Baby clinic
What are digestive disorders in babies?
Being born is not a relaxing time for a baby. Many complications can arise within this time. The natural response for any human of any age is known as the ‘Fright, flight and fight’ response. This is when we become stressed or scared and our body automatically activates our specialised nervous system (Autonomic nervous system) placing blood (fuel) from one area to others.
When the child has it’s first feed the opposite response should occur. Where the body must recharge by absorbing the blood back into the intestines away from the limbs and neck allowing for maximum food absorption and speeding up the growing process. We call this the ‘Caterpillar phase’.
If the stresses are prolonged the baby may reduce the blood supply to the intestine so aggressively that it causes a cramping effect (stitch). Normally the feeding response should rectify this but we find that in upset, restless and bloated children this is not the case.
Sadly the conveyor belt motion of the intestine comes to a halt and the food forms a traffic jam. Acid mixed with milk ferments and the intestine becomes bloated and stretched causing pain, trapped wind and discomfort. Your baby knows this and will try to move around and get into a position it feel comfortable. When some of the food or gas has moved past this area they will be more comfortable and relaxed. This can happen daily and for weeks.
There are numerous things that can cause stress to a baby or child. We not only understand the complicated foetal development process but also know how the baby works and can identify where a problem is stemming from to give a quick and accurate diagnosis and treatment.
How do we achieve this?
Osteopath's have a very fine sense of touch. We use this to find the blocked and poorly functioning areas. Then with the use of articulation, gentle soft tissue techniques and a technique known to combine Cranial Osteopath and Function Release.
Will it be uncomfortable?
A bloated child will feel some discomfort but the high majority of children and babies are totally at ease.
What is osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a holistic approach to medicine. We look at the main area of concern and with our high degree of anatomical, neurological and embryological training we understand the interaction of all limbs, joints, organs and nervous system control that can either 'over compensate' to help fix a problem of not function to it's full potential therefore blocking the recovery process.
Does my baby need help?
You will clearly know if your baby is unhappy. Not feeding well, underweight, bloated and gasey, the distinctive cry, the restlessness after feeding, not settling at night, lying on their back kicking like a struggling tortoise!
Could there be any adverse reactions?
Reactions to treatment are variable, often the baby or child is very relaxed afterwards and sleeps well. Others have a burst of energy after treatment, usually followed by a good nights sleep.
Occasionally children are unsettled after treatment. This is a temporary situation, and usually clears within 24-48 hours. We do encourage any concerned parent to call us to check if there child is okay and to get piece of mind.
What is Cranial Osteopathy?
Cranial osteopaths are trained to feel a very gentle, rhythmical shape change that is present in all body tissues. This is called Involuntary Motion or the Cranial Rhythm. The movement is of very small amplitude, therefore it takes practitioners with a very skilled and finely developed sense of touch to feel it. This rhythm was first described in the early 1900's by Dr. William G. Sutherland and its existence was confirmed in a series of laboratory tests in the 1960's and '70's.
What do you treat?
The most commonly seen thing in babies are:-
Minor digestive problems
Poor eating patterns and volume.
Restlessness at sleepy times.
Stiff necks.
