Our Osteopaths, Orit Huntley and Emily Green, are qualified to treat babies and children at all stages of their development. Cranial osteopathy is our main treatment approach, and it is a safe, gentle and effective hands-on therapy.
Cranial osteopathy can help free up movement and circulation in areas of your baby’s body which may be stuck or restricted. This allows better mobility and function of the joints and muscles, as well as wider body systems such as digestion, circulation and the nervous system.
Cranial osteopathy is a relaxing and enjoyable treatment, and will typically calm and soothe your baby, toddler or child.
Your health visitor, breastfeeding consultant, midwife, GP or other mums may recommend you to bring your baby or child to see an Osteopath. We recommend all babies and their mums come in for a check up after the birth – the best time is within a few weeks of the birth.
During birth, the baby’s soft bones and joints undergo some strong outside forces, either coming through the birth canal, being delivered by c-section, or through the use of assisting instruments.
These forces may contribute to strains in the baby’s body, for example if they are compressed, pulled, twisted or stuck in one position for extended periods of time. The resultant tensions may be found around the head, along the spine, or in the pelvis and limbs.
After birth, the soft bones and tissues of the head start to unmould as a natural process as the baby starts to yawn, suck and cry – however, retained tensions may affect this process and leave the baby struggling to feed or digest effectively.
Common symptoms may be:
Digestive discomfort — including constipation, trapped wind and tummy pain
Irritability and unsettled behaviour
Reflux and frequent posseting
Long periods of crying or signs of colic
Difficulty winding or bringing up burps
Poor latching, weak suck or feeding challenges (breast or bottle)
Difficulty sleeping or staying settled
Strong preference to turn their head one way or arch their back
Flattening of one part of the head (positional plagiocephaly)
Tension from a fast, assisted or difficult birth (ventouse or forceps delivery, c-section, or long labour)
Signs of discomfort when lying on their back or during tummy time
Stiffness or tightness in their body or neck
Difficulty bonding or calming after birth
Feeding problems include pulling away from the breast frequently, falling asleep during feeding, or their latch can make mum’s nipple very sore.
These often arise when the baby cannot obtain a good latch or strong suck due to tension in the base of the skull, around the jaw, or in their neck muscles. A poor latch or suck also means the baby takes in more air, causing them further discomfort.
Our osteopaths can evaluate any blocks to these sensitive tissues. The gentle pressure and subtle touch of cranial osteopathy can encourage the tensions to release. This releasing mechanism then stimulates the body’s natural corrective healing abilities. Babies are particularly good at this – we just need to ‘point them in the right direction!
You may witness the osteopath holding your baby’s head, lower back, abdomen and limbs to help the soft tissues unwind at its own natural pace – it can be hard to observe if the osteopath is doing anything, but be assured that they are working at a deep level, and results will follow.
For toddlers and growing children, osteopathy can help with any unresolved birth strains, or if new issues arise following illness or injury. Treatment in this case can help your child with symptoms of pain or discomfort, and to achieve their next developmental milestone such as rolling, crawling, climbing and walking.
Fees may be covered by your private insurance provider.
Meadowside is currently partnered with these providers: Aviva, Cigna, Simply Health, and WPA, BUPA and AXA PPP may cover your sessions with us, but this depends on your individual policy, so be sure to always check with your insurer.
In most cases, you would need to pay for your appointment and claim your payment back from your insurance provider. Please get in touch with your provider prior to your appointment, to confirm you are covered and check what documentation is needed to process your claim. We are happy to provide any documents needed, such as receipts and forms, to assist with your claim.
Please feel free to contact us if you would like any further assistance with claiming Osteopathy on your insurance.
