A Contented Baby and a Relaxed Mother! 

A baby’s head is moulded along with the process of birth, whether a natural delivery or C-section, there are also inter-uterine compressions that can influence the baby prior to deliver. The baby’s skull has bony centres with cartilage which is a ‘soft bone’.

There are small amounts of movement that within the infant skull that allows the baby’s head to adapt to the forces of labour. Every birth is different, complicated, slow or fast, the baby can get stuck and there may be the need for forceps delivery, or ventouse which maybe needed for a safe delivery, but create a headache for the baby. The infant head may not mould sufficiently from the compressive birth forces exerted on it. This may result in subtle changes in function, head shape differences, leading to varying problems.

Osteopaths will often use special techniques (which can require further training), Cranial Osteopathy, when looking at babies and children.

This employs the Osteopath’s highly trained sense of touch to identify and correct mechanical disturbances and limitations, both in and around the joints of the skull, and throughout the body, looking at resolving fascial changes. Osteopathic techniques are suitable for children at all stages of development and can be used for many different types of problems.

Early difficulties can be associated with feeding, digestion, sleep and crying. A baby, who is unsettled or struggling to feed, may be uncomfortable from the effects of birth. Osteopaths believe that unresolved birth stresses may contribute to many different problems at this stage and may contribute to future difficulties as the child grows. Cranial Osteopathy treatment is perfect for these small perfect little ones, as it is extremely gentle and safe for the smallest baby.

Cranial Osteopathy is very useful for resolving the fascial changes of the changing pregnancy posture made in the preparation and for the actual birth, especially when treating first time mothers. The birth process can be physically stressful and sometimes traumatic. The total readjustment of the mum’s posture especially of the pelvis and spine from the labour and birth is essential for her to feel comfortable. She may have been put in stirrups which stress the ligaments of the pelvis, had an epidural, remained lying for a long period of time during the birth, or had surgery with a Casarean. These events may have an effect on the lower back, pelvis and sacrum after the birth.

The mothers’ health and wellbeing is important, she will care for the child and must be comfortable with her body in this role. Cranial Osteopathy for the mother can be supplemented by structural techniques, such as massage, joint articulation, exercise and muscle energy techniques, which are also appropriate for adult treatment.