Cranial-Osteopathy for Pregnancy, Babies and Children

Birth is obviously one of the most important events of one’s life and yet for a baby it may be one of the most stressful. During birth the baby is subject to enormous forces as the uterus pushes to expel the baby against the natural resistance of the birth canal. To help the head pass through the narrow pelvis, the soft bones of the head accommodate the size and shape of the maternal pelvis by sliding and overlapping each other at the level of the sutures (bony joints). This process is referred to as moulding and is why many babies are born with odd shaped heads after birth.

In the first few days after birth sucking, crying and yawning all help to affect the pressure in the skull and naturally restore the cranial shape (unmoulding).

However, in some cases the moulding can be retained, and will need attention. Left untreated, the bony plates may remain overlapped, pulled apart, or under excessive strain. This in turn can cause tension or pinching in the delicate membranes that cover the brain and nervous system. Overstrain of tissues and compression of joints in the head, neck and upper back may also occur as a result. This may affect the nerves which come from the base of the skull and help in such body functions as feeding, digestion and breathing, and may cause other imbalances in the rest of the body.

 Such problems may well be accentuated if there has been a difficult presentation such as a very quick or perhaps a prolonged labour, a breach delivery, a situation where baby has a relatively large head and mum has a smaller pelvis where the fit between the two has been especially stressful, or, if the delivery has been assisted with forceps or ventouse suction for example

 Osteopathic treatment can help encourage unmoulding and release uncomfortable stresses and distortions in the babie’s body after birth, allowing the baby to relax and become much happier and more settled.

 Things to look out for that may indicate a need for an osteopathic review include:

 Osteopathic treatment using the cranial approach is very safe, gentle and effective in the treatment of babies and children. The osteopath’s highly trained sense of touch is used to identify and correct mechanical disturbances and limitations both in and around the joints of the skull, the membranes connected to them and throughout the body. They use gentle techniques to release restrictions and to stimulate the babies own inherent healing mechanisms, aiding a return to a more balanced state. By removing these restrictions treatment thus allows baby to grow, develop and function in as unrestricted, balanced and happy manner as is possible allowing their body to function optimally and enjoy better health. Early detection and treatment of restricted mobility can help prevent the development of chronic problems later on in life.

 It can also help with older childhood complaints such as:

Ear infections, Sinus and dental problems, Recurrent Chest infections and Asthma, Headaches, Developing posture, aches and pains.

Fee:

 Initial €60, Follow up €50.

 Osteopath:

Jennifer Murphy, Registered Osteopath completed her 4 year B.Sc (Hons) Osteopathic Medicine degree at the Surrey Institute of Osteopathic Medicine. Since graduating, she has been in private practice treating both adults and children. Jennifer has great success with treating general complaints and has a passion for women and children’s health. Since graduating she has undertaken several postgraduate courses in paediatrics (children) and obstetric osteopathy (The treatment of pregnant women) along with courses in the field of visceral and cranial osteopathy. She continues to expand her skills in these areas with regular post graduate courses.

 She is a member of the osteopathic council of Ireland. Fees are eligible for partial refund and all treatments are covered by VHI, Quinn, Vivas and HSA Health Insurance Schemes

  Please call reception on 01 8283992 to make an appointment