Osteopathy
WHY HAVING YOUR BABY ASSESSED ?
It is a common belief that
babies and children should have no structural stresses or strains in their
bodies, because they are ‘so young’.
The reality is very different. The birth of a baby can be quite stressful. The baby is subjected to a lot of forces, as the uterus pushes to expel the baby, against the natural resistance of the birth canal.
The baby’s head has the remarkable ability to absorb these stresses, in a ‘normal delivery’. In order to reduce the size of the head, the soft bones overlap and bend as the baby descends. The baby’s chin is ‘normally’ well tucked down towards its chest to reduce the presenting diameter of the head.
Many babies are born with
cranial strains or asymmetries and only a small percentage of them are
visible.
In the first few days an
unmoulding process occurs as the baby sucks, cries and yawns. This process, however, is often incomplete,
especially if the birth has been difficult.
This can result in various symptoms soon after birth or later in life.
Osteopathic treatment for
infants and children is very gentle
and effective.
Specific gentle techniques are used on body and head to increase the mobility and flexibility enabling the healing ability of the body to effect the release of strains.
WHAT EFFECT DOES RETAINED MOULDING HAVE ON THE BABY?
- Crying, irritable baby
“Crying, irritable baby, needs to be rocked to sleep. Prefers being carried.”
The baby may be uncomfortable, with a constant feeling of pressure in the head. This is made worse by the extra pressure on the head when lying down.
- Feeding difficulties
“Baby takes a long time to feed and one feed merges in to the next. He/she may be a ‘windy’ feeder.”
Feeding is difficult and tiring due to mechanical stresses through the head, face and throat. The nerves to the tongue may be irritated as they exit from the skull, which makes sucking difficult.
- Gastric Reflux and Colic Pain
“Regurgitation of milk between feeds, bouts of prolonged crying due to colic and wind.”
The nerve to the stomach is irritated as it exits from the base of the skull, which impairs digestion. The diaphragm may be stressed or distorted, which further compromises both digestion and the ability of the stomach to retain its contents.
- Cranial Asymmetry (Plagiocephaly)
“Cranium with one side that is flatter and/or a ‘bump’ on the head.”
Due to a difficult birth
and/or an extensive time lying on one particular side in the womb can create an
asymmetric cranium.
This is a fairly ‘easy’ thing to treat, on an average 5 sessions are needed. The treatment is performed using gentle techniques. Babies are often falling asleep during the sessions.
- Sleep Disturbances
“Baby sleeps for only short periods, and may sleep little in the day (or night). Wakes up on the slightest noise.”
The tension on the bony and membranous casting of the skull keeps the baby’s nervous system in a persistently alert state.
- Mild Ear infections
“Recurrent ear infections, gradually becoming more frequent. Loss of hearing, leads to ‘glue ear’.”
Retained cranial compression
within and around the bones of the ear impedes fluid drainage from the ear,
causes partial or complete blocking of the Eustachian tube.
Chronic infections never fully clear, leaving a vulnerability and a decreased immune system.
Osteopathic treatment for
infants and children is very gentle,
and very effective.
Specific gentle techniques are used on body and head to increase the mobility and flexibility enabling the healing ability of the body to effect the release of stresses.
“Could there be any adverse reactions?”
Reactions to treatment are variable, often the baby or child is very relaxed afterwards and sleeps well. Occasionally some can be unsettled for a short time while others have a burst of energy usually followed by a good nights sleep.
“How many treatments will be needed?”
On average, 3 to 4 treatments are sufficient. This varies according to the severity of the problem.
“When to treat ?”
The younger the better, it
is never to soon to have your child assessed.
From 2 week old onwards is perfect.
INDICATIONS:
- Reflux
- Colic Pain
- Cranial Asymmetry
- Excessive crying
- Feeding Difficulties
- Sleep Disturbances
- Ear Infections
- and more
