Osteopathy can be of benefit to babies in various issues from colic to sleeping, fussiness to feeding. But what exactly is it? And how does it help?
When you hold your newborn baby in your arms, whatever other feelings you may experience, one overwhelming urge is the need to protect and keep them safe. As a parent you may be susceptible to suggestions of what is best for your child as you would do anything that you deemed of benefit to them.
Many people these days have heard that cranial osteopathy can be of benefit to babies addressing various issues from colic to sleeping, fussiness to feeding. But what exactly is it? And how does it help? Having an understanding of what newborn babies go through can help towards parents making the decision as to whether or not it is an approach they want to try.
What is Cranial Osteopathy?
Basically, cranial osteopathy encourages the release of tension and stresses in the body and the head that might have been caused by the birth. Babies are subjected to enormous forces when they are born, twisting and turning as they squeeze their way out to the world. During delivery the soft bones of the skull actually overlap and bend. Over the first few days of life that overlapping should, in theory, realign itself. Sucking, crying and yawning assist the bones of the skull to move.
This movement, however, can sometimes remain incomplete thus causing pressure within the baby’s head. When that pressure affects the base of the skull, the nerves that supply the tongue and guts can get irritated. This may then cause the symptoms of colic, feeding issues and general fussiness and discomfort.
Gentle head holds and movements are then used to manipulate the baby’s body and to encourage the realignment of the bones of the skull. The process helps relieve the tension and stress in the baby’s head that may have been caused during labour then leaving a relaxed, aligned and contented baby!
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City Osteopathy Integrated Health is a multidisciplinary health clinic with a focus in helping the body heal naturally.
We are a team of health professionals from France, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom.
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