Very gentle manual techniques are appreciated by babies. The relaxation of tensions at the level of the membranes, gives them a well-being. This baby growing up in a harmonious body will be much more open to his environment.
Intra-uterine positioning of the fetus, as well as contractions, creates a constant pressure during childbirth. They are often the origin of dysfunctions that will influence its development. Each birth must be followed by a careful osteopathic examination.
The main reasons for consultations for babies:
-Somile difficult, agitation, crying difficult to consolidate
-Torticolis, head often on the same side;
-Trouble suction, regurgitation, colic;
Cranial deformity and asymmetries of the face;
– Feet varus or valgus (crooked feet).
From the birth of the baby, several books and studies in osteopathy encourage the harmonization of cranial areas of the baby to promote its proper development. The authors agree on the importance of acting very early at birth, when the skull is still malleable, before the sutures are welded together. This promotes proper development of the various anatomical structures, provides a better feeling, and has an impact on your child’s development. However, it is best to consult in the first days or weeks after delivery for best results.
Sometimes fetal positioning can disrupt the development of the pelvis. This phenomenon causes scoliosis in children in the years to come, hence the importance of an evaluation in osteopathy. In addition, osteopathy can give you advice to maximize the immune system of your baby.
Torticollis and plagiocephaly
Plagiocephaly is more commonly known as flat head syndrome, we observe a flattening of the baby’s skull, mostly it is located behind the head, but it can also be seen in the face.
The causes of plagiocephaly are related to several circumstances that can be related to each other. Firstly, the intrauterine positioning during the last weeks of pregnancy, note also the stresses that the baby’s skull undergoes when passing through the mother’s pelvis at the time of delivery, and the torticollis of birth which must not be neglected.
A congenital torticollis is a limitation of the rotation of the head of your newborn. Here is a video that explains very well the short- and long-term consequences if not treated.
Youtube: Osteopathy against baby torticollis
It is common to find that the infant’s head more frequently turned to one side, he is able to turn to the opposite side, but he quickly returns to his original position. The Osteopath says he returns in his lesion, he repositioned himself in osteo-articular blockages. Prolonged positioning helps to initiate or aggravate plagiocephaly, despite all the good intentions of repositioning the head properly.
Osteopathic treatment consists of determining and correcting the anatomical structures that are related to the cranial malformation of the child. The osteopath focuses on the structures: bone, membranous, muscular and cranial, as well as the tensions of the whole body of your baby. The manipulations are precise and do not use considerable force or tension.
The number of treatment sessions, as well as the result vary according to the age of the baby, the intensity of the blockages of the anatomical structures, and the severity. According to clinical studies, it is recommended to consult in the first three months, considering that cranial structures are more malleable. The process of ossification of cranial sutures increases the chances of the helmet’s need to correct plagiocephaly.
The goal of osteopathic treatment of plagiocephaly is not only aesthetic. Blood circulation and cerebrospinal fluid have the role of carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain. When the circulation is obstructed by blockages of the anatomical structures metabolic exchanges can be disturbed. We correct blockages to promote adequate fluid circulation to promote healthy brain development.
Here are links to help you make your treatment choice.
– Plagiocephaly protect your baby
– Treatment with a correction helmet
https://web.archive.org/web/20150224043618/http://sd-2.archive-host.com/membres/up/109828084266179884/plaquette_prevention_def/plaquettedefweb.pdf
Constipation, regurgitation, abdominal bloating, reflux.
All these inconveniences are major everyday, the infant squirms, cries, stands stiff and sleeps little. They are not pathological, because in the first four months the digestive system of the infant is immature.
The osteopath can help you. By his gentle palpation he looks for the cause, the diaphragm which is hypertensive, the esophagus retracted leaving an inadequate closure of the cardia (the mouth of the esophagus and the stomach), compression of the vagus nerve, the colon which can not Evacuate freely, sometimes the rectum is stuck under the sacrum and can not open enough.
The gesture of the osteopath is to free, mobilize, and correct all this mechanics to restore normal function to these tissues. The digestive system will regain its rhythm, the return of these harmonious movements calms the infant.
This treatment may be complementary to taking antacid medication, breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and specialized milk.
Asthma, rhino-pharyngitis, and bronchiolitis
It is important to note that if your child has signs of respiratory distress such as intercostal print, and under the sternal, fluttering of the nostrils, moreover if he has greenish secretions, and has fever you should consult a medical team.
In case of repetition, the cause may be mechanical and an evaluation in osteopathy may be interesting. The osteopath must make sure that the rib cage and the diaphragm are well clear so as not to be an obstacle to breathing. He will also perform a cranial work to promote the release of nasal voices. In the presence of a cough thanks, the precise and delicate osteopathic manipulations favor the detachment of the secretions in order to expectorate them more quickly.
Parents reported having observed a rapid improvement in the general condition of the infant. It is common to see in the clinic that asthmatic children express a well-being already before the end of the treatment.
Here is a video of an osteopath who explains very well (Catheryne Rybus, show Les Maternelles, France).
Youtube Bronchiolitis and Infant Asthma
ADHD, anxiety, sadness, insomnia in children.
The child who is diagnosed with ADHD, feels a great need to move, he is in perpetual motion and unable to hold in place becomes disorganized during activities and this can influence his schooling. The ADHD child does not seem to listen, he has trouble focusing and focusing. This child is often conscious and can be affected emotionally by the eyes of others, and develop a bad image of himself.
The child may also feel upset, sad and anxious when he experiences periods of upheaval in his life: mourning, illness, moving, changing school, separation. Sometimes the child expresses the inability to fall asleep.
Since osteopathy is a comprehensive approach, it can provide support to the child diagnosed with ADHD, as well as the one who is experiencing anxiety and insomnia. The osteopath acts on different spheres including digestive, respiratory, cranial and postural. This treatment makes it possible to reframe the child in his tissue structure. He will be more centered and therefore more balanced in his body. Some parents reported that the child was calmer, and that there was more ease in daily activities. The osteopathic treatment promotes a good physical and mental balance of the child and can be accompanied by psychological and orthopedagogical follow-up.
This list is not exhaustive. Do not hesitate to contact me if you think the well-being of your baby is compromised or if you need advice.