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Phone 59 77 04 66 | FAX 59 75 6752.  938 Nepean Hwy, Mornington
M 8am-6:30pm | T 9am-7pm | W 9am-8pm | T 9am-6pm | F 8am-6.30pm

Phone 59 77 04 66 | FAX 59 75 6752.  938 Nepean Hwy, Mornington
M 8am-6:30pm | T 9am-7pm | W 9am-8pm | T 9am-6pm | F 8am-6.30pm

Osteopathy and babies

Many mothers seek Osteopathic treatment for their babies, and osteopathy may have a role to play in the management of a limited range of conditions affecting babies especially if there is a possible musculoskeletal component to the problem. We always recommend that the first port of call for any problems affecting babies should be your GP. However, in cases where medical tests have indicated no serious underlying conditions, seeing an Osteopath can be beneficial.

The types of conditions for which mothers often seek treatment include:

  • Feeding difficulties, especially if related to head and jaw compression during birth.
  • Neck issues that cause babies to prefer one side, or have flat spots on their skull.
  • General unsettledness and irritability.
  • Colic/ bowel problems caused by disturbed function, not disease.
  • Reflux related to spasm in the muscle wall of the gut.

We have also observed, and there is some evidence to indicate that, after certain types of births, musculoskeletal problems affecting both babies and mothers may be more common. These include a long or very short labour, an atypical delivery that might involve the use of forceps or ventouse/vacuum, a Caesarean birth, or multiple pregnancies. These types of deliveries can sometimes cause birth strains to both mother and baby, and while any such problems should first be investigated by a doctor, some cases may respond to Osteopathic treatment. We are happy to discuss with parents whether Osteopathy may be of benefit, and we also liaise with local GPs, midwives and maternal health nurses to obtain the best results for your baby.

At Bayside Osteopathic Clinic we have Dr Khali Williams, Dr Kate Murphy and Dr Rebecca Thompson who have completed further studies in paediatric Osteopathy. They treat babies using only the lightest of Osteopathic techniques, and there are very few documented cases of any significant risks or adverse effects associated with this type of treatment. If a baby is more comfortable s/he can be treated in her/ his parents’ arms or whilst feeding. Babies tend to enjoy getting treated and quite often fall asleep while being worked on.

If you have any questions or would like further information on Osteopathic treatment for your baby, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 5977-0466.