How does Osteopathy help babies?

It all begins in Utero...

Osteopathy is a form of bodywork and alternative medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal issues through both direct (mobilisation, fascial unwind) and indirect (balanced ligamentous tension, craniosacral therapy) forms of treatment. While most people know it for it’s effective management in adult related aches, pains and injuries, Osteopathy is profoundly beneficial in creating physical harmony and fluidity in babies and children through their most pivotal and abundant growth phase in life.

Before we dive into how Osteopathy can help babies, let’s first clarify why someone would have their baby or child checked by an Osteopath.

Most of the time we are (rightfully) enthralled with excitement and anticipation upon meeting our little one we forget the powerful process of birth and how this can affect our them physically and developmentally.

Some of the most common reasons for having a baby seen by an Osteopath is to ensure their body has dealt well with both the pregnancy positionally (it’s a small space to be squashed in for a long period) and birth; check for tension or strain patterns throughout their body to support successful feeding, digestion and rest; digestive challenges (excess wind, constipation); feeding difficulties (latch concerns, fussiness, extended painful feeding, favouring one breast); physical restrictions (“banana” baby, favouring head rotation to one side) and more.

These are some examples of what a baby can hold physically and result in compensations down the track causing challenges for families.

Osteopathy is a beautiful bridge from challenges into freedom and connection within their body’s and connection to the family unit.

It’s also a source of huge relief for parents when it all just feels so hard - which it does for EVERY PARENT at one stage or another!

Here's how osteopathy can help babies:

1. Assisting with Birth Trauma: The birthing process can be traumatic for both the baby and the mother, leading to various musculoskeletal issues in newborns. Osteopathic techniques can help address any strains or misalignments that may have occurred during birth, such as cranial molding or tension in the neck and shoulders.

2. Improving babies feeding experience: oral tension can present due to strains, misalignments, tongue and lip ties and generalized tension in the body, specifically the neck, cranium and jaw. Releasing these can drastically improve mother and baby’s feeding experience, making it more ease-filled and comfortable.

2. Supporting Digestion: Some babies may experience digestive issues such as colic, reflux, or constipation. Osteopathic treatment can help relieve tension in the abdomen and promote better digestion by addressing any restrictions or imbalances in the musculoskeletal system that may be contributing to these issues. As a practitioner, taking a holistic approach can also offer support to parents and baby around WHY digestive issues may be presenting i.e oral tension, neck restrictions, weak tongue.

3. Facilitating Developmental Milestones: Osteopathic treatment can support a baby's development by ensuring that their musculoskeletal system is functioning optimally and strain patterns are eased to allow a pathway for adequate development. This can help babies reach developmental milestones such as rolling over, crawling, and walking more easily.

4. Relieving Discomfort: Babies may experience discomfort due to various factors such as teething, growth spurts, or minor injuries. Osteopathic techniques can help alleviate this discomfort by reducing tension and improving circulation in affected areas.

5. Enhancing Immune Function: Osteopathic treatment aims to restore balance and harmony within the body, which can help strengthen the immune system. By addressing any restrictions or dysfunctions in the musculoskeletal system, osteopathy may indirectly support the body's ability to fight off illness and infection.

6. Promoting Relaxation and Sleep: Osteopathic treatment is gentle and non-invasive, which can help promote relaxation in babies. Many parents report that their babies sleep better and are more content after osteopathic sessions, possibly due to the release of tension and improved comfort.

It's essential to note that osteopathic treatment for babies should be performed by qualified professionals who have experience working with infants.

A well trained Osteopath will support you and your baby in finding resolution in whatever your baby is presenting with - including referring you to further investigate if needed. At Indita Osteopathy and Wellness we firmly believe in ‘the village’ and will point you in the right direction (Lactation Consultant, Dentist, Pediatrician) when needed to further support your family.

You can also refer to our list of local practitioners for well considered, professional and experienced pediatric support.

Should you or someone you know need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out via the button above or email inditaosteopathyandwellness@gmail.com