In 1980 I saw clinically that the misuse of forceps could be devastating. A retired nurse had forceps with her difficult birth in the 1890s and had head pain every day of her life. I will never forget that beautiful, gentle soul.
Recently, I saw a woman in her 60s, who has been in chronic pain 24/7 for 30-plus years. She has Hashimoto’s disease and has had a recent bout of kidney stones. She also has a history of Lyme disease and numerous operations.
In my mind the defining moment of her life came when she was the most vulnerable—in the womb. A forceps or vacuum-assisted delivery for anyone can be a huge red flag for potential fascial strain.
On physical exam she presented not only with a zero-second brain cycle, but also an incredibly tight fascial web. Her neck muscles were very rigid, due to the tight fascial component. Fascia covers every muscle cell and tightness can restrict its function.
My hypothesis is that the mechanical forces of the forceps applied a lot of strain into the cranial tissues. Many times the fetus is also pulled out, creating damaging neck fascial strain. Sometimes a pull and twist may possibly later result in torticollis.
Since the fascial web exists as one unit, the strain spread down into the trunk and pelvis over the decades, compromising her body systems. So much suffering could be prevented in the world if only we checked and treated newborns on the first day of life. That is my wish.
Neonatologists need to realize the merit of the newborn work. Hospital administrators need to understand its health benefits. Insurance companies need to see its preventative value. Trained therapists need to provide it directly at birth.
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