Today, my preemie princess turns two years old! I get asked often why I specialized in Functional Medicine and no longer adjust chiropractically- my answer is directed to my daughter, Zirah.
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Zirah, was born at 32 weeks gestation. I suffered from placenta abruption, placenta previa, and vasa previa. We were both very lucky to live through birth and to continue to tell our story today.

So here we are, two years later, using our story to educate, inform, & relate.

Today I want to focus on the gut. Our second brain.

Did you know that well over half of premature babies are delivered via cesarean section?

This means that your baby doesn’t receive the beneficial bacteria he or she needs from the birth canal. These beneficial bacteria can reduce susceptibility to food allergies, asthma, hay fever, and even obesity later in life. 

Did you know that it is ‘protocol’ to give preemies a preventative antibiotic once they are born?

This is a proactive measure to prevent a deadly infection and is administered for 24 to 48 hours. However, what has that done to their already immature gut microbiome? It has completely wiped out even the good bacteria. 

Research continues to show that ONE round of antibiotics can change the gut microbiome negatively for up to FIVE years. That’s saying you’ve only had one round of antibiotics in five years.
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Our immune system is founded in our gut. This vital component of our health and wellness isn’t just reborn without help.

Did you know that commonly preemies leave the hospital with medications geared towards GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), breathing treatments, and/or bowel movement problems?
The gut-lung axis has a huge influence on all three.

Fun Fact: The central nervous system (CNS) is directly responsible for the process of peristalsis (which the body uses to make sure everything goes through the digestive tract in the correct direction). This is the primary malfunction of GERD. What helps directly with peristalsis? Specific chiropractic care.

You may have noticed that we keep coming back to how the gut needs to have greater focus…

Zirah, was a very special case. She developed NEC (Necrotizing Enterocolitis) which is a very dangerous infection in your gut as well as the biggest culprit of deaths in premature babies. Zirah, was placed on antibiotics for THIRTEEN whole days. This was the longest 13 days of my entire life. While she was on these high dose antibiotics, she couldn’t have any food in her stomach and was given her nutrition through IV. I knew that my daughter was never going to be developmentally 'caught up' if I didn’t learn everything I could about repairing her gut.

I am eternally thankful to traditional western medicine for saving both mine and Zirah’s lives, but I am forever grateful to alternative medicine for giving Zirah her life back. This wasn’t a quick fix and her journey is still evolving. Without functional medicine, chiropractic, and healthy living practices our two-year checkup would have been much, much different. You’d have never guessed this little diva spent the first part of her life- fighting for it.

Fast forward to now, this is why I started Stittleburg RHC and why I love helping kiddos.

Do you have a preemie that suffers from allergies, is constantly sick, never 'catches a break', and/or isn’t hitting their developmental milestones? Please, reach out!

Do you or someone you love have a preemie? Be proactive, let’s get that gut back to health!

The best part about healing, it’s never too late to start the journey. There are supplements and herbs that are beneficial in gut healing, along with diet and lifestyle changes! Contact us for more information.

I am also here to say, being a NICU mama is hard.
It's one of the hardest things I've ever endured.
It's okay to not be okay.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, please reach out.
You can't pour from an empty cup!
And the woman you were before you became, Mommy, matters. 

As always- stay healthy, friends.
Dr. Taryn