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.
Osteopaths treat newborns who are affected by:
- Favour one side for feeding
- Constipation
- Silent reflux
- Difficulty sleeping
- Oppose having their head touched
- Flat head syndrome
- Sleep problems
- Cries a lot
- Problems feeding
- Digestive problems
Advice:
At the end of your consultation, advice will be given to continue care at home so that increased outcomes may occur. These include: nutrition, positioning of baby whilst being held, feeding and general home strategies. Also your osteopath may refer you to other practitioners depending on how your baby is presenting, for example a lactation consultant.
If you feel that Osteopathy may help your child, call Optimum Wellbeing on 07 5530 7921 to find out more
For more information read here Come and see us at Optimum Wellbeing, Worongary, Gold Coast, Osteopathy, Naturopathy and Massage
Nigel Jackson is an experienced Osteopath treating from Optimum Wellbeing, Gold Coast 07 5530 7921 – Book Now for your appointment and begin your treatment.
