WHY DO INFANTS NEED THERAPY?
It’s a question I’m often asked by clients, there are a couple of reasons; the uterus is a small squishy space and how the baby lies in the uterus and in the pelvis influences how they develop. Secondly, no matter how it happens; natural vaginal birth, vaginal birth with assistance or c-section, birth is hard work for both mum and babe! With infants, their growth history and birth story is often contained in their bony structure (head, shoulders, rib cage, pelvis), within their fascial systems and their nervous systems.
As a parent you may notice your baby’s story in the following ways:
- Breastfeeding Issues
- Poor latch
- Colic or reflux
- Torticollis or plagiocephaly
- Uncomfortable in car seats
- Dislike to be on their backs or tummies
- Arch their back or are stiff when held
- Constipation
Infants have very receptive bodies and respond well and quickly to gentle therapy; allowing space and ease in their bodies enables them, and by extension their families, to live fuller, happier lives. I usually give home exercises to compliment the treatment, it makes such a big difference when parents are able to continue the healing process at home!
Paediatric Treatments
Children are phenomenal in their natural healing capacity, often not pausing before they throw themselves from one crash into the next Band-Aid crisis. Often Gaelen sees children because parents notice an asymmetry that doesn’t self resolve or because the child complains of pain that doesn’t resolve. Some examples could be: the child is limping, has one foot turned out or in more than the other, uses one arm much less than the other or keeps their head tilted in a certain way. All are clues that there are some structural issues at hand. Much of the treatment can be done through or around clothing and kids are usually glad to see Gaelen. Parents are present during treatment, which is light, specific and comforting.
Issues that can be helped:
- Hip rotations
- Constipation
- Anxiety
- Strains
- Torticollis
- Plagiocephaly
Infant Massage
Parents, especially first time parents have such a huge learning curve in baby care and all of it so practical and so necessary. Learning ‘how to’ change diapers, breast feed, put on and take off clothing, bathe wriggling, slippery bodies and countless other activities that are needed just to keep baby clean and fed. While performing these activities we do form a bond with baby but taking the time to massage your baby can help deepen that bond. Massage is the time when we ask and listen, teaching baby and ourselves another way to communicate. Gaelen shows parents in private sessions how to massage baby.