Cranial osteopathy for mother and baby

What is cranial osteopathy?

Cranial Osteopathy is a gentle, safe and effective form of treatment focusing on the ‘release’ of stress and strains from all parts of the body. It is used to treat a variety of conditions notably those caused by the build up of tension within the body, especially in infants.

Cranial Osteopathy may also be used to treat adults, however is particularly successful in the treatment of babies and children. Very specific, skilled light pressure is applied to assist the natural ability of the body to release strains.

Some babies have a more difficult time, particularly if the labour is prolonged, the baby is positioned awkwardly in the birth canal or secondary intervention is used to assist the birthing process, such as Ventouse, Forceps, Episiotomy.

Cranial osteopathy is a specialised form of osteopathy that focuses on the subtle movements of the cranial bones and the underlying structures, such as the membranes and fluids within the skull. It's based on the principle that the body has a natural ability to heal itself, and by gently manipulating the skull and spine, an osteopath can help alleviate a variety of conditions.

What Cranial Osteopathy Treats

Cranial osteopathy is often used to treat a range of conditions, including:

Headaches and migraines

Jaw pain and dental problems

Neck and back pain

Stress and tension-related issues

Sinus problems

For babies, it is particularly recommended for issues such as:

Colic and digestive discomfort: Some parents turn to cranial osteopathy to help soothe colic and other digestive issues in infants.

Sleep disturbances: Gentle manipulation can help improve sleep patterns in babies who are struggling to sleep well. Crying and irritability: The treatment is thought to help calm babies who are unusually fussy or irritable.

Birth trauma: The process of birth can sometimes cause stress or strain on a baby's body, particularly if the delivery was difficult. Cranial osteopathy aims to release any tension or stress in the baby's head and body.

How Cranial Osteopathy Helps Babies and Parents

For babies, cranial osteopathy is seen as a gentle and non-invasive treatment that can support their overall health and well-being. The gentle manipulations are designed to relieve any stress or strain that may have resulted from the birthing process, helping the baby to relax and function more comfortably.

Helps with digestion and colic: By working on the cranial bones and the associated membranes, the treatment can help to improve the functioning of the digestive system, potentially reducing colic symptoms.

Improves sleep: Many parents report that their babies sleep better after cranial osteopathy sessions, likely because the treatment can alleviate discomfort or tension that might be interfering with restful sleep.

Reduces crying and fussiness: By relieving discomfort, cranial osteopathy may help to reduce excessive crying and irritability, making it easier for parents to soothe their baby.

Benefits of cranial osteopathy for Parents

Peace of mind: Knowing that their baby is receiving a gentle, non-invasive treatment that aims to alleviate discomfort can provide parents with reassurance and reduce their own stress levels.

Better sleep: If a baby is sleeping better and crying less, this often means that parents can also enjoy more rest, which is crucial in the early months of parenting.

Support during a challenging time: Cranial osteopaths often provide a supportive environment for parents, offering advice and a listening ear during what can be a challenging time.

Cranial osteopathy is used by many parents as they find it to be a valuable complement to conventional healthcare for their babies. However, it's always important to consult with a qualified practitioner and discuss any treatment options with your primary healthcare provider to ensure it's appropriate for your child's needs.