Osteopath for
Babies and Children
Many babies experience complaints in the first weeks or months for which the medical world often finds no clear cause or solution. These include excessive crying, abdominal cramps, difficulty drinking, or a clear preference posture. Parents are often told that it “comes with the territory”, but as an osteopath for babies, I see that such signals often indicate tension or overstimulation in your baby’s body.
the influence of pregnancy and childbirth
Even before birth, the baby’s body is under the influence of pressure and tension. The position in the womb – especially with limited space, a twin pregnancy, or breech presentation – can cause movement restrictions in the neck, back, or pelvis.
During childbirth, significant force also acts on the small body. A long, fast, or difficult delivery, or a vacuum extraction, can cause compression on the skull, neck, or spine. This can create tensions or blockages that disrupt the young nervous system’s balance.
An osteopath for babies can help reduce these tensions in a gentle and safe manner. By releasing tensions and restoring mobility, the body gets the chance to function better. Early treatment can reduce and help prevent complaints, so that your child can develop more freely, calmly and balanced.
common complaints by babies
-
Reflux or frequent spitting up
-
Abdominal cramps or constipation
-
Baby keeps crying
-
Head preference position
-
Difficulty feeding or latching
-
Flattened head (plagiocephaly)
what does treatment look like for your baby?
1. Calm, Gentle Approach
Treatment for a baby is very different from that for adults. Everything happens calmly, gently, and completely adapted to the child.
2. Start of the Intake
We begin with a brief conversation with the parents to discuss the course of pregnancy, delivery, and any complaints. This helps to get a good picture of what is happening in your baby's body.
3. Examination of the Body
With gentle touches, I feel how the different structures in the body move: skull, neck, back, pelvis, and organs. Babies often show themselves where tension is located, for example through their posture or facial expression.
4. Subtle Techniques
The treatment consists of light, subtle techniques that are barely visible but are well felt by the baby. Nothing is "cracked" or forced; the touch is so gentle that many babies remain calm or even fall asleep. Sometimes a baby may cry briefly, not from pain, but because something is changing in the body and that takes some getting used to.
5. Discussion and Result
Afterwards, I discuss with you what I found, what was treated, and what changes you might notice in the days that follow. Often you will see that your baby can relax more, sleeps better, or that feeding and digestion improve.
how many treatments are needed?
In most cases, 3 to 4 treatments are sufficient to see clear improvement. Sometimes there is noticeable difference after just 1 or 2 sessions, but with persistent tensions, an additional treatment may be necessary. During the first consultation, I always discuss what I expect and together we make a plan that fits your baby’s situation.
from what age can a baby be treated?
Osteopathic treatment can take place from birth. Many parents choose to have their baby checked in the first weeks, especially after a difficult delivery, cesarean section, vacuum or forceps delivery, or when their child is restless.
For a preventive check, I recommend making an appointment around six weeks of age. By then, the initial period of adjustment and growth has passed, and any tensions can be noticed and treated in time.
Because the techniques for babies are very gentle and subtle, treatment is safe immediately after birth. The earlier tensions in the body are restored, the easier your baby can develop and relax. Of course, treatment can also mean a lot at a later age, for example with problems sleeping, feeding, digestion, or motor skills.
Curious about what an osteopath can do for your baby? Make an appointment or contact us for more information.
osteopathy in children
Children are in full development – both physically and emotionally. During this growth phase, complaints can arise that do not always have a clear medical cause, but that do affect daily functioning. Think of stomach pain, headaches, back and neck pain, posture problems, fatigue, irritability, or difficulty concentrating.
Sometimes the cause lies in tensions that arose early, for example at birth, during growth, or after a fall. Because children’s bodies are very flexible and adapt easily, complaints can manifest in a different place than where the problem is located.
Why early
intervention in little ones?
By intervening early, you can prevent or limit many complaints. Osteopathy helps your child’s body stay in balance during growth spurts, school pressure, or other changes. This gives your child the space to develop freely, relaxed, and in balance.
Curious about what an osteopath can do for your child? Make an appointment or contact us for more information.
