Cranial Osteopathy is a well established treatment that uses very subtle techniques to address the strain patterns that build up in the body overtime. It has become well know amongst people that do not respond well to the more direct techniques of Osteopathy; those that are particularly reactive or struggle to find the energy to respond to direct techniques. It has become widely known for the treatment of new born babies and children that may suffer from the compressive forces of the womb or birth itself.
Although Cranial Osteopaths pay particular attention to patterns that exist within the cranial structures, their techniques apply to the whole body. When they unwind the compressive forces at the top of the head and neck this changes postural relationships across the whole spine as well as freeing important nerves that can impact feeding, digestion and sleeping.
Cranial Osteopathy Is a gentle non-invasive form of treatment.
Babies & Children
Welcoming a new baby into the world is a beautiful, life-changing experience—but it’s also a physically demanding one, for both mother and baby. While we often focus on the mother’s recovery, we sometimes overlook the physical impact birth can have on a newborn.
Even in a smooth, natural delivery, babies can experience what we call birth strain—tension or compression in their tiny bodies caused by the journey through the birth canal. The good news is, this is something that can often be gently eased through osteopathy.
What Is Birth Strain?
During birth, a baby’s body is exposed to pressure and forces that help guide them into the world. Their skull bones are soft and flexible for this reason, and their bodies are incredibly resilient. But sometimes, especially in more challenging births, this process can leave areas of tension or restriction.
Common causes of birth strain include:
- Long or very quick labours
- Forceps or ventouse-assisted deliveries
- Caesarean sections
- Breech or unusual positioning
- Cord complications
- Twin or multiple births
These physical stresses can leave a baby with subtle discomfort that may affect how they settle, feed, sleep, or develop in those early weeks.
Signs Your Baby Might Have Birth Strain
Every baby is different, but some signs that may indicate birth strain include:
- Preference for turning the head to one side
- Flattening on one side of the head (plagiocephaly)
- Difficulty latching or feeding
- Colic or excessive wind
- Restlessness or difficulty sleeping
- Arching the back when feeding or being held
- Tension in the jaw, shoulders, or limbs
- Asymmetrical movements (e.g., one arm more active than the other)
These can all be signs that your baby is carrying some tension from birth—and they’re not unusual. Often, these patterns gently resolve on their own over time, but osteopathy can help support and speed up the process.
How Can Osteopathy Help?
Osteopathy is a gentle, hands-on therapy that focuses on releasing tension and restoring balance in the body. In babies, osteopaths use soft, subtle techniques (often known as cranial or paediatric osteopathy) to help soothe areas of restriction and support the body’s natural healing processes.
A baby’s body responds very well to this gentle approach. Treatment is non-invasive, relaxing, and tailored specifically to the needs of infants.
Some benefits of osteopathic treatment for babies with birth strain may include:
- Improved comfort and relaxation
- Better feeding and digestion
- Enhanced sleep patterns
- Support for symmetrical development
- Relief from colic or wind
- Greater ease in movement and positioning
A Supportive Start to Life
As osteopaths, we see birth as a big event—not just emotionally, but physically. Our goal is never to “fix” your baby, but to support their body in finding comfort, balance, and ease so they can grow, feed, and explore the world freely.
Cesarean Births
Cesarean births can be elective or used to prevent the child from struggling in a difficult situation. The baby is taken from the uterus by incision and does not pass through the birth canal. Natural birth is by it’s nature traumatic but it also has a stimulatory role, as the child skull passes through the birth canal it is extended strongly that opens the front of the neck and stimulates the lungs and upper thoracic spine. This means that babies that are not born naturally can present with more flexion dominant patterns through the front of the chest and thorax. The natural development of the child, laying on their front tummy time, pressing up on their arms will free these patterns over time.
Why Some Babies Struggle to Feed – And How Gentle Support Can Help
Feeding is one of the most natural and nurturing parts of early life—but for many babies (and their parents), it doesn’t always go smoothly. Whether it’s breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or a bit of both, some babies struggle to feed well, and that can be distressing for everyone involved.
If your baby is having difficulty feeding, you’re not alone. It’s more common than many people realise, and there are often underlying reasons that can be gently supported and resolved.
Common Feeding Difficulties in Babies
Feeding issues can show up in many different ways. Some signs your baby might be struggling include:
- Difficulty latching or staying latched
- Fussiness or crying during feeds
- Clicking sounds while feeding
- Wind, colic, or excessive spit-up
- Slow weight gain or frequent short feeds
- Preference for feeding on one side only
So why does this happen?
Possible Reasons Babies Struggle to Feed
Feeding is a full-body experience for a newborn. It involves coordination between their mouth, jaw, tongue, neck, head, and even their breathing and digestion. If there’s tension or imbalance anywhere along the way, it can affect how well they feed.
Here are some common contributing factors:
1. Birth Strain or Trauma
Even in straightforward births, babies experience a lot of pressure during delivery. In more complex births (like those involving forceps, ventouse, or C-sections), there can be added strain on a baby’s head, neck, or jaw. This tension may affect their ability to open their mouth fully, turn their head easily, or coordinate sucking and swallowing.
2. Tongue Tie (Ankyloglossia)
A tongue tie is when the tissue under the tongue is too tight or short, restricting movement. This can affect latching, cause discomfort during feeding, and lead to maternal nipple pain during breastfeeding.
3. Neck or Jaw Tension
Tightness in the muscles around the jaw or neck can make it difficult for babies to open their mouths wide or turn their heads equally on both sides—both of which are important for effective feeding.
4. Digestive Immaturity
Some babies have immature digestive systems that contribute to reflux, wind, or discomfort after feeding. This can make feeding unpleasant and lead to fussiness or refusal.
5. Overstimulation or Stress
Babies are sensitive to their environment. If they’re overtired, overstimulated, or uncomfortable, they may struggle to settle and feed calmly.
How Can an Osteopath Help?
Osteopathy offers a gentle, hands-on approach to assess and treat areas of tension or imbalance in a baby’s body. Using subtle techniques, a qualified paediatric osteopath can help:
- Release tension in the neck, shoulders, and jaw
- Improve head and tongue mobility
- Support digestive function and reduce discomfort
- Create better alignment for more effective feeding
It’s a non-invasive, relaxing approach that works with your baby’s natural rhythms—and it’s often so calming that babies fall asleep during treatment.
Working Together with You
Feeding challenges can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, many babies go on to feed beautifully and comfortably. As osteopaths, we work closely with parents, midwives, lactation consultants, and other health professionals to provide a supportive, integrated approach to care.
If your baby is struggling to feed or if you just feel something’s not quite right, don’t hesitate to reach out. Sometimes even small adjustments can make a big difference—for your baby and for your peace of mind.