Cranio Sacral Therapy

Cranio Sacral therapy for Babies and Children

Birth is nature's way of preparing babies for life outside the womb, and it triggers physiological responses that stimulate the nervous system and reshapes the baby’s skull and spine, especially the neck and lumbar reflexes, which are vital for early movement and development.    

During birth the fetal skull is designed to mould and the sutures overlap as the baby makes its way down and through the maternal pelvis. The birth process can create stress or compression in a baby’s delicate cranial and spinal structures, especially those born via forceps or ventouse deliveries and prolonged or rapid births. Cranio sacral therapy works with the baby to gently unfold and release these restrictions in the skull, spine, sacrum and fascia, encouraging optimal functioning and development of all of baby’s systems, not least the nervous system.

Babies are naturally able to self correct many of the physical aspects from birth within the body, crying, suckling, even yawning help the skull to restructure healthily. However many babies that have had a traumatic “delivery’ may need support to release these restrictions after birth.

Some babies find the birth experience extremley stressful and may remain in a state of shock, feeling overwhelmed and overstimulated by the new world they find themselves in. Stress for older children and adults triggers the fight or flight reaction, however newborns are not able to act on this physiological response, so may instead seem to shut down. I have often heard parents comment that their baby doesn’t seem to have realised they are born yet, while it may just be that they are mimising their stress levels. Whatever the baby has been through, Cranio sacral therapy is a gentle, non invasive approach, which treats baby respectfully and allows time and space for them to tell their story & unfold into the world.

Babies and their mothers are a dyad, a beautiful unit, still as one together. The baby looks to their mother to met their needs and regulate their nervous system. It is therefore often beneficial to treat mothers and babies together, supporting co regulation of mum and baby, with baby being held or breastfed.

CST can help support babies with...

• Transition to life - the birth process and early adaptation to life outside the safety of the womb needs recognition, acknowlegement of what baby has experienced and safe integration to their new environment
• Torticollis - often babies may prefer to feed on one side rather than the other as a result of neck tension & discomfort from birth process, mal presentations such as face or brow presentation, instrumental deliveries, or just effects of position in utero.
• Reflux and Colic - these are symptoms of a baby who is adapting to life, and perfecting the art of suck, swallow, breathe, which can lead to an uncomfortable baby at times. Along with the compressive forces of birth which need to be supported to gently resolve tension, Cranio sacral therapy can help alleviate reflux, colic & digestive discomfort.
• Unsettled, uncomfortable babies - Cranio sacral therapy gently regulates the baby’s nervous system and can help release the tension and patterns of restriction that may be causing discomfort.

During a session, your baby may be held, lie on a padded table, or rest on you. Many babies relax deeply, and signs of release may include yawning, sighing, or changes in posture and tone. It is often beneficial for babies to be treated while feeding, or held by mum, as they are still so intricately linked together, bringing ease to both systems.

Craniosacral Therapy is non-invasive, respectful, and deeply calming. When performed by a qualified practitioner, it is safe for even the youngest babies.

An Holistic Approach

As a midwife, postnatal doula, and infant feeding coach, I often integrate CST with other support to provide whole-person care. Feeding challenges, for example, may be supported both through CST alongside guidance on latch, positioning and answering any infant feeding concerns you may have.

This integrative approach can ease the journey for babies and parents alike, helping everyone feel more connected, resourced, and at ease.

Get In Touch

Would you like to learn more or book a session? Please get in touch - I’d be honoured to support you and your little one.