Osteopathy for babies and infants

In the following, I will use some examples to give a modern view of baby Osteopathy Asymmetry, skin problems, digestive disorders, delayed development of the child, as well as excessive crying, are usually linked as chains of consequences and have diverse causes.

In the context of the integrative approach, baby osteopathy is not only a therapy, but also an excellent diagnostic tool, in which it is often helpful to examine the mother's health as well. For this purpose, I use other naturopathic diagnostic procedures, such as Kinesiology.

Baby osteopathy always takes place in addition to the care provided by the midwife and the examinations by the pediatrician.

Osteopathy is difficult to perform between the ages of one and three due to the child's fear of strangers. If the young patient cannot be calmed down and refuses treatment, it should not be forced.

Baby Osteopathy – The Birth

Because the skull bones are subjected to intense pressure during birth, this can lead to displacement and partial overlap of the individual skull bones. These deformities will reverse within a few days due to the forces of self-regulation. Sucking supports the restoration of the functional alignment of the skull bones with the central nervous system.

The position of the skull bones is of great importance for the development of babies and infants in the first years of life, as the child's development also depends on the functional anatomy of the nervous system. Therefore, babies and infants are often treated with craniosacral osteopathy.

The skull bones of newborns are very soft and malleable. Even individual skull bones consist of several parts that only fuse together over the years.

During birth, the transmission of the biome (beneficial microorganisms) and pathogenic microorganisms (infection) also plays a major role. In naturopathic medicine, the main focus is on the balance of microorganisms. Pathogens cause metabolic disorders and inflammation, while beneficial microorganisms are important for our digestion and Immune system are essential because they are responsible for the optimal conversion of food.

Symmetry in babies and newborns

Parents often visit their osteopathic practice a few weeks after birth because of their child's unusual posture. The most common are "favorite sides" of head rotation, with one-sided shoulder elevation, head flattening, hyperextension of the spine, or the C-posture of the torso, with lateral bending and rotation of the head to the concave side.

Contrary to popular belief, these are not consequences of compression during childbirth, but rather a compensation (adjustment) of the posture, according to the current needs of the entire organism.

In infants, statics are primarily determined by the requirements and possibilities of early childhood development and systemic disruptive factors, such as inflammatory processes caused by infection or bacterial colonization, or environmental medical stress.

The baby adapts to the given internal and external influences at all times. The most comfortable position and the conditions for optimal development are paramount.

Since absolute symmetry practically never occurs in nature, a baby cannot be symmetrical either! The founder of osteopathy, Dr. Still, saw the following sentence as a guiding principle of osteopathy.

“Structure follows function”

By the function of our body, he didn't just mean running, sitting, playing football, or moving. Dr. Still primarily viewed the vital functions of the organism, such as the heart, lungs, liver, and ultimately, above all, the nervous system, as the guiding factors of structural organization.

Whether the unusual posture is an expression of an unfavorable development, in the sense of a disease, or whether it is merely a temporary compensation, such as in the case of a viral childhood disease, should be clarified diagnostically.

Breastfeeding and osteopathy

The best nutrition for an infant is, of course, breast milk. This not only involves the optimal composition of nutrients, the transmission of immune cells, and the mother-child bond.

Through the coordinated suction movement of the upper and lower jaws, the skull is stimulated via the palate. This allows the baby to compensate for displacements that occurred during birth with astonishing speed. The stimulation of the cerebrospinal fluid, which moves between the sacrum and skull with pulsating energetic movements, is crucial for this process, acting as a "closed hydraulic system" that transmits force.

Shifts that the baby cannot manage on its own are blockages and can later become noticeable in sucking behavior. If a blockage occurs, the rest of the body organizes itself around it, meaning the body reacts with compensation to maintain all bodily functions as best as possible. Excessive asymmetry in babies and toddlers can manifest itself anatomically during growth.

The baby and metabolism

Providing your baby with optimal nutrients through breastfeeding is essential for their continued development. Pregnancy and birth are therefore also a sign of good health, vitality, and endless possibilities!

To prevent damage that could lead to serious disabilities in the newborn, pregnant women are given certain supplements during gynecological care. The key to this is vitamin B-associated metabolism and the supply of minerals and vital trace elements. This is so beneficial.

However, in cases of maternal metabolic disorders, blanket nutrient replacement is not optimal. Deficiencies can manifest themselves in developmental disorders in the newborn. The most common are mild problems of the early childhood digestive system, which in severe cases can lead to so-called 3-month colic.

Manifest disorders of vitamin B metabolism manifest themselves in severely delayed development with poor weight gain. The baby has high muscle tone even at rest and clenches its hands into fists while sleeping.

The unity of the mother-child psyche

Like physical health, a baby's emotional life is closely linked to its environment, especially the mother's emotions. The first year of life, in an almost symbiotic relationship, shapes the child's later emotional life and psyche.

Parents should be aware that babies are intensely sensitive to excessive worry and anxiety. A harmonious environment is important, as digestion and the immune system only function optimally in a harmonious environment.

When babies cry, it's not the problem, but rather an opportunity for the baby to express itself and release tension. Our compassion, presence, and support are important, among other things, to find a solution to the cause of the distress.

In practice, it is noticeable that babies with relaxed and trusting parents accept the examination and therapy better when they are close to the unfamiliar osteopath.

Osteopathy for babies – Diagnosis

During the first appointment, the focus is primarily on the systemic consideration of the case and DiagnosticsBased on the initial examination, a decision is made as to whether osteopathic intervention is appropriate for the baby or whether the mother needs to be involved with gentle natural remedies, vitamins, or nutritional advice.

Experience has shown that in about 50% of cases, the parents' concerns were unfounded and therapy was not indicated.

The first step is to talk with the parents about the pregnancy, birth, and any abnormalities in the baby. The health of the breastfeeding mother should also be addressed, as even minor complaints can be relevant for the breastfed baby.

This is followed by an osteopathic examination of the baby. This includes the statics of the bony system, including the spine and skull bones, as well as muscle tone, tissue tension, organ size, and abdominal tenderness. This provides information about the baby's development and health.

Baby Osteopathy and Therapy

Osteopathy is a gentle therapy in which the therapist uses minute movements to support the mobility of body structures. The techniques used are painless and risk-free for the baby.

Babies are often treated via the craniosacral system. The cranial-sacral axis is particularly important due to the central nervous system and the rhythmically circulating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) running through it.

The lymph, vessels and organs are also stimulated using gentle techniques, thus encouraging the organism to heal itself.

Contrary to popular belief, this is not primarily about the "mechanical restoration of the natural structure," but rather about supporting the organism in its biological functions. This is primarily achieved through mobility.

Therefore, in addition to baby osteopathy, I recommend additional measures such as vitamin and herbal supplements, or following simple nutritional principles.