Pediatrics
Why should I bring my baby for osteopathic treatment?
Birth is a crucial stage for any living being. It is a transitional event during which the baby detaches from the mother’s body and begins to live on its own. It is also the beginning of the growth process outside the mother’s body, which brings about many changes in the child. For many babies, difficulties in adapting may arise, causing discomfort and pain. During this period of change, an osteopathic follow-up can be very beneficial for the child. Indeed, the osteopathic approach allows to improve the mobility of the different structures in order to help the child’s body to better adapt during its growth.
Important to consider
It is always preferable to consult your doctor about any problem before consulting osteopathy for a newborn. It is important to make sure that the baby’s discomfort is not medical in nature.
When should I consult?
0-3 months
Many problems encountered in newborns can be referred to osteopathy. The most common ones are:
- Difficulty feeding;
- Alteration of sleep;
- Difficulty with bowel movements;
- Baby moving asymmetrically;
- Baby looks uncomfortable;
- Excessive crying.
A baby with any of these symptoms can be seen by an osteopath if the medical examination is negative. As with adults, an osteopathic follow-up in pediatrics always begins with an evaluation. This consists of evaluating the mobility of the different tissues of the baby’s body. When a decrease in mobility is observed, it is then addressed in order to promote unrestricted growth, ultimately allowing the baby’s body to regain its balance and maintain its health.
If the first three months of the baby’s life are free of discomfort and abnormalities, it is preferable to wait for the first growth spurts or the beginning of head control before proceeding with a routine osteopathic evaluation.
First year
As mentioned above, many growth-related changes can be accompanied by issues that impact on the baby’s well-being. Here are some examples:
- Recurrent ear infections
- Torticollis
- Plagiocephaly (skull deformities)
- Breastfeeding and feeding problems
- Bronchiolitis and respiratory problems
- Regurgitation and gastroesophageal reflux
- Colic and constipation
- Upper/lower limb problems
Later years
Like older children, children may experience discomfort and muscle tension. It is interesting to address these during periods of growth since the body is in a period where it can adapt easily to osteopathic adjustments. This is even more true when the child starts to walk. Indeed, during the early stage of weight bearing, the various deficiencies and mobility restrictions of the lower and upper limbs are easier to recognize and easier to adjust.
For any problem your child may have, do not hesitate to make an appointment with one of our osteopaths in order to regulate his growth and improve his quality of life.