Bodywork for Babies
Body work, such as cranial osteopathy or paediatric chiropractic care, plays a key role in supporting babies with feeding challenges. These gentle techniques help ease tension in the head, neck, and jaw - often caused by position of baby in the womb, labour and birth or early structural imbalances - improving your baby’s ability to latch, suck, and swallow effectively, which is essential for successful feeding, whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.​
Understanding Tension in Newborns: How Bodywork Can Help
The birthing process is a significant physical event for a baby. Whether it's a prolonged labour, a rapid delivery, a breech position, an assisted birth involving forceps or ventouse or caesarean section, these experiences can create tension in a baby's body - particularly in the head, neck, and jaw. Even a tight frenulum (tongue tie) can contribute to tension in the jaw and neck, affecting feeding and overall well-being.​
Prolonged labours, often due to the baby's positioning, can lead to exhaustion and necessitate emergency interventions. Conversely, rapid labours might not allow sufficient time for the baby's body to adjust naturally, potentially resulting in residual tension.
These physical stresses can manifest as tension in areas like the jaw, neck, or shoulders, potentially affecting a baby's comfort and mobility.
Such tension may interfere with effective feeding, whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. Additionally, conditions like tongue-tie (ankyloglossia), where a tight frenulum restricts tongue movement, can further complicate feeding due to the restricted tongue function.
Newborns can't tell us when they're uncomfortable, but certain signs may indicate underlying tension:​
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Difficulty latching or feeding
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Fussiness or irritability
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Preference for turning the head to one side
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Asymmetrical head shape
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Colic or excessive crying
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Reflux or digestive discomfort
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Sleep disturbances​​
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These symptoms can be distressing for both baby and parents, but gentle, specialised care can make a significant difference.
Signs of Tension in Babies
The Role of Bodywork
Bodywork encompasses therapies like cranial osteopathy and paediatric chiropractic care, which aim to gently release tension and restore balance in a baby's body. Practitioners use light, precise touch to assess and alleviate restrictions, supporting the baby's natural ability to relax and function optimally.
Benefits of bodywork for babies may include:​
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Improved feeding and latching
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Reduced symptoms of colic and reflux
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Enhanced sleep quality
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Better head and neck mobility
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Overall increased comfort and contentment​
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These therapies are gentle and tailored to each baby's needs, often leading to noticeable improvements in a short period.
Our Approach at Zita Maria
At Zita Maria, we understand the challenges that can arise in the early stages of a baby's life. That's why we collaborate with specialised professionals in paediatric osteopathy and chiropractic care to provide holistic, individualised support for your baby.​
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Our integrated approach ensures that any structural issues impacting feeding, comfort, or development are thoroughly addressed. We are committed to supporting your family's journey with compassion and expertise, helping your baby thrive from the very beginning.