Osteopathy for Babies and Children
Some of the most common questions I get asked about being an Osteopath for babies and children…
How old does a baby have to be before getting treatment?
I have treated babies as young as just a few days old, though that’s only in exceptional circumstances where baby has barely slept at all in their first few days of coming home, or has cried constantly. Generally I tell parents to wait until their newborn is at least 2 weeks old before coming in for an appointment. This allows the “newborn bubble” to fully develop, which is important bonding time, as well as important skin flora formation time.
What does a baby see an Osteopath for?
Parents have brought their babies in to see me for a whole range of reasons, often “just wanting a check up” where I assess important markers like hip alignment, head shape, breathing mechanics, primitive reflexes, and movement symmetry, and reassure parents that they’re using great techniques for feeding, burping, winding and calming.
Other times, baby has had a traumatic birth, involving suction cup, forceps, sudden C-section, or a very fast or very slow labour. Often, this has also resulted in trauma to mum, and as such she is trying to recover from tearing, blood loss or surgical wounds while also embarking on the very physical job of motherhood. In such cases, I will often treat both Mum and baby to see the greatest effect from treatment, and to help dissipate the shock associated with such births.
Babies always cry for a reason, and most of the time it’s because they’re hungry, tired, hot, cold, need a nappy change, or just want a cuddle. Sometimes, it’s due to physical discomfort from muscle tightness, a headache from the use of forceps, or a sore neck from being a bit twisted as they were assisted out of the birth canal. Incomplete digestion can cause a build up of gas, leading to a tight abdomen that can be gently massaged or osteopathically unwound - which is also a soothing technique.
Will you “click” the baby?
I NEVER manipulate a baby in such a way. As their joints and bones are still juicy, squishy, and yet to fully form, there is absolutely no point in clicking and cracking a child, especially a newborn. All my treatments should be relaxing, calming, and a great experience for both baby and observing parents. A lot of the time, baby will fall asleep while I treat, and will usually wake up quite hungry.
Do you check for scoliosis?
Yes, I certainly do. In babies and small children, there’s rarely any signs of scoliosis, because they haven’t started weightbearing yet. However, it’s something I always quickly check for in older children before I start treatment, as it’s something to monitor as they grow.
What qualifications allow you to treat babies?
As part of my training in the UK, I completed hundreds of hours of supervised pediatric clinics within my Osteopathy degree. I have since done further courses in embryology, pre-natal care, post-natal care, Biodynamics, Craniosacral therapy and have seen hundreds of babies over a decade as a qualified Osteopath. I am qualified to assess specific reflexes, joint development, milestones, and much more, and I have an in-depth understanding of childhood pathology, so I know when Specialist referral is needed, and will never try to treat something beyond the scope of osteopathy.
Book online with Dr Anna Brown
Baby osteopathy Warrnambool
Osteopathy for babies
Treatment for crying babies
Treatment for baby sleep
Treatment for baby digestion
Treatment for traumatic birth
Craniosacral therapy for babies
