10/23/2025
“Dr. Stephen Porges, PhD, is famed by his ground-breaking research into this ventral branch and developed what is now known as the Polyvagal Theory. In a nutshell, this branch senses if the person is safe in their environment. If they are not, if they are feeling unsafe or threatened, this branch of our nervous system acts to protect us. This protection process can be expressed by a heightened state of agitation, both physically (i.e., increased inflammation, decreased blood flow to internal organs, etc…) and emotionally (anxiety or rage). It can also be expressed as causing the person to freeze or shut down if the stimulation is too much. The simple act of an infant being held skin/skin with their mother, feeling protected and warm, AND receiving it’s basic life-sustaining need of milk whenever it’s needed…breastfeeding…is one of the baby’s earliest Polyvagal programming.
This basic need being met in such a close and loving way imprints a message that they are SAFE. This message of safety later goes a long way in how that human reacts to its environment for the rest of their life.” – Dr. Lynn Gerner, DC, FICPA
Feeding challenges in infancy can be more than momentary frustrations. They can reflect deeper neuro-biomechanical imbalances that, if left unaddressed, may influence a child’s long-term development and well-being. Gentle, skilled chiropractic care helps restore optimal nervous system function, supporting both successful breastfeeding and healthy neurological development.
Read the full article “Breastfeeding Challenges—A Window to Your Baby’s Brain” by Dr. Lynn Gerner, DC, FICPA here: https://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-challenges-a-window-to-your-babys-brain.html
