Babies and children also suffer with stresses and strains through their bodies.

We tend to think they should be stress free as they are so young but birth can be one of the most stressful events of our lives.

A baby can be subjected to enormous forces as mum pushes down.  The baby has to twist and turn and its head mould or distort as it is squeezed through the birth canal.

Many babies are born with an odd shaped head and this will generally clear in the first few days as the baby suckles, cries and yawns. However, this unmoulding may not fully clear if the birth has been difficult.

Osteopaths examining babies often find areas of tension in the spine or head which are indications that the baby is uncomfortable. Babies cannot complain of pain and will typically communicate by crying or being unsettled and generally irritable. This can then affect sleep and feeding thus leading to sleeping difficulties and digestion problems.

Osteopathic treatment using the cranial approach is a gentle, safe and effective treatment for babies and children aiming to relieve tensions and helping the body find its natural balance.

If you are not sure whether osteopathy is suitable for your child please call to discuss the symptoms in more detail.