Osteopathy for Babies & Infants

Many difficulties associated with early infancy can be attributed to unresolved birth strains which can affect the whole body, in particular the skull, spine and limbs. Some of these strains can result from stresses placed on the baby whilst in the womb; the position and size of the baby being influential as well as the health of the mother’s pelvis and supporting muscles. In addition, the enormous forces required to expel the baby along the birth canal; together with any required intervention (induction, forceps, ventouse, C-section) may add to the mechanical stresses on the baby’s head and body.

The baby’s head "moulds" to accommodate to these forces. This moulding should normalise itself within 24 hours of birth but in many cases this does not happen and results in retained moulding. This is sometimes visible if the baby has an odd-shaped head; but in many cases these birth strains are not visible and only detected by the trained osteopath. We therefore encourage all parents to have their newborn checked by an osteopath as soon as possible as a matter of course.

The effects of these mechanical stresses on the baby may cause discomfort in the form of aches and pains, inability to relax or digestion problems; which can be expressed by the baby by excessive crying and being unsettled or irritable.

Babies are seen by osteopaths from as early as a day old to several months, as well as during infancy and early childhood.