Compression of the head, back and diaphragm and chest while a baby is in the womb may eventually lead to children experiencing neck ache, growing pains, and possibly even local circulatory problems or digestive disorders.
Also during birth, the head is compressed and a long or difficult birth with intervention takes even more of a toll on the baby’s head, neck and spine.
From experience, we know that osteopathy is extremely effective for treating:
- Teething
- Plagiochephaly
- Neck strain or Torticolis
- Wind
- Colic
- Glue ear
- Feeding Difficulties
- Reflux and vomiting
- Unsettled and fractious
- Constant crying
- Poor sleep patterns
If you have a question about your baby’s health, call us and we will be happy to help if we can.
Treating Your Baby at The Winton Practice
After taking a case history, asking out about the birth and performing a gentle structural examination, we treat your baby by applying specific gentle release techniques on the head, body, pelvis or limbs.
This encourages your baby’s body to release strain patterns and return to a more balanced, more normal state. Gently releasing any tensions in a baby’s body can relieve discomfort that is often linked to fretfulness.
The cranial rhythmic impulse is a tiny movement, and palpable with very light touch.
We use specially trained placatory skills to assess what forces have been imposed on the cranium and body from birth, childhood, illnesses, allergies or trauma.
How soon after birth can I bring my baby for treatment?
As soon as possible - it is never too early to treat your baby.
We can often resolve birth trauma in your baby, which can prevent strain patterns becoming established. These may be causing common ailments such as colic and fretfulness which we know are exhausting and worrying for all new Moms.
Parents consult paediatric osteopaths for various reasons. Some parents bring their newborns ‘just for a check up’, others because they have been recommended by their health visitor, GP, or friends or because their newborn has had a difficult or long birth.
What should my baby wear for treatment?
We like to see a baby or child’s entire body. So expect your baby to be undressed down to their nappy, but we may also do a quick check of their hip mobility with their nappy off. So something like a baby-gro which is easy to take on and off is a good idea.
How will the treatment affect my baby?
Babies react differently to treatment. We often find that babies are very relaxed and sleep well. But some babies may be unsettled for a short while, usually just for 24 hours.
If your baby has an infection, you may find that the treatment brings it out. A mild fever may be worse but break more quickly than normal, and teething symptoms may also be worse. However, these usually only last for 24 hours.
For young infants, we suggest you bring along a drink or bottle in case they are thirsty or a bit unsettled. For nursing mothers, we have a room if your child needs to feed.