Why Treat Babies with Osteopathy…

Baby Osteopathy – When I mention to mothers that I treat newborns and infants, they are shocked. “Why would you do when they’re so young?” is the response that I am often given. Well, the answer is simple, wouldn’t you need a treatment after not being able to stretch out for months and then also go through labour, which may or may not have had complications? Even if you had the most straightforward birth, it is a huge event for the body to go through.

What happens during birth?

Being in the same position whilst developing and during the long hours of birth, strains and tensions can occur. As the baby travels down the birth canal and into the world he or she has to perform a series of intricate manoeuvres. These all have a bearing on the baby post partum. If a forceps or ventrose delivery ensues, being twisted, stuck or compressed for long periods of time can be a present or future issue for a newborn. After a caesarian section there are also other issues as the manoeuvres the baby performs during natural birth are important in beginning a series of functions that the baby needs to thrive such as clearing out amniotic fluid from the head which assists breathing and triggers for feeding. There are various techniques the osteopath can do which will assist the baby.

What happens during treatment?

An initial consultation with bub and mum takes about 40 minutes. During this time, a detailed patient history will be completed about the pregnancy, birth, bubs and family’s current medical history and of course any current concerns about your child.

Your osteopath will then complete a hands-on assessment and treatment of your child. The treatment involves gentle movements and we encourage parents to be close by whilst this occurs. Your osteopath will explain any treatment during the consult and also let you know if any future treatments are required.