Cranial Osteopathy for
Babies and Children
It is a common belief that babies and children should have no stresses or strains in their bodies, because they are 'so young'. The reality is very different. Birth is one of the most stressful events of our lives. The baby is subjected to enormous forces, as the uterus pushes to expel the baby against the natural resistance of the birth canal. The baby has to turn and twist as it squeezes through the bony pelvis, on its short but highly stimulating and potentially stressful journey.
The baby's head has the remarkable ability to absorb these stresses. In order to reduce the size of the head, the soft bones overlap, bend and warp as the baby descends. The baby's chin is normally well tucked down towards its chest to reduce the presenting diameter of the head.
Many
babies are born with odd shaped heads as a result. In the first few
days, the head can usually be seen to gradually lose the extreme
moulded shape, as the baby suckles, cries and yawns. However, this
unmoulding process is often incomplete, especially if the birth has
been difficult or was assisted with forceps or ventouse. As a result,
the baby may have to live with some very uncomfortable stresses
within its head and body.
Some
babies cope extremely well with even quite severe retained moulding
and compression, and are contented and happy. For others it is a
different story. Osteopaths have some observations about how these
retained compressions and stresses might affect the baby.
Compression in
the bones and linings of the skull
The
baby may be uncomfortable, with a constant feeling of pressure in the
structures of the head. This may be made worse by the extra pressure
on the head when lying down. There is more about
compressions of the bones of the skull further down this page.
Pressure
on nerves
Osteopaths consider that the nerves
to the lips, cheeks and tongue can be affected by birth compressions.
These nerves exit the base of the skull, and in the baby this area is
not as well protected as it is in the adult. Baby needs these nerves
and muscles to be working well in order to latch on and suckle
comfortably and efficiently.
Tension
in muscles and soft tissues General level of
tension
The
tube to the stomach, the oesophagus, passes through a sheet of muscle
under the ribs called the diaphragm. Stress
from a difficult or fast birth can cause tension in the diaphragm,
trapping wind. If the diaphragm is pulled out of shape around the
oesophagus, it can compromise the ability of the stomach to retain
its contents. Any strain through the umbilical cord, for instance if
the cord was around the baby's neck, can add to strains in the
abdomen.
Stress
in pregnancy and during birth contribute to the general level of
tension of the baby, and can keep
the baby's nervous system in a persistently alert state. This can occur with either a difficult, or a very quick birth- the baby may find it difficult to relax fully and may have difficulty sleeping.
There is a theory that if the baby is in a persistently alert state, it's digestion can work too quickly. Milk may exit the stomach before it has had a chance to digest, and the partially digested milk enters the intestine where it may ferment and produce wind which can be uncomfortable for the baby.
In older
children
There
is now much medical evidence that stress during pregnancy and
difficult birth can lead to problems later on.
Physical
compressions may also affect function.
Osteopaths consider that the structure of the head and body has a profound affect on their functioning. Unresolved birth compressions around the base of the skull and the ears can compromise drainage of the Eustachian (Auditory) Tube and leave the ears more vulnerable to recurrent infections and glue ear.
Further forwards on the same bone that the ear sits in, one of the nerves to the eye muscles passes under a ligament. This area is sensitive to birth compressions, and if the function of this nerve is compromised, the eye on that side may have difficulty turning outwards, the situation known as strabismus or squint. Often strabismus resolves itself, or there can be other causes. Osteopaths will always ensure that your child is referred to their doctor if necessary.
The bones of the face and jaws can also be subject to birth compressions. The osteopathic view is that the bones of the face and jaws need to be free of birth compressions in order to grow to their fullest dimensions, to allow space for the teeth and avoid overcrowding or occlusion problems. If compressions affect the full development of the nasal passages, then the child may tend to breathe through the mouth. Orthodontists recognise that mouth breathing leads to the tongue not supporting the upper arch of the teeth, and the teeth may grow unevenly.
These are just a few examples of how osteopaths see the structure of the head and body affecting function.
Cranial
osteopathic treatment
Osteopathic
treatment using the cranial approach is gentle, safe and effective
for babies and children. Very specific, skilled, light pressure is
applied where necessary to assist the natural ability of the body to
release stresses and tensions.
Could
there be any adverse reactions?
Reactions
to treatment are variable, often the baby or child is very relaxed
afterwards and sleeps well. Others have a burst of energy after
treatment, usually followed by a good nights sleep.
Occasionally
children are unsettled after treatment. This is a temporary
situation, and usually clears within 24-48 hours.
Osteopaths will always ensure that patients and their babies and children seek appropriate medical advice and treatment alongside any osteopathic treatment, and will refer patients back to their GP if a problem is not suitable for osteopathic treatment.