Cranial Osteopathy for babies & children is a gentle and non-invasive therapy whereby the practitioner aids the body’s natural self-correcting mechanism to relieve trauma that may have occurred during pregnancy, birth process and childhood.
The movement of the baby through the birth canal in labour forces the head to move in several specific directions whilst undergoing the powerful pressure of the contractions. This naturally causes some overlapping of the bones of the skull and compression can occur. Some compressions may be relieved spontaneously after birth as the baby cries or suckles; however this un-moulding process is often incomplete, especially if the birth has been difficult. Babies who have experienced forceps delivery, a long or a very short labour or caesarean birth often require the attention of a qualified cranial osteopath.
Symptoms That Can Be Treated With Cranial Osteopathy
Many midwives and health visitors are now recommending new mothers to bring their babies for an osteopathic check-up shortly after the birth to prevent problems arising due to cranial compressions such as:
- Discomfort whilst lying on his/her back;
- Excess mucous production;
- Headaches;
- Plagiocephaly, Flat Head or Odd Shaped Head;
- Suckling/Feeding difficulties.
The secondary effects of unresolved cranial compressions are wide ranging and can lead to:
- Colic or Excessive Crying;
- Regurgitation;
- Sinus problems;
- Sleep disturbances;
- Suckling/Feeding difficulties;
- Unsettled restless babies.
Osteopathy for Children
In older children the following symptoms can be treated with cranial osteopathy:
- Chronic ear infections
- Chronic chest infections
- Headaches
- Bed wetting
- Behavioural Problems
- Posture problems;
- Aches and pains associated with growing
- Scoliosis
The longer a problem is left, the more complex the body’s adaptation process becomes and consequently, the more difficult it is to return the body to a state of wellbeing. Many conditions we develop in adulthood can be traced back to birth trauma and unresolved childhood injuries that has been left uncorrected.
How Does Cranial Osteopathy for Babies