Understanding Osteopathy for Babies and Children
Welcoming a new baby into the world is an incredible experience, one that may come with unexpected challenges. Babies sometimes experience medical issues from birth due to long and difficult deliveries, specific positions in the mother’s pelvis, narrow growing spaces, or breech presentations. These factors can cause discomfort for the baby.
Osteopathic manual practitioners are skilled in identifying minor issues and predicting which ones might worsen or become chronic. This foresight is why osteopathic manual practitioners recommend a preventive visit for all newborns.
When Should You Bring Your Baby?
Bringing your baby for an osteopathic manual practitioner visit early is often best. Osteopathic manual practitioners can treat babies as early as two weeks of age to address issues and set them on the right path.
Beyond addressing specific birth incidents, osteopathic manual practitioners follow a child through their early development and into childhood. They work with children on stability patterns, neurological milestones, treating falls on the playground, sicknesses, and common conditions such as asthma, chronic coughing, or bedwetting.
Common Conditions that can be Treated
Osteopathic manual therapy can be particularly beneficial for babies with:
Birth trauma: Including long or difficult deliveries.
Cranial issues: Such as misshapen heads or skull asymmetry.
Feeding problems: Like difficulty breastfeeding due to tongue tie or latching issues.
Digestive issues: Such as colic or reflux.
Developmental delays: Including delays in rolling, crawling, or walking.
Regular osteopathic care can help your baby grow and develop healthily, addressing minor issues before they become significant problems.
What Happens During a Session with an Osteopath?
Your baby’s first appointment will be 45-60 minutes. During this time, we will:
Take a Comprehensive Case History: We hear your concerns, your pregnancy experience and birth history, the baby’s medical history, and family history.
Perform a Gentle Examination: We will examine your baby’s joints and muscles throughout the body, the cranial bones of the skull, their digestive system, and look inside your baby’s mouth for conditions like tongue tie (referring to a specialist if needed).
Provide Treatment: We will gently work on areas of concern to support your baby’s development and prevent future issues.
We may refer you to your GP, pediatrician, or lactation specialist for further screening or treatment
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A Different Approach to Developmental Milestones: How DNS (Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization) Works
DNS (Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization) is a unique rehabilitation strategy based on the principles of developmental kinesiology for mature locomotion (walking).
DNS is particularly effective for babies or children experiencing developmental delays. A child’s early movements, such as crawling, rolling, standing, and walking, are naturally developed by the Neuromuscular System. However, early problems in growth and development can lead to long-term postural issues or broader problems.
During a Pediatric Osteopathic Assessment, we evaluate a child’s physical and neurological abilities to perform these movements. Simple advice on positioning and exercises can often help, while specific hands-on osteopathic care enhances mobility.
Key Benefits of DNS
Enhanced Stability and Mobility: Using infant development, we focus on optimal postural stabilization, movement, and gait.
Stronger, Coordinated Movements: DNS strengthens the neurological links between the brain and the body, resulting in a strong core and limbs that maintain their strength and control dynamically.
What to Expect After a Session
An osteopathy session can feel like a marathon for a baby and here’s what you might observe:
Tiredness: Your baby will likely be very sleepy.
Small Behavioural Changes: Some babies might be agitated, have disrupted digestion for a few days, or be hungrier than usual.
Within 1 to 3 days, your baby’s behavior should return to normal, and the results of the treatment might be immediate or take a few days to become apparent. In some cases, a couple of sessions might be necessary to achieve the desired outcome.
In our next blog, we will discuss how the DNS approach can help you!
If you're interested in osteopathy for your baby or child, book an appointment with me.