Is It Reflux, Gas, or Colic? Sometimes It’s All Connected

February 21, 2026•2 min read

Is It Reflux, Gas, or Colic?

Sometimes It’s All Connected

If you’re wondering whether your baby’s symptoms are reflux, gas, or colic you’re not alone. Many parents come into our office feeling confused, overwhelmed, and exhausted after trying everything to soothe their baby.

The truth? These symptoms are often connected, and the nervous system plays a bigger role than most people realize.

Why These Symptoms Often Overlap

Reflux, gas, and colic may look different, but they frequently show up together. That’s because digestion, sleep, soothing, and feeding are all regulated by your baby’s nervous system.

When the nervous system is under stress, babies may struggle to:

Digest comfortably
Settle or self-soothe
Sleep soundly
Feed with ease

This stress can come from many places, including birth itself.

How Birth Stress Can Show Up Later

Even when birth doesn’t feel “traumatic,” it can still place extra pressure on a baby’s head, neck, and nervous system. Long or fast labors, inductions, C-sections, forceps or vacuum, and cord wrapping can all contribute to tension in the body.

That tension may show up as:

Frequent spit-up or reflux
Excessive gas or discomfort
Colic or constant crying
Difficulty sleeping or settling

Supporting the Nervous System Gently

When we look beyond just the symptoms and support the nervous system, many families notice big changes. Gentle, pediatric-trained chiropractic care focuses on helping release tension and supporting better communication between the brain and body.

Our goal is simple: help your baby feel more comfortable, calm, and regulated—so feeding, sleeping, and growing can feel easier.

You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone

If your baby is struggling and something feels off, trust that instinct. Support exists, and it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

📞 Call our office or schedule a free 15-minute phone consult to see if nervous system support could be helpful for your baby.

We’re here to help every step of the way.

Book a phone consult: vivefamilychiro.com

Dr. Leah Renwanz, D.C.

Hi, I’m Dr. Leah, pediatric, prenatal and family chiropractor, sensory kid turned nervous system expert, and mama to three busy boys I adore. I grew up right here in Jefferson, Iowa… and now I get to raise my own family in the same small town I’ve always loved. I was a colicky baby myself, the kind who couldn’t be soothed easily and that turned into a sensory-seeking, strong-willed kiddo who really needed her socks just right. So when you walk through my doors feeling overwhelmed because your child will only wears one shirt or always has “talks a lot” written on their report card… I get it. I’ve been that child. And now I get to be the doctor who helps those kids thrive. After graduating from Iowa State, I earned my Doctorate of Chiropractic from Palmer West in San Jose, California, but Iowa was always home, so back home I came ready to serve the families in the Greene County area. I’m married to my farmer husband Cody, which means I’ve solo-parented through my fair share of planting and harvest seasons. I’m in the thick of balancing sports schedules, school drop-offs, tech limits, picky eating, and trying to get a decent night's sleep just like the rest of you. At Vive, I bring all of that, my education, my experience, and my motherhood, into every conversation. You won’t just be heard here, you’ll be understood. I can’t wait to meet you, hear your story, and walk this journey with your family.

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