Benefits of a Cranial Osteopath. Easing the Stress of Birth for the Baby

One way or another most of us enter the world violently: pushed, dragged, sucked, catapulted or wrenched – and what a shock!
From the cozy nest of the womb into the harsh reality of unfamiliar lights, sounds, smells, air – and cold weighing scales. That’s at best. At worst, it’s scalpels, monitors, and strangers and freaked – out parents.
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So, apart from the actual physical trauma of birth, most babies arrive somewhat startled: Imagine it…gasp…shallow breathing…fists clench…shoulders rise…heart races…straight into a state of shock.
Often, to one degree or another, that is how we remain.
That’s where the cranial osteopath comes in useful. When he puts his hands onto a baby’s tiny body they release that shock so that the baby, often for the first time, will truly relax. The baby’s breathing deepens, fists unclench and the grimacing face changes to a look of peace. For many babies, this alone will turn them from a restless, colicky nightmare to a child of contentment. Babies also have to contend with physical trauma to the head.
As the cranium houses the brain, any slight damage or rearrangement to the shape of the head during delivery or by the position of the baby in the womb can have far- reaching consequences. For instance, the frontal bone (forehead) can be pressing heavily into the area below the eyebrows actually squashing the eye sockets. This may cause sticky eyes or blocked tear ducts, which can be remedied with some cranial treatment.
Also common, especially after forceps delivery, is strain through the area above the ears. This may result in recurrent ear infections, hearing difficulties or balance problems.
It is also frequent to find after birth that one side of the head is more compressed than the other: the right side of the brain relates to our emotions and creative ability whilst the left side relates to our rationality and intellectual ability. Either one can be disturbed through an imbalance, resulting in: behavioural problems; learning difficulties; disturbance of hypothalamus function (which can cause problems with appetite, thirst, temperature and sleep regulation); and disturbance of pituitary function (which can cause problems with water retention, growth, metabolic rate and sexual development).
By releasing the tension in the cranium, it improves the general circulation of blood and nourishment to the brain and so helps all aspects of development. This also gives more space for the teeth to come in so easing the whole teeth process.
Although the word “cranial” implies that the affects are restricted to the head, cranial osteopathy will help other areas of the body. For instance, often the torso is twisted and the baby is found to have torsion in the abdominal area, causing colic, constipation and /or vomiting. This can also affect the lungs and many cases of asthma have been helped through cranial treatment.
Even with births through caesarean section, the treatment is good. With planned C- sections the baby frequently goes into a state of shock because of the suddenness of separation. With emergency sections, the baby has often been in distress for a while and so gone into shock. Also, he or she may have been pushing hard against the pelvic bones of mum and have damaged the cranium at the same time.
Using a qualified Cranial Osteopath, provides re-assurance and support for mother & father. Furthermore they seek to treat children, rather than conditions.
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Tracey Lomax trained at the Osteopathic Centre for Children in Harley street London and owns Huddersfield Osteopathy in Huddersfield West Yorkshire. Supported through internet marketing by www.e-bob.co.uk