing and tailor support to your specific little one.

Feeding and latch

Feeding should not be painful, for you or for your baby. Whether you are breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or doing both, these signs are worth paying attention to:

• Clicking sounds during feeds
• Milk leaking from the mouth
• Difficulty maintaining a latch
• Popping on and off
• Very long feeding sessions
• Painful feeding
• Lip blisters
• A strong preference for one breast

A quick check you can do at home. Ask yourself:

• Can your baby latch onto your finger?
• Can they move their tongue side to side?
• Can they create a seal with their tongue?
• Can they move their head side to side?
• Do they have a milky tongue?

If you are answering no to some of these, a functional assessment can help get to the root of what is going on.

A gentle note

Everything here is meant for education and encouragement, not as a replacement for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. These supports are general suggestions that help many babies, but every baby and every situation is different. Always use gentle movements, stop if your little one seems distressed, and reach out to your healthcare provider with any questions about your baby's health or development.

Your baby's only jobs

Eat. Sleep. Poop. Cry to communicate a need. And be happy.

That really is the whole list. Crying is one of the only ways your baby has to tell you something, and the more we understand what they are trying to say, the easier it becomes to meet them there.

Remember this

Tension and function are connected. Early support can make feeding, movement, and development easier. And above all, trust your instincts. If something feels off, it is always worth asking questions.

You know your baby better than anyone.

Come learn it in person

Dr. Jess Roth, our doctor of chiropractic and certified lactation professional, is teaching all of this at Babies and Bumps. Come find her talk, "Tummy Comfort for Babies," Saturday at 12:30 in Classroom B, and bring your questions.

While you are there, stop by our table for a hands-on look at infant supports, belly taping, and our pregnancy pillow. And if something feels off with your little one, you can book a functional assessment with our team any time at our Wayzata clinic. We would love to support you both.