top of page

Mother and Babies

Birth can be a wonderful and beautiful experience however, even the most straight forward birth can be traumatic for a newborn (and mother). The birth process involves compression and rotational forces being exerted on the unborn skull and pelvis in order to propel the unborn child through the birth canal. 

These forces can become imprinted within the newborns body and certain rotational or compression forces can sometimes be seen and felt e.g. asymmetrical skull (plagiocephaly) and neck tightness (torticollis). What is more, these compression and rotational forces are accompanied by some degree of shock.

The effects of physical forces and shock on the system can manifest as conditions such as colic, reflux, and digestive problems - a crying, agitated and restless baby. A newborn may have problems feeding or may have difficulty sleeping.

Cranio Sacral Therapy

Cranio Sacral Therapy is a very gentle treatment. It is very effective in releasing shock and tension within the baby's system and any retained compression or rotational forces that result from the birth process. It is a very gentle treatment yet its effects can be quite profound.

Cranio Sacral Therapy is also very good for new mothers and can help release tensions, restrictions and shock within the mothers system following the pregnancy and birthing process (see Cranio Sacral Therapy) 

This therapy is an ideal treatment to help get the body back into physical and emotional balance following the birthing process both for mothers and babies.

'Catherine is probably my favourite person in the world right now! Lewis is onto his 7th night in a row of sleeping through. When he saw her for the first time two weeks ago he was still waking up to 8 times a night and had never once slept through! Looking back at how bad his head was (vontuse delivery) I can’t believe not one health professional recommended this therapy. I’m a new woman with all this sleep am getting'

(Holly Stubbs & Baby Lewis Wilkinson)

What to expect in a session

During the first assessment a detailed history of pregnancy and birth is taken. Information on the baby's sleeping and feeding habits are also taken and anything else that may be relevant since birth.

Neck range of motion would be assessed for any tightness or restriction in range. Head shape would also be examined for asymmetry or areas of flatness or compression that may be a result from the birth process or sleep preference position since birth. Exercises and advice will be given as required.

Cranio Sacral Therapy involves very light contacts on various parts of the body. During this time the therapist is palpating any areas of tightness or restriction and allowing this to release. Babies generally really like these sessions and can become quite quiet during the treatment however this is not always the case. Babies can be treated on the couch or on mothers lap depending on how baby is on the day. 

Subsequent sessions are usually 30 to 45 minutes. Catherine recommends all newborns should be assessed within the first 4 weeks for a post birth check. It is usual that only 1- 3 sessions are needed with newborns because their bodies are very adaptable and can adjust easier than an older child. If your baby is showing signs of colic, reflux, digestive problems, difficulty sleeping and feeding or just generally 'not quite right' it would be advisable to get this checked out.

Some conditions that babies have received Cranio Sacral Therapy to help with include:

  • Colic and reflux
  • Talipes
  • Torticollis (neck tightness)
  • Restless baby syndrome
  • Digestive problems
  • Feeding/suckling problems
  • Wind
  • Squint/lazy eye
  • Teething problems
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome)
  • Developmental problems/delayed milestones

Please note, Cranio Sacral Therapy is a complementary therapy and not a replacement of medical advice and help. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, please see your doctor.

bottom of page