An Exhausted Mom's Survival Guide: Navigating Motherhood with Adaptability and Resilience

Motherhood is an excessive amount of responsibilities, from caring for our children to managing household chores, work commitments, and more. It often feels like there needs to be more hours in the day to accomplish everything on our to-do lists. With carpool lines, meal prepping, loads of laundry, and trying to keep all of the kids accounted for, it's easy for moms to neglect their own well-being, leading to exhaustion and burnout. Although motherhood is literally the best job in the world, it can also sometimes feel like the hardest, too. This season is full of joy, and it is very rewarding but can get lonely at times, which is why we created this little “survival guide” to help ease those tough days, to remind you to give yourself grace, that you are the best mother for your child, AND to give you some practical tips to help your overall health and wellbeing.

Understanding the Science

As mothers, our bodies undergo significant changes, both physically and mentally. Due to frequent hormonal changes, sympathetic overdrive, and exhaustion, we need to do all we can to support our bodies through motherhood. One key contributor to exhaustion is adrenal fatigue, a condition where the adrenal glands become overworked due to chronic stress. This constant state of heightened stress can lead to feelings of anxiety and overwhelm as our nervous system gets stuck in fight-or-flight mode.

Moreover, the lack of quality sleep exacerbates the problem, leaving us reliant on caffeine to get through the day. Unfortunately, coffee, energy drinks, and other caffeine only act as band-aids, forcing us as moms to never get out of this cycle and help the root cause, which is helping our nervous system become more adaptable to all of this stress! 

Tips for Survival

So, how can we navigate motherhood with resilience and adaptability? It starts with prioritizing self-care and making small but impactful changes to our daily routines. Here are some tips to help you thrive:

• Prioritize sleep: Aim for at least 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night by establishing a bedtime routine and creating a relaxing sleep environment.

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• Fuel your body with nutritious foods: Focus on eating whole, nutrient-dense foods that nourish your body and provide sustained energy throughout the day. Start the day with protein first, even before coffee! 

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• Delegate tasks and ask for help: Don't be afraid to ask for support from your partner, family members, or friends. Delegate tasks and responsibilities to lighten your load and give yourself time to recharge.

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• Make time for self-care: Schedule regular self-care activities that rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. Whether it's taking a long bath, going for a walk in nature, or indulging in your favorite hobby, prioritize activities that bring you joy and relaxation, even if it is just 10 minutes to reset! 

Regulate Your Nervous System 

This should be the first step! The above suggestions are very important, but most of them won’t make a major impact unless our nervous systems are rested and regulated FIRST. So what does this mean? There are two parts of our nervous system: The Parasympathetic Nervous System (the brake pedal)  and the Sympathetic Nervous System (the gas pedal). Each part is equally important! The goal is to have fluidity between the two. If you need to be in go mode, chasing after your child, you want the gas pedal on! But once they start to calm down, your nervous system should be able to recognize this and enter a rested and relaxed state as well. Most of us as moms are stuck in sympathetic dominance. This means that even when our children are safe, our body is stuck in stress mode. When we are chronically stuck in this state, exhaustion really settles in, and motherhood challenges become physical fast. 

Taking the First Step

If you're struggling to find balance in motherhood, consider exploring Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care. By being on a care plan that is customized to your “mom exhaustion,” your nervous system will be able to find the balance between the gas vs brake and strive for resiliency and adaptability to all that comes with being an amazing mom! 

So, how do you start?! Our cutting-edge technology, called the CLA INSiGHT Scan, assesses your nervous system's function, which shows our PX Docs exactly what is going on within your brain and body and can pinpoint that mom exhaustion! Take the first step towards a healthier, happier you by scheduling a nervous system scan today. 

Success Story: Alyssa’s Journey

Let me tell you about our awesome friend, Alyssa, and we’ll look at one of her Neurological INSiGHT Scans.

About three months after giving birth, Alyssa threw out her back. She thought it would just resolve over time, but instead, the pain she was experiencing was not decreasing and, in fact, was increasing rapidly. Alyssa was at the point where she was barely able to move off the couch, let alone care for her newborn baby. 

When she saw her scans, Alyssa was really shocked and immediately a little disappointed. She was expecting everything to be lit up like a red Christmas tree! But there wasn’t a lot lit up at all. She immediately felt hopeless and like she was “unhelpable.” BUT then her local PX Doc explained to her that her body was so exhausted from the pain and the neurological state of the “gas pedal” that it was in power-down mode! The scan wasn’t lit up because it was exhausted!!

Surprisingly, pain relief wasn’t the first sign that Alyssa’s care plan was working. Instead, she noticed that she was finally able to sleep! She had always struggled with sleep and had never been able to fall asleep or stay asleep. She also noticed that her anxiety was no longer affecting her everyday life. AND finally her back pain began to diminish!

Here is Alyssa’s first EMG scan! The yellow in Alyssa's neurological scans indicated exhaustion in her body after being stuck on sympathetic 'stress mode' for too long. 

Alyssa’s life has looked different in many ways since starting with PX Docs. She is completely off all anxiety meds, has less and less pain every day, and has been able to achieve her initial goal - PLAY ON THE FLOOR WITH HER BABY.  Alyssa said that she loves having a provider team that believes in her and feels more empowered to advocate for herself and her family.

Ready to see what your Neurological INSiGHT Scans look like?! Visit our PX Docs Directory to find a doc in your area! 

Motherhood is the most extraordinary club to be a part of, but it is also just straight-up HARD sometimes. As PX Docs, we hope that we can help you find the hope, answers, and drug-free help that you have been searching for… for not only your sweet kiddos and family but FOR YOU too! 

Your Guide to Finding the Right Pediatric Chiropractor

Has your child seen a chiropractor, but the results fell short of your expectations? You're not alone. Many parents leave feeling disappointed—whether it's due to a lack of confidence or clarity from their chiropractor, weak or inconsistent care plan recommendations, or confusion over a long list of additional therapies added to the mix.

If that sounds familiar, keep reading to learn the key differences between standard chiropractic care, integrated or functional therapies, and truly specialized Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractic Care.

The Truth About Pediatric Chiropractic Care

Not all chiropractors are equipped to help children—especially those with complex neurological challenges like sensory processing issues, ADHD, or chronic health concerns.

Let me share a story about a young patient named Henry. He came to our practice after trying traditional chiropractic care without success. Henry struggled with intense sensory processing challenges—running full speed into walls for sensory input, having extreme reactions to clothing textures, and struggling with impulse control.

His previous chiropractor provided care, but without a neurological focus and proper frequency, Henry's underlying issues weren't being addressed. After just one month of specialized, neurologically-focused care, his mother noticed profound changes they hadn't seen before. His sensory-seeking behaviors became less intense and more manageable, and his overall regulation improved dramatically.

So what makes the difference? There are core components that determine whether your child is getting the right care. They may seem simple, but they make all the difference.

The 5 Critical Elements That Make Pediatric Chiropractic Care Effective

1. Advanced Education and Training

Most chiropractors have advanced training in spinal care, back pain, neck pain, etc. But taking care of kids requires specialized pediatric training that goes far beyond basic chiropractic education.

Today's children face what we call "The Perfect Storm"—unfortunately high levels of stress and toxicity building up early in their lives, contributing to the fact that over 50% of kids today are chronically ill or struggling with complex health conditions.

Advanced pediatric training includes a deep understanding of:

• Developmental milestones

• Nervous system function

• Brain development

• The gut-brain connection

• Neuroinflammation

• And much more

When your child's care provider has this specialized training, they're better equipped to address the root causes of your child's challenges rather than just treating symptoms.

2. Experience with Pediatric Cases

While many chiropractic practices may have "Family" in their name and see a few kids here and there, you're really looking for someone who is FULLY focused on Pediatric and Family Care and has extensive experience with complex cases.

An experienced pediatric chiropractor should have a track record of successfully working with children who have:

• Sensory processing challenges

• ADHD

• Autism

• Chronic conditions like ear infections or constipation

• And even more complex conditions like seizures or special needs

You're also looking for an office that is fully focused on kids in terms of the environment, layout, and approach—a place where your child feels comfortable and welcomed.

3. Advanced Technology and Neurological Testing

In 2025, it's essential that your child's chiropractor uses advanced technology like INSiGHT Scans to properly assess nervous system function.

These non-invasive scans take just 15-20 minutes yet provide more information on the real root cause of your child's condition than many other forms of testing. They allow practitioners to find nervous system dysfunction, dysregulation, and subluxation with precision.

Most importantly, these scans should be performed throughout care to track progress and ensure that real neurological change, healing, and restoration is happening.

4. Multiple Adjusting Techniques

Each child's case is unique and requires a personalized approach. Unfortunately, most chiropractors only practice one singular technique, which often limits their results in complex cases.

Different adjusting techniques address various aspects of nervous system dysfunction. A one-size-fits-all approach simply won't address complex pediatric needs.

The right pediatric chiropractor should be well-versed in multiple techniques and able to adapt their approach to your child's specific needs and comfort level.

5. Appropriate Care Planning

Today's children often need more intensive care plans than previous generations due to the increased neurological challenges they face.

A proper pediatric care plan should include:

• Frequency and duration based on neurological assessment, not just a standard "one-size-fits-all" approach

• Adaptability as your child progresses

• Regular reassessment to ensure optimal results

• Clear communication with parents about expectations and progress

Finding the Right Care for Your Child

If you're feeling frustrated with your child's current chiropractic care, or if you're just starting to explore options for your child's health, now is the time to make a change.

The right care can make all the difference—just ask Henry's mom, who saw transformation in her son after finding the right provider.

Your child deserves care that's specifically designed for their unique needs. With the right chiropractic care, you can give them the support they need to reach their full potential.

Remember, it's not that chiropractic doesn't work for children—it's that not all chiropractors are equally prepared to work with children, especially those with complex neurological challenges.

Taking the Next Step

If you're ready to explore this type of Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractic Care for your child, reach out to Live Well Family Chiropractic today! We specialize in this specialized form of Neurologically-Focused Care and are here to make both you and your child feel comfortable, heard, and hopeful.  If you are not local to us, check out the PX Docs directory to find a PX Docs office near you. 

Your child's health journey deserves the best possible support. With the right care, we can help your child thrive—neurologically, physically, and emotionally.

Hidden Birth Trauma May Cause Your Child's Picky Eating

Are you exhausted from the daily mealtime battles with your picky eater? If you've tried hiding vegetables in smoothies, created elaborate reward charts, or found yourself negotiating "just one more bite" at every meal, you're not alone. As a parent, these struggles can leave you feeling frustrated, worried, and sometimes even like you're failing.

But what if I told you that your child's picky eating likely isn't really about the food at all?

Beyond Behavior: Understanding What's Really Happening

Studies show that up to 22% of children are classified as picky eaters, with 40% remaining picky for two years or longer. While most healthcare providers suggest waiting it out or trying various behavioral approaches, they're often missing a crucial piece of the puzzle: the nervous system connection.

The truth is, picky eating frequently has less to do with stubbornness or behavior and more to do with an overwhelmed nervous system.

Let me share a story that might sound familiar. Leo's family faced significant challenges with his eating habits — there were many days when he wouldn't eat at all. His mom felt completely helpless, especially when their pediatrician kept saying he would "grow out of it." They tried speech and eating therapy but saw little progress.

Everything changed when they discovered that Leo's nervous system was overwhelmed. Once they addressed this root cause, Leo's sensory skills improved dramatically, his meltdowns decreased, and he began eating regularly. He transformed from a struggling picky eater to a thriving, happy toddler.

The Nervous System Connection

To understand what leads to picky eating, we need to look deeper at what's happening neurologically:

Sympathetic Dominance: When Your Child's Body is in "Fight or Flight"

Your child's picky eating likely stems from a neurological state called "sympathetic dominance" — where their nervous system is stuck in a constant "fight or flight" mode. This creates several challenges:

• Sensory overload makes normal food textures, smells, and tastes feel overwhelming or even threatening

• A stressed nervous system actually programs the brain to crave simple carbs and sugars that can be quickly converted to energy

• What seems like a normal mealtime to you feels like a battlefield to your child's body and brain

The Three Root Causes of Picky Eating

1. Sensory Processing Challenges

When there's stress or subluxation in the upper neck and brainstem regions, it creates nervous system imbalance. This leads to heightened sensitivity to food textures, temperatures, and tastes.

What might seem like a normal food texture to you can feel extremely uncomfortable or even painful to your child. That soggy cereal or slightly lumpy yogurt isn't just unappealing — it might trigger a genuine sensory aversion.

2. Vagus Nerve Dysfunction

The vagus nerve is crucial as it controls digestion, appetite regulation, and the gut-brain connection. When this nerve isn't functioning optimally, it disrupts natural eating patterns.

This can cause digestive discomfort, making children associate eating with unpleasant experiences. No wonder they become hesitant at mealtimes!

3. Oral-Motor Coordination Issues

Proper neural connections affecting the cranial and cervical areas impact chewing and swallowing abilities. When these aren't working efficiently, children often prefer soft, simple-to-eat foods.

The struggle with certain textures isn't stubbornness — it's a physical challenge requiring proper neurological support. When your child says they "can't" eat something, they might be telling the literal truth.

Why Traditional Approaches Often Fall Short

Now it becomes clear why hiding vegetables, using reward charts, or creating mealtime rules often don't create lasting change. These approaches focus on behavior modification without addressing the underlying neurological causes.

It's like trying to teach someone to swim while they're actively drowning — they can't learn new skills until they feel safe.

A Different Approach: Supporting Your Child's Nervous System

Understanding these neurological connections is the first step toward real, lasting change!

Remember Leo's story? His transformation didn't happen overnight, but addressing the root cause — nervous system dysfunction — made all the difference. His mom went from feeling helpless to empowered, and mealtimes transformed from battlegrounds to bonding time.

At Live Well Family Chiropractic we use advanced INSiGHT scanning technology to identify specific areas of nervous system subluxation that might be contributing to your child’s picky eating. Our gentle precise adjustments help restore nervous system function, allowing your child’s natural eating instincts to emerge.  Don’t wait to give us a call today and schedule a consultation for your child. If you are not local to us, please check out the PX Docs directory to find an office near you.

Don't let another meal end in tears and frustration. With the right support and understanding, your child can develop a healthier relationship with food, and your family can enjoy peaceful mealtimes together.