Cranial osteopathy is a subtle form of osteopathic treatment which uses gentle pressure to encourage the tissues to release throughout the body. It can be extremely effective in treating a wide range of conditions that babies and children suffer with.
Cranial osteopathy has become increasingly associated with the treatment of pregnant mothers, infants and children whose delicate systems respond rapidly to this gentle treatment approach.
Birth is a stressful event right at the start of life; however it prepares the baby for a whole new environment and life ahead. The birth process causes a surge in activity in all the systems of the body. Some babies easily absorb the stress of birth, however others can be deeply affected by it, especially when the labour has been long or very rapid, if there have been complications or interventions use, such as forceps, ventouse, or caesarean section. This resulting stress or tension can exhibit in a number of ways such as irritability, with the child finding it hard to settle, feeding difficulties or poor sleep patterns, and problems with digestion, wind or colic.
Pregnancy is an amazing experience. Many important changes occur in a short period of time. Over the months of pregnancy the mothers spine and pelvis has to quickly adapt to a growing baby bump and her organs have to move to allow for this. As the pregnancy progresses the changes increase resulting in many of the aches and pains which are felt. Even after the delivery the physical demands continue with breast or bottle feeding, changing nappies, and lifting to bathe or simply to hold the child.
The benefits of Osteopathic treatment during and after pregnancy are that it can help to ease some of this discomfort of the physical changes. Osteopathic treatment is very effective at helping with the pelvic imbalances that occur during pregnancy, and also conditions such as sciatica, low back pain, hip pain and aching joints. The aim of treatment is to help maintain a good pelvic balance and function which will increase the chance of a natural delivery with fewer complications.
After the delivery Osteopathy can help with neck and shoulder ache that typically develops while feeding, which can help to make life easier. Also, advice to improve the mother’s posture as she nurses can be given. Treatment can even aid the mother achieve a swift postural improvement after the delivery.