Cranial osteopathy is a subtle and precise art of listening to the body’s rhythm and treating it by removing strain patterns, which maintains an injury. Cranial treatment is convenient for newborns because of the gentle and subtle way it is carried out.
Most osteopaths are trained to interpret and feel the small motions of bones in the skull and other limbs. Although osteopathy is broken down into separate treatment methods, osteopaths may incorporate different techniques to suit your needs.
How Cranial Osteopathy Works
Cranial osteopathy is a holistic and gentle approach that concentrates on the main root of the problem. Its aim is to eliminate any tension, which might have happened during delivery or pregnancy and restore body alignment and proper balance to optimize wellbeing.
With appropriate and gentle methods, osteopaths at Acer Osteopathic Clinic can rebalance the baby’s tension by dealing with the whole body, including upper limbs, skull, pelvis, lower limbs, and spine. Osteopaths may also release the tension around the soft palate, jaw, and throat so as to allow the baby to bottle feed or breastfeed easily.
When Infants Should Be Seen
The process of birthing may lead to structural changes, which a pediatrician may or might not observe. While there are guidelines as to how soon babies must see osteopaths, it is important to consider an early postnatal assessment immediately after birth to determine the baby’s health.
Scheduling an appointment with a reliable osteopath around feeding time is important. This can be an opportune time for treatment because the baby’s sucking action can allow an osteopath to work with the newborn’s skull.
Problems Calling for Cranial Osteopathy
Most osteopaths work hand-in-hand with pediatricians, midwives, dentists, and lactation consultants so as to determine the cause of breastfeeding problems. Osteopaths are mostly interested in jaw mechanisms. That is, how far newborns may open their mouths in order to achieve enough latch and general comfort on the breast.
Babies might use their facial muscles a lot, leading to inefficient milk transfer, maternal pain, and a low supply of milk. Usually, when babies prefer laying with their heads on one side only, they find one breast harder to feed compared to the other.
Reasons Babies Require Cranial Osteopathy
When babies are born, they usually experience trauma, making them absorb the tension of labor. This makes most babies develop some bruising and odd-shaped heads.
While this usually sorts itself within a few days, with the baby’s yawning, sucking, and crying, at times, the process remains incomplete. Your baby may start experiencing discomfort, which can result in long-term effects when it’s not diagnosed.
Head flattening has three major causes. This includes head-favoring after birth because of tight neck muscles, womb position, and birth strains.
Although originally, head flattening was thought to be a cosmetic problem only, research shows that this issue can be due to delays in cognitive and motor functions. Usually, experts’ help can speed up the whole process.
Final Remarks!
Every baby responds differently. In every breastfeeding session, your baby might either be peaceful and calm or restless as different stressors are produced.
Many babies also have a long sleep after every session, so don’t be surprised. However, others experience what is called a treatment reaction.
If this happens, rest assured it will be short-lived. Your practitioner may discuss with you what you should expect from your baby.
