By Carol Conrades, P.T.
Even under the best of circumstances, birthing is a challenging experience for a baby. This is true whether it is a C-section or vaginal birth. During a vaginal birth the mother’s body does its best to become as wide as possible for the birth. At the same time the baby’s head does its best to become as narrow as possible, in order to fit through the birth canal. If these skull overrides do not correct themselves after birth, they can interfere with proper cranial nerve function leading to digestive disturbance, breastfeeding problems, or fussy, hard-to-soothe babies.
In a craniosacral therapy session the baby is clothed and on a parents lap, my lap, or a treatment table. The baby can be nursed as they are being treated. Gentle touch (the weight of a nickel) is applied to the restricted areas. These areas may be on the head, inside the mouth, spine, tummy, or buttocks. Sometimes infants cry; sometimes they stay calm. They often sleep for a longer stretch than usual after a session.
Infant craniosacral therapy can help:
- Fussy, hard-to-soothe babies
- Babies who seem uncomfortable in their bodies
- Babies who have digestive or elimination difficulties
- Babies who have a weepy eye
- Colic
- Spitting up
- Breastfeeding problems
- Latch problems that contribute to sore nipples for moms
- Babies who favor turning their heads to one side
- Babies who favor one breast or position for nursing
- Babies who seem overly sensitive
- Babies who dislike tummy time
If your baby is under 6 weeks old, and you live in the SE Portland area, Milwaukie, Gladstone, or Oregon City area, I will consider coming to you home for treatment. Contact me to schedule a phone consult first if you are interested in this.
If your baby is over six weeks and up to crawling, I will see baby in the clinic. If your baby is crawling and could benefit from craniosacral therapy work, contact Carol Gray.