CST with Babies and Children
The birth of our children is one of the most wonderful things we can experience. It is well known that although giving birth can be very rewarding it can be stressful and challenging too. What is perhaps less well recognised is that birth and prenatal life can also be physically and emotionally stressful for the baby.
As the little one travels through the birth canal the head becomes moulded to allow it to pass through. The rest of the baby’s body is also subject to compressions and stresses. Although much of the effects resolve after delivery, some can remain.
What remains has the potential to affect function in the nervous system and other structures in the affected areas. Difficulties with bonding, sleeping, sucking, feeding, digestion and elimination (colic), and excessive crying etc are among the conditions which may be related to birth stress.
As well as the birth, obstretrical interventions such as induction, forceps, ventouse, pain relief and caesarean delivery may have impacts which can lead to problems.
Craniosacral Therapy with babies and young children can be very beneficial as the compressions and stresses of birth may be more easily resolved before the full fusion of the cranial bones, which happens as the child matures. It offers an opportunity to increase the potential for good health for babies and children at an early stage.
Craniosacral therapy is also suitable for older children and adults.
Treatment
Treatment is carried out at the child’s pace, and from the point of view that they are a whole, feeling individual, rather than just a body needing to be ‘fixed’. Treatment is generally carried out with baby in Mum or Dad’s lap, or on pillows or cushions on the floor.
A very light and gentle touch is used and there is no need to remove clothes. One parent is required to be present at all times during treatments. It can be helpful if both parents can be present.
How many treatments might be needed?
One treatment may sometimes be enough, but a series of six to ten allows more change to take place as restrictions are released, and inner resources build up. Longer term conditions may need more treatments. Regular sessions can be very beneficial in supporting good health.
