Congratulations on the arrival of your little one or ones! Turning out as you’d hoped? If any of the following seems to resonate with you, why not try craniosacral therapy, the gentle way to relieve multiple restrictions in the nervous system, helping your baby become happier, healthier and more content.
1. Baby is unable to sleep or is restless when sleeping
Mums and dads often report that their baby seems tense even when they’re asleep, almost like they can’t relax, or seem uncomfortable relaxing. Sometimes this can be due to shock after the birth, particularly if the birth was traumatic or if baby was separated from mum. Mums often need treatment too, to help them and their bodies adjust . This is usually improved within the first session.
2. Baby can take one breast but seems uncomfortable on the other side, often needing a ‘rugby hold’
Babies often have a stiff or sore neck after birth, making it more difficult to turn one way. Mums and dads often notice their baby is happier turning one way, and babies are so relieved when their restriction is resolved!
3. Baby seems tense and restless, and it is difficult to cuddle him/her
This is often what brings parents to ring me, as they feel like they aren’t enjoying the simple pleasure of a cuddle together. Maybe baby is still suffering from the shock of birth, or has some pain or discomfort that makes holding them unpleasant.
4. It seems your baby is suffering from ‘tongue tie’
Babies sometimes have difficulty feeding and are often diagnosed with tongue tie. Tongue tie is essentially a tight bit of fascia attaching from the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth which can vary in severity. It usually generates a referral for the tongue tie to be cut, but I have often seen babies where this has resolved without this, just using craniosacral therapy. Often during birth, if shoulders are pulled or twisted then that pull can transfer to the throat and it all gets pulled together, one theory behind tongue tie.
5. Baby has difficulty latching onto the breast
There is much more support for mums and babies now, but sometimes, despite the best efforts of getting mum and baby comfortable, things just don’t seems to be working. Craniosacral, if required, can look at the palate ( the roof of baby’s mouth), and I often see that the suck or latch is very shallow, therefore making the gag reflex shallow. If this is the case, it can make baby vomit or gag when the nipple is introduced, and can often make baby frightened of feeding. This in turn will make the latch poor, making mum’s nipples sore, and allowing baby to take less volume and more air, and a vicious circle ensues. Feeding your baby should be a pleasure, not something mums, dads and babies dread!
6. Baby makes a lot of “slurpy” or clicky noises during feeding
This often indicates that there is not a good seal or suction on the breast or bottle whilst feeding. This in turn will mean baby will take in air which can cause more discomfort. Craniosacral therapy may help alleviate restrictions and tightness through the system, particularly neck, spine, jaw and shoulders.
7. Baby has problems with wind
Winding a baby is a natural part of caring for your baby after each feed. Does your baby have difficulty bringing up wind? Does he or she seem in pain whilst winding? This can indicate some restriction at the vagus nerve, which is the nerve which supplies the gut, and originates at the back of the head. Treatment often quickly resolves this.
8. Breastfeeding is painful for the mum
If a mum wants to breastfeed but finds it painful, it may be related to how baby is latching on – not just in terms of the seal, but the depth. Often with gentle work with baby around the palate, this can quickly improve their breastfeeding action and make the suck/latch more efficient, instantly reducing discomfort for mum.
9. Baby vomits or brings up some feed.
Reflux, silent reflux, allergies, I see many babies with these difficulties. It is possible to correct any restrictions to allow the digestive system and nervous system to be more efficient.
10. Baby is in pain after feeding, cries or curls up in pain
Any of the restrictions already discussed can influence this, and craniosacral therapy will assess your baby and see what restrictions your baby has, and relieve them, allowing your baby to reorganise his or her system to a less uncomfortable place.
Birth is hard enough! Some births are beautiful, serene experiences for mum and baby. But some are violent, hard, painful, long, upsetting, emotional, tiring or influenced by drugs, forceps, ventouse, or surgery. Craniosacral therapy is gentle, it is not forceful or invasive.It can quickly and easily correct subtle restrictions within your baby’s system to allow happier feeding, sleeping and cuddles.
I have been incorporating craniosacral therapy into my practice for the last 16 years, and treat many babies and children, with many types of conditions. Babies and children continually amaze me, and it is a privilege to treat them.
If you’d like to know more or you’d like to book an appointment with me, email me on info@tayloredfitphysio.co.uk
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and do please share with any mums or dads with little ones!
Vicky Smith