Using a finely developed sense of palpation we assess newborn babies for stresses and strains following the birth. Gentle cranial osteopathic techniques are then applied to help release the strains and resolve symptoms naturally.

In the practice we do a post-natal check up for mother and baby. (please book an hour for treatment). If there is a problem babies are typically seen between 4 and 6 times.

Passing through the birth canal is a stressful experience for the baby. Babies' heads are made up of 22 bones which overlap and mould during this process. Immediate signs that may be seen from moulding that does not release are sticky eyes, poor latching to the breast, irritability or babies that want to be held all the time.

Babies born by caesarian section have different problems some are in shock and can be very irritable. Caesarian section babies tend to be more mucusy than babies who were born by vaginal delivery because they had no compression through the chest. This can result in ongoing multiple infections of the ear nose throat and chest.

If the moulding is not released either spontaneously or by an osteopath problems can arise such as colic, sleeplessness, teething pain, flat heads or glue ear.

Feeding problems

If your baby is not latching onto the breast they should be assessed as soon as possible by an osteopath. This problem often arises as a result of compression at the back of the neck whilst the baby emerges from the birth canal which affects the nerves to the tongue and mouth. Typically if the baby is seen in the first couple of days and the osteopath is able to release the compression there are no further problems.

Postural problems and flat heads

All parents should observe their baby's neck movements to ensure they are comfortably able to look both ways and sleep with their head both ways. If not, bring the baby in for an osteopathic examination and treatment. (The sooner the better, babies are much easier to treat when they are weeks rather than months old). If the baby sleeps on only one side a flattening of the head (plagiocephaly) may result.

Colic, wind, reflux and constipation

Although this is mainly experienced as abdominal pain, other signs may be difficulty winding, regurgitation and constipation but mainly there is inconsolable crying for many hours. During delivery the nerve to the stomach and diaphragm which lies at the base of the skull can be compressed, resulting in distortion of the diaphragm compromising the digestive system. Osteopathic treatment can release the compression on the nerve and the diaphragm. Very young babies can be tense and unrelaxed and when they start crying are unable, due to their immature nervous and emotional states, to stop. Cranial osteopathy often helps to relax them.

Glue ear

Glue ear is caused by fluids collecting in the eustachian tube. As the fluid collects it is not only a potential site for infection but hearing can become affected.

Osteopathic treatment is an effective way to drain the fluids throughout the face, throat, chest and neck and therefore helps with the root of the problem - the fluids drain from the area and infection does not occur. The child/baby also has less colds coughs and sinus infections.

Treatment depends very much on the individual patient but most children need about 6-8 treatments and then monthly for 2-3 months and then once a year at the start of winter. The earlier we see the children the less treatment they require.

We treat older children with back pain, neck pain and pther musculoskeletal symptoms. It is a good idea to bring your child to the osteopath around the age of 8 for a postural assessment. We can often sort out any aches and pains as well as teach them about good posture and exercise.