Why Sitting Is As Dangerous As Smoking: The Importance of Movement for Your Health | Dr Amy Norman Podcast Interview
Dr Amy Norman joins Louise Ridlen on the Peppermint iT Sip 'n Solve Podcast to discuss the impact of prolonged sitting on our health and why everyday movement is essential for supporting our bodies.
Hours spent sitting at a desk. Constant screen time. Deadlines, emails and notifications. The pressure of running a business or balancing work with family life. And often, we don't notice the impact until our neck starts aching, our back hurts, we're clenching our jaw or we're simply exhausted.
In this episode of the Peppermint iT Sip n Solve Podcast, we talk about how modern work, movement, stress and everyday life can influence our physical wellbeing- and the simple changes we can make before small problems become bigger ones.
We also talk about pregnancy, parenting, building a business and why looking after yourself needs to be part of the equation, not something that gets pushed to the bottom of the list.
🎧 Listen to the Podcast
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This article expands on my conversation on Peppermint iT Sip 'n Solve Podcast, exploring why prolonged sitting has become such a common health concern and how incorporating more movement into everyday life can support your body’s function and overall wellbeing.
Listen to the full conversation on the Peppermint iT Sip n Solve Podcast, where we discuss workplace health, ergonomics, stress, movement, pregnancy, parenting and the realities of looking after yourself while building a career or business.
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🎙 Podcast: Peppermint iT Sip 'n Solve
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👥 Host: Louise Ridlen
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🎤 Guest: Dr Amy Norman
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📅 Episode Release Date: 31/01/2026
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⏱ Episode Duration: 44 min
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🎧 Listen on Spotify
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🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts
Why Modern Work Is Affecting More Than Your Posture
Modern work has changed dramatically.
Many of us spend the majority of our working day sitting, looking at screens, typing, answering emails and concentrating intensely on tasks. At the same time, we're often juggling family responsibilities, deadlines, financial pressures and the constant mental load that comes with modern life.
The result isn't simply a sore neck.
Prolonged sedentary behaviour, insufficient movement and ongoing stress can all influence how we feel physically and mentally.The good news is that improving your health doesn't necessarily require a complete lifestyle overhaul.
Often, it's the small things we do repeatedly throughout the day that matter most.
Why I Love What I Do
Our bodies are designed for movement.
Movement supports our muscles, joints, circulation, nervous system and overall physical function. However, many aspects of modern life encourage us to spend increasing amounts of time sitting, whether that is working at a desk, driving, scrolling on devices or relaxing at home.
While exercise is important, health is also influenced by what we do during the other hours of our day. Regular movement breaks, changing positions, walking more frequently and finding opportunities to move naturally can all contribute to supporting a healthier lifestyle.
Understanding Baby Movement and Development
Babies learn about the world through movement.
From their earliest days, they are developing:
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Head control
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Strength
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Coordination
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Balance
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Body awareness
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Confidence in movement
Important early movement experiences include:
Tummy Time
Tummy time helps babies develop strength through their neck, shoulders and trunk.
It supports the foundations needed for later skills such as:
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Rolling
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Crawling
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Sitting
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Climbing
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Walking
Parents often tell me they feel unsure about tummy time, especially if their baby initially dislikes it. Remember the goal is to provide regular opportunities for your baby to build strength and explore movement. We also have a tummy time course for those that want to increase their skills and confidence with this!
Supporting Your Body During Pregnancy
Pregnancy creates enormous changes throughout a woman's body.
As your baby grows:
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Your centre of gravity changes
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Your posture adapts
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Your pelvis experiences different loads
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Your muscles work differently
Many women experience:
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Lower back pain
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Pelvic discomfort
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Hip pain
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Rib discomfort
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General stiffness
Pregnancy chiropractic care focuses on supporting comfort, mobility and function throughout these changes.
Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy
Pregnancy chiropractic care is adapted specifically for the changing needs of expectant mothers.
A pregnancy chiropractor considers:
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Stage of pregnancy
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Comfort levels
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Previous health history
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Current concerns
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Movement patterns
Many women choose care throughout pregnancy as part of their overall approach to staying comfortable and active.
Postpartum Chiropractic Care: Supporting Mothers After Birth
The physical demands of motherhood begin immediately after birth.
Whether you have a vaginal birth or caesarean birth, your body continues adapting as you:
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Recover physically
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Breastfeed or bottle feed
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Carry your baby
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Lift and settle your baby
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Spend more time in new positions
Many mothers experience:
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Neck and shoulder tension
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Upper back discomfort
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Lower back pain
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Pelvic discomfort
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General stiffness
Postpartum care focuses on supporting mothers through this transition and the physical demands of caring for a newborn.
Caring for the Whole Family
One of the most rewarding parts of family chiropractic care is supporting both parent and baby.
A mother's wellbeing matters.
When parents feel supported physically and emotionally, it can have a positive impact on their confidence during those early months.
Family care recognises that pregnancy, birth and early parenthood are connected experiences.
What Happens at a Baby Chiropractic Appointment?
Many parents wonder what to expect.
An appointment may include:
Conversation and History
Understanding:
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Pregnancy and birth history
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Baby's development
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Parent concerns
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Feeding and movement patterns
Assessment
Observing:
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Baby's movement
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Posture
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Comfort
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Developmental stage
Care Plan
If care is appropriate, recommendations are tailored specifically for that baby.
Parents are always encouraged to ask questions and be involved in the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chiropractic care safe for babies?
Yes, care for babies is specifically adapted for their size, age and stage of development. Parents should always choose a chiropractor experienced in caring for infants and children.
How old does my baby need to be before seeing a chiropractor?
There is no single age requirement. Some families seek support during the newborn stage, while others come later as their child grows. We have had babies as young as 2 days old as well as premature babies.
Do babies get the same type of chiropractic care as adults?
No. Infant care is very different from adult care and uses age-appropriate approaches. We often say that you would not give a child an adult dosage of panadol for example, we therefore give an age appropriate level of treatment to children. It is soft, it is gentle and often looks like a light massage!
Can I see a chiropractor while pregnant?
Many women choose pregnancy chiropractic care throughout different stages of pregnancy. Care is adapted based on individual needs. Dynamic Chiropractic NSW is well regarded as a place to go when pregnant and wanting CHiropractic care.
Should mums see a chiropractor after birth?
Many mothers find postpartum chiropractic care helpful as they adapt to the physical demands of caring for a newborn.
Key Takeaways
✔ Chiropractic care can support both mothers and babies through different stages of the birth journey.
✔ Paediatric chiropractic care is adapted specifically for babies and children.
✔ Movement and development begin from birth and are important foundations for childhood.
✔ Pregnancy and postpartum care focus on supporting the changing needs of mothers.
✔ Every family is unique, and care should always be individualised.
About Dr Amy Norman
Dr Amy Norman is a Pregnancy and Paediatric Chiropractor based in Hurstville, Sydney.
With a special interest in supporting women, babies and families, Dr Amy provides education and care throughout pregnancy, postpartum recovery and childhood development.
She is passionate about helping parents feel informed, confident and supported as they navigate the early years of their child's life.
Ready to Support Your Child's Development?
Whether you're preparing for birth, recovering after having your baby or have questions about your child's movement and development, Dynamic Chiropractic is here to support your family. Explore our Pregnancy Chiropractic and Paediatric Chiropractic services or book an appointment with Dr Amy Norman.
Explore our Paediatric Chiropractic services, or browse our parenting resources to learn more about supporting your child's development through every stage of early childhood.