Newborns and osteopathy

Your baby may experience some discomfort in the first few months of life, such as colic, reflux, torticollis or even skull deformities. A specialized osteopath can treat or even prevent some of these ailments.

Using gentle, adapted manipulations (without “cracking” or force), the osteopath will work on your baby’s entire body: skull, spine, abdomen, pelvis and limbs. It’s also possible to treat the oral sphere: soft palate and tongue-tie, to help your baby latch on better to the bottle or breast.

It’s important to remember that birth is a unique moment, not only for Mom and Dad, but also for your baby. Entering this new world is not always easy, and adapting to it sometimes requires a little help. A baby who is relaxed and free of tension will be calmer, sleep better and be less prone to crying fits.

My baby has a deformed skull: plagiocephaly and fontanelles

Plagiocephaly is a term used to describe an asymmetrical head deformity in infants. It is characterized by an irregular or flattened shape of the skull, usually on one side. This anomaly can be observed from birth or develop in the first few months of life.

This deformity is considered a condition that can result from various factors: prolonged positioning on the back (leaving baby on his back during the day; not changing his position every night), repetitive head movements (light window or mobile always on the same side), positioning problems during childbirth or musculoskeletal disorders.

The osteopath’s aim in treating your baby’s skull is to restore symmetry to the head, using gentle techniques to help correct structural imbalances that may contribute to plagiocephaly. The techniques used may include delicate adjustments to promote head mobility and balance. These adjustments aim to realign bony structures, relieve muscular tension and facilitate symmetrical development.

During a session, the osteopath will first assess the infant’s head and neck, as well as movement and mobility. From there, we can develop an individual treatment plan based on the child’s specific needs.

In addition to treatment, positioning exercises and advice can be given to parents to promote symmetrical skull growth and prevent prolonged asymmetrical positions. This can include regular position changes, tummy time and the use of rollers to support a neutral head position during sleep.

It’s important to note that each case is unique and requires individual assessment and interventions tailored to each child. Osteopathy can be an effective complement to conventional medical care in the treatment of plagiocephaly, but it’s important to have your child seen by a paediatrician too.

He can’t turn his head: newborn torticollis

Torticollis in infants is a common problem that can cause major discomfort. This condition is due to muscular contraction of the neck, resulting in limited head movement. Infants with torticollis may have difficulty turning their heads from side to side and maintaining normal posture.

Using gentle, tailored techniques, osteopaths can assess and work on the bony structures and soft tissues of a baby’s neck, skull and spine to improve mobility and relieve muscular tension.

By combining different treatments, infants with torticollis can benefit from a comprehensive approach that aims to improve mobility, reduce pain and promote normal neck development. This treatment can not only help relieve current symptoms, but also prevent potential long-term complications, such as postural problems and functional limitations.

With regular follow-up and appropriate care, infants with torticollis have a good chance of making a full recovery and living a healthy, active life.

My baby cries all the time: infantile colic and/or constipation