Meet Dr. Clay, Perinatal + Pediatric Chiropractor at BirthCo. in North Austin

Please introduce yourself — who you are, your background, what service you provide?

Hello, my name Dr. Clay. I'm a small-town boy from New Mexico living out my big-city dreams in Austin. Chiropractic has been part of my story from the very beginning. My grandfather was a chiropractor, my mother was a massage therapist, and regular trips to the chiropractor as a kid showed me firsthand how powerful natural healthcare can be. I earned my bachelor's degree in Nutrition, cum laude, from Texas Tech University before completing my Doctor of Chiropractic and Master's in Neuroscience at Parker University. There, I developed a deep appreciation for the connection between the nervous system and overall health, along with a passion for treating people, not just symptoms. It didn't take long for me to discover where my heart truly belonged: caring for expecting moms, babies, and growing families. Helping women experience healthier, more comfortable pregnancies and supporting little ones from the very start is what lights me up every day. Outside the office, I enjoy brewing a cup of dark roast coffee, reading sci-fi novels, and exploring the great outdoors with friends and family. I'm honored to care for the North Austin community, and I can't wait to welcome you to BirthCo. and help you and your family thrive, one adjustment at a time.

How did you get started? What led you to this industry? Was it always the plan?

Because I have been under chiropractic care for my entire life, I have personally experienced the true power of natural healthcare. For me, the decision to pursue a career as a chiropractor was an easy one. While in chiropractic school, I became fascinated with the impact the adjustment has on the brain and nervous system as a whole. I began a dual-enrollment program, pursuing my master's degree in neuroscience alongside my doctor of chiropractic, to further understand how chiropractic care affects the human body and how chiropractors can support individuals with a wide range of symptoms. Originally, I believed my focus would be on neurological issues like nerve pain, headaches and migraines, and developmental delays. However, during my first year in practice, I had a patient seeking natural support for infertility who became pregnant under chiropractic care, and that sparked the passion I now have for holistic perinatal and pediatric care. While my ideal patient population shifted slightly after this experience, I still use the knowledge I gained from both degrees to support expectant mothers, babies, toddlers, and whole families in achieving health through natural means.

What do you love most about the work? What keeps you motivated and inspired day to day?

I love the vibrancy of the practice, the patients who deeply desire to support their bodies in a natural way, and the kiddos who say the darndest things! I also love that I get to spend time with each of my patients. There are no 5-minute appointments, no cold waiting rooms, and never a patient who genuinely doesn't want to be there. Working with women and families who are excited to be here just gets me going every day. And the incredible health transformations happening all the time don't hurt either!

What's something people don't see or know about your industry?

One thing many people don't see about chiropractic (though that's changing as more chiropractors speak up) is that yes, it's great at relieving neck and back pain, but the real benefit begins after the pain has been resolved. Chiropractic adjustments affect the spine, the brain, and the entire nervous system—often helping with symptoms that many other types of providers don't have effective, long-term solutions for. Chiropractic was never meant to make you feel better; it was meant to make you heal better.

What resources, tools, or support do you wish existed?

This may be controversial, but I wish there were more education surrounding the use of insurance and chiropractic care. Most insurance providers do not cover wellness or maintenance care—which is the phase of care where the most meaningful impact on health can be made. And this isn't that surprising. The people who set the reimbursement rates and coverage limits were never trained as chiropractors. Our current insurance model of chiropractic coverage ingrains in people that if the care isn't covered by insurance then it is not necessary or worth paying out of pocket for. This is completely the opposite of what I believe. Chiropractic care works best when it's incorporated into your lifestyle. Like brushing your teeth or exercising, it works through consistency. Being adjusted every once in a while simply won't move the needle when it comes to achieving optimal spinal and nervous system health.

What do you want potential clients to know about you or your work?

I approach care for each person as it should be—individually. My patients are not just a number or just an adjustment to me. They are the lifeblood of my practice and deserve the utmost care and attention when being treated. I care deeply for each person on my table, whether that's a pregnant mom, an infant, a dad, a non-traditional parent or family, or anyone in between! I welcome all people and all health concerns and will be your personal body detective to help you reach your health goals!

Your contact info and links are on your Maisaic profile, is there anything else you'd like to share with the readers?

At BirthCo. Chiropractic + Wellness in North Austin, we often host free workshops and collaborate on events supporting expectant mothers, children, and families. Follow me on Instagram to stay in the know! Thank you for taking the time to read my spotlight! If you have any questions about how I can support you through one of the many services we offer, feel free to reach out or by contact our office directly. I'm looking forward to meeting you. In the meantime, take care and be well. - Dr. Clay, DC