People often ask me how Craniosacral therapy could help their baby or child. Here is what I have discovered after 25 years in practice.

 

Craniosacral Therapy following birth.

Mothers have used the support of Craniosacral Therapy for the following:

  • Establishing and supporting breastfeeding.
  • Developing good sleep patterns
  • Early infant feeding problems including colic, reflux and allergies
  • Bonding with parents and siblings

Birth can be a difficult experience for any baby. However calm and peaceful the setting for a delivery, it is still an enormously important moment of transition for the whole family.

If an emergency situation develops during labour, however, stress levels can be heightened to intense levels for the mother. Stress affects babies too. Anxiety caused by strong contractions or shock resulting from an unexpected Caesarean or forceps delivery can be felt in their body tissues long after birth, leading to physical discomfort and disturbed sleep patterns. As adults we sleep badly and digest poorly when uncomfortable, unsettled or worried and a baby who has experienced a gruelling labour can be similarly affected. Despite his/her mother providing plenty of  reassurance and comfort, the strong emotional bond between a mother and baby means that along with their own discomfort they may also be aware of their mother’s anxieties. This may give rise to a hyper-alertness and inability to fully  release patterns created by the pressures experienced during birth.

 

Craniosacral Therapy brings a calm and neutral perspective to the situation, helping your baby to settle both physically and emotionally. By placing hands gently both on and under his head and body, the therapist sensitively tunes in, looking for areas of discomfort. She encourages  a softening of compression and release of tension in the tissues and of any accompanying emotional components. There is usually a strong visible relaxation and easing of the baby’s whole body during treatment. Once he/she is more comfortable, your baby is less likely to wake, digestion may improve, and his/her sleep can deepen as a consequence.

It is really helpful for both mother and baby to receive treatment during the postnatal period so that they can both feel more relaxed and comfortable in the days to come.

 

Craniosacral Therapy in Pregnancy

Pregnant mothers have used the support of Craniosacral Therapy for the following:

  • Minor pregnancy ailments like back pain.
  • Balancing effects on nervous and hormonal systems.
  • Emotional support
  • Birth preparation

 

Craniosacral Therapy can help you in many ways throughout your pregnancy. Treatment can help to receive minor ailments, settle your nervous and hormonal systems and support the physical changes that your body goes through during the months before delivery.  It is a safe and gentle choice which will prepare you for the birth of your baby.

 

Craniosacral Therapy for Children

Children of all ages can benefit from Craniosacral Therapy.  CST is a nurturing and calming approach to childhood healthcare. Many common behavioural, social and learning difficulties respond well to Craniosacral Therapy. The treatment process is gentle and supportive to the physical and emotional needs of the Individual child.

In his book Creating True Peace, writer poet scholar and Zen Buddhist monk Thich Nat Han talks about setting aside a room in every house which would be known as the ‘breathing room’. This would be a place where the whole family could go to centre themselves whenever they need to. He particularly recommends this room for children, because he says they need to learn the art of being with themselves in a quiet and tranquil place.

Providing  space for children to relax and be still alongside some Craniosacral Therapy can be key to providing relief from behavioural problems and anxiety in young children, giving them a way of moving forward with more confidence.