ladybrd......let me make it clear from the outset that my knowledge of neonatal or baby cervical neck injuries is minimal......to pathetic, but it all depends upon what manoeuvres are performed. I can only tell by the pictures given that it is a smooth swinging movement of the baby rather than a quick, gilted, angular movement of the neck....a smooth acceleration and deceleration. I would have thought that the neck muscle sternomastoid, not developed in babies would make the neck joint and head more mobile and flexible.
Just guesses on my part ladybird.
At med school, all medical students had to examine the neonate infront of the mother and that involved hanging the baby upside down by it's legs and making the baby hang just grasping one finger of the examiner.
The mothers were overtly concerned as to the safety of the baby.
As the procedure is common in Russia and not illegal as far as is known, I cannot see any problem.
I understand and respect your concern, of which I don't share.