Hidden Birth Trauma May Cause Your Child’s Picky Eating

Why Mealtime Battles May Be About More Than Just Food

Are you worn out from the daily struggle of feeding your picky eater? You’ve hidden vegetables in smoothies, created elaborate reward charts, and bargained for “just one more bite” more times than you can count.

If you’re feeling frustrated, worried, or even questioning if you’re doing something wrong—you’re not alone. Countless parents share your struggle. But here’s the surprising truth: your child’s picky eating may not be about the food at all.

Beyond Behavior: What’s Really Going On with Picky Eating

Research shows that up to 22% of children are classified as picky eaters, and 40% of them remain picky for at least two years. While most pediatricians recommend patience, behavioral strategies, or feeding therapy, these approaches often overlook one crucial factor: the health of your child’s nervous system.

At His Work My Hands Chiropractic, we see this all the time—picky eating is often a symptom of a deeper neurological imbalance, not a simple behavioral choice.

Leo’s Story: From Frustrated Toddler to Thriving Eater

Leo’s parents came to us feeling defeated. Mealtimes were a daily battle, and some days Leo would barely eat at all. Their pediatrician reassured them he would “grow out of it,” but months passed with no change. They tried speech therapy and feeding therapy—still, little progress.

When we assessed Leo’s nervous system, we found he was in a constant state of sympathetic dominance—his body was stuck in fight-or-flight mode. Once we began gentle, neurologically-focused chiropractic adjustments to restore balance, everything changed.

Leo’s sensory processing improved, his meltdowns decreased, and his variety of foods expanded dramatically. His mom said, “Mealtime used to be the most stressful part of our day. Now it’s when we laugh, talk, and actually enjoy each other’s company.”

The Nervous System Connection to Picky Eating

When your child’s nervous system is overwhelmed—often from hidden birth trauma, early stress, or injury—it can get stuck in a state of stress. This “sympathetic dominance” changes the way their brain and body process sensory input, making eating certain foods feel unpleasant or even threatening.

How This Affects Eating Habits

• Sensory Overload – Textures, smells, and tastes that seem normal to you can feel overwhelming or uncomfortable to your child.

• Carb and Sugar Cravings – A stressed nervous system craves quick energy sources, leading to a preference for processed carbs and sweets.

• Emotional Resistance – When eating feels stressful, the brain associates mealtime with anxiety, not enjoyment.

The Three Main Neurological Causes of Picky Eating

1. Sensory Processing Challenges

Misalignments or stress in the upper neck and brainstem can disrupt the nervous system’s ability to filter and process sensory information. This heightened sensitivity can make everyday foods feel unbearable—think soggy cereal, lumpy yogurt, or chewy vegetables.

2. Vagus Nerve Dysfunction

The vagus nerve is a key part of the gut-brain connection, regulating digestion, appetite, and relaxation during meals. When it’s not functioning well—often due to birth trauma or nervous system stress—digestion becomes uncomfortable, and children may avoid eating to escape that discomfort.

3. Oral-Motor Coordination Issues

The nerves controlling chewing and swallowing can be affected by misalignments in the cranial and cervical regions. When these functions are inefficient, children may prefer only soft, simple foods—not out of stubbornness, but because other foods feel physically hard to manage.

Why Traditional Approaches Often Fall Short

Most mainstream picky eating strategies—like hiding vegetables, using sticker charts, or offering rewards—focus only on behavior. But if your child’s nervous system is stressed, they physically can’t respond the way you want.

It’s like asking a child to learn to swim while they’re struggling to keep their head above water—they need to feel safe and regulated first.

A Different Approach: Supporting the Nervous System

Lasting change happens when we address the root cause. At His Work My Hands Chiropractic, we start by identifying where your child’s nervous system is stressed using advanced INSiGHT scanning technology.

These scans measure how well your child’s body adapts to stress and pinpoint areas of subluxation—misalignments that disrupt nerve communication.

With gentle, specific chiropractic adjustments, we restore balance to the nervous system, improve vagus nerve function, and help your child’s body handle sensory experiences—including food—more comfortably.

What This Means for Your Family

When your child’s nervous system is functioning properly:

• Mealtime stress decreases—for them and for you

• They become more open to new textures and flavors

• Digestion improves, making eating more comfortable

• Emotional meltdowns around food become rare

• The entire family enjoys more peaceful, connected meals

Don’t Let Picky Eating Control Your Family’s Life

If mealtime is your most stressful time of day, there is hope. With the right neurological support, your child can build a healthier relationship with food—and you can rediscover joy at the table.

📍 If you’re local – Call His Work My Hands Chiropractic to schedule a consultation and INSiGHT scan for your child.

🌎 If you’re not nearby – Visit the PX Docs directory to find a pediatric chiropractor in your area.

Your child’s picky eating isn’t your fault—and it isn’t forever. By caring for their nervous system, you’re helping them feel safe, confident, and ready to try new foods. And that’s something worth sitting down for.