More and More...new parents are realising that the birth process is not only traumatic for the mother, but the baby also can suffer injury and major distress from the birth process, especially if there have been complications

Most people believe that babies and children should have no structural stresses or strains in their bodies, because they are 'so young'. The reality is very different. Birth is one of the most stressful events in our lives. The baby is subjected to enormous forces, by the mother pushing and the natural resistance of the birth canal.

Crying, screaming and irritability are some of the symptoms that babies present to osteopaths with. The baby may be uncomfortable, with a constant feeling of pressure in the head. This may be made worse by the extra pressure on the head when lying down.

Feeding difficulties, Sickness, colic and wind are other symptoms and by precise examination of the baby osteopaths can usually pinpoint problem areas where fro example the baby may have muscle spasm or trauma that may be affecting the ability of the baby to feed and keep food down.

It is now getting more and more common for new born babies to visit an Osteopath for a post birth checkup to look for any areas of tension or stress that may cause discomfort to the baby. They usually find the experience extremely relaxing and soothing, and often sleep very soundly after.

Sarah has undertaken training in pediatrics at Oxford Brookes University and in cranial osteopathy with the internationally renowned Upledger Institute (www.upledger.com)