The top 3 reasons for parents of newborns to seek osteopathic care are:
• Issues with feeding and latching
• Head and neck favouring
• Baby generally being unsettled
Newborn babies can commonly experience muscle imbalances and other structural issues that can affect how their body’s function which is often the cause for both an unhappy baby and stressed-out, overwhelmed parents. At Wairakei Osteopathy, most of us are parents too and have experienced these sometimes overwhelming issues.
Feeding difficulties can be caused by anything from head favouring to tongue and lip ties. Head and neck favouring describes when a baby wants to look one way and not the other and may be caused by issues with delivery or positioning of the baby in utero. Unsettled babies may have issues with these things as well or just about anything else in between, like difficulty latching at the breast or a tight diaphragm. Your osteopath can help resolve these physical issues, and work to empower and equip you as a parent to deal with an unsettled baby.
Osteopathic treatment aims to assist the body in a natural, gentle, hands-on way by using techniques like stretching, gentle movement and massage to reduce tension in muscles, joints and viscera. We also aim to educate and support our patients as part of our holistic approach which considers the body as a whole. We can discuss related issues such as diet and tips for sleeping position.
Additionally, your osteopath may also assess your baby developmentally and assist with further referrals to other practitioners or medical professionals if required. We can help to map out some strategies to assist you and your baby after your treatment as well. It is important to get advice early on, as this can prevent further discomfort and developmental delays that can affect children later in life.
For new mothers, breastfeeding and carrying a baby can be hard work for the upper back and neck and may be detrimental to posture. Osteopathic treatment can relieve the discomfort and improve posture. Birth can be a challenging experience for many mums and pregnancy can affect your body long term. Osteopaths are well placed to manage postpartum discomfort. We are ACC providers and can lodge birthing injuries directly, you don’t need to go through your GP or midwife.
Having your newborn checked can ensure any problems are dealt with quickly before they become an issue but looking after yourself is just as important and can ensure that both you and your baby are happy and healthy.
At Wairakei Osteopathy we have practitioners who are experienced in treating mums and bubs. To make a time, call our helpful and friendly reception team on 03 351 8262, or go online and book with Olivia, Carla or Kris using the following link;
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