A difficult birth is one where the baby exits the birthing canal by excessive use of force, use of forceps, or a vacuum extractor. Though necessary to ensure a safe birth, use of force and instruments can result in structural disturbances. The bones in your infant’s skull must decrease in size to pass through the birthing canal, which leads to overlapping of joint lines and possible visual asymmetries. The head is simultaneously bent backwards pressing down on key nerves which run from the brain to the mouth, tongue, and lips.
Another form of difficult birth is a Caesarian. The baby almost always emerges from the procedure with significant torsion and strain patterns, including torticollis. In addition, the baby has not had the benefit of going through the birth canal, where the unique architecture of the mother’s body interacts with her baby and this pressure shapes, distributes and initializes vital internal systems of its body including expelling fluids from the lungs.
As the infant grows, these structural changes may correct themselves within the first weeks of birth. When they don’t, the infant can begin to experience neurodevelopmental problems