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Osteopathic Adjustments for Neonates

Osteopathic Adjustments for Neonates

Craniosacral Osteopathic Manipulation for the Neonate

Also known as Cranial Sacral, or simply Cranial, is a natural and painless method.

This gentle approach used to free areas of the body which have restricted motion. It can be safely and effectively applied to infants.

Treatment often involves cradling the head or the sacrum (tailbone), using subtle pressure to free movement of restricted bones or other tissues.

Some neonatal conditions that commonly respond well to craniosacral osteopathic manipulation include:

Colic and Reflux are often not treated medically, since they tend to resolve on their own after several (miserable) months. Sometimes, prescription medication is effective. However, a major nerve that controls stomach movement (the vagus nerve) can be pinched as it emerges from the base of the skull. This can lead to poor digestion, colic, and reflux. Craniosacral Osteopathic manipulation is able to gently release the compression on the nerve allowing normal function.

Oddly shaped head – During childbirth, pressure on the skull of the emerging infant has been measured at 27 pounds per square inch! As a result, that tiny skull will often be oddly shaped at birth, with flat or compressed areas.

Restriction of the frenulum – (the tissue band under the tongue) which can interfere with nursing, must often be surgically corrected by a dentist. Craniosacral Osteopathic Manipulation can help with associated head restrictions before and after the surgery.

Constipation responds to treatment of the lumbar spine and tailbone, since the nerves that control the colon originate in these areas.

We want to support mothers in the 4th trimester and can accommodate your osteopathic adjustment with baby’s adjustment.

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