PEDIATRIC OSTEOPATHY

Osteopathic manual therapy (OMT) is a gentle and holistic approach that is very well suited to helping babies with a variety of issues or concerns.

Babies tend to respond really well to treatment, because, unlike adults, their nervous systems are incredibly receptive to the gentle persuasion of trained, helpful hands. While this nervous system sensitivity can be the cause of some baby’s issues (ie unsettled babies, fussy babies, colic), it also means that treatment is typically highly effective. Osteopathy can help calm overly sensitive systems and help unlock areas that are “sticky”, as I like to say.

OMT can help babies with latching issues, sucking and swallowing issues, torticollis, digestive issues, unsettled babies, colic, sinus/nasal issues, and birth imprints (ie from a difficult vaginal birth, C-section birth, vacuum or forceps delivery).

HOW CAN OSTEOPATHY HELP MY BABY?

Osteopathy can help babies with a variety of issues. Nursing or feeding issues (ie latching, sucking, swallowing), reflux, and unsettled babies are very common reasons parents seek osteopathic care for their newborns and infants.

Fetal life and birth can cause restrictions in the infant’s tissues and structures (called birth imprints) which often lead to fussiness, irritability, and/or dysfunction (ie. difficulty latching, sucking, swallowing, nasal congestion, etc.). The head (cranium) is especially vulnerable to these imprints. Cranio-sacral osteopathic manual therapy is a very gentle and effective way of helping these babies out.

These are some of the common pediatric issues that osteopathy can help with:

• Breastfeeding difficulties (ie poor latching, sucking, and/or swallowing)

• Tongue-tied, lip-tied, buccal-tied (TOTs)

• Oral myofunctional issues (ie oral reflexes, palate irregularities)

• Digestive issues (ie gas, constipation)

• Reflux

• Misshapen head (plagiocephaly, brachycephaly)

• Torticollis

• Unsettled, difficulty calming baby

• Colic

• Birth stresses and strains (birth imprints, often causing fussiness)

• Difficulties and/or asymmetries with movement, and reaching milestones

WHAT DOES A PEDIATRIC OSTEOPATHY APPOINTMENT LOOK LIKE?

Treatment typically involves gentle hands-on craniosacral therapy, myofascial work, neuromotor support, and simple exercises for parents to do with their baby to help them along.

Osteopathic manual therapy for babies has the same general treatment goals as it does for adults: to ensure proper position, mobility, and vitality of the tissues, bones, organs, and joints. Their bodies are vastly different from adults, however, in their sensitivity, fluidity, and rapid rate of change. They respond tremendously well to osteopathic treatment.

I will often demonstrate the touch, pressure, and feel on you before I work on your baby. It is important that you are well informed of the treatment goals and play an active role in your baby’s progress. Simple exercises are often prescribed for parents to do with their baby between appointments.

Please bring a few favourite and/or new toys to your baby’s appointment.

WHAT AGE SHOULD MY BABY BE FOR OSTEOPATHY?

Shauna is happy to see your baby or child at any age or stage - from day-olds to weeks, months, or years, your child can always benefit from osteopathic manual therapy, it is never too early or late to address an issue or concern.

Beyond babies. Regular osteopathic treatment can also be a wonderful way to help babies, toddlers, and children grow and develop optimally. Misalignments and restrictions in tissues, bones, and joints can hinder their ability to meet milestones, or grow and develop optimally.

HOW TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH SHAUNA FOR YOUR BABY.

It’s a good idea to book in advance. Many parents opt to book their unborn baby a few (2-3) appointments with Shauna a few weeks apart, after the due date. Having these appointments in place can alleviate the possibility of not being able to get your baby in for treatment when it’s so often needed after birth. Shauna tries to accommodate “urgent” appointments for newborns, but this isn’t always possible.