During the last month of pregnancy and during delivery excessive force is induced on the unborn child. In general the flexibility of skull and body of the baby compensates for the impact of these forces. However there may be situations where the baby’s system cannot compensate (woo storm, too long or too fast delivery, pulling on the babies head, pushing on the mother tummy, false positioning of the head of the baby, arm up or umbilical cord around head or neck of baby). Problems can arise even after delivery after breech presentation or C section. An osteopath treats the body with soft mobilisations (no manipulation of the baby’s neck is allowed!) to relax stress and enhance good health.
Special skills in treating babies
A baby is very direct and uninhibited in its response. Treatment of a baby acquires special palpation skills of the osteopath and a different way of interpreting the babies actions (babies cannot speak like adults).
Treating babies demands a lot of creativity and training of the osteopath in order to get the right diagnosis and the proper treatment to solve the complaints.
Soft and pleasant approach
Through its softness, osteopathy has proven very effective in the treatment of babies. Osteopathic treatment is in most cases experienced to be pleasant, respectful and relaxing for thebaby.
Knowledge of pediatric medicine
In order to treat the baby correctly and to explain the parents about the babies complaints, the osteopath has obtained extensive knowledge in the field of pediatric medicine
as well as the different developmental stages the child goes through on its way to adulthood. An osteopath doesn’t replace a GP or pediatric specialist.
When can I consult an osteopath for my baby?
-Excessive crying
-Cramps
-Reflux
-Restlessness, sleeping problems
-KISS syndrome
-Preferred positioning and deformation of the head
-Motor skill development problems
-Constipation, diarrhea
-Eczema and allergies
-Ear- nose-throat complaints/ infections
