Upledger Craniosacral Therapy for babies No journey in life can be as challenging as the one that brought us into it. Most births happily have no complications, however in some cases problems can occur and babies have to be helped into the world quickly, by forceps delivery, Ventouse extraction or caesarean section, necessary procedures save their lives.
But as even a natural birth can be traumatic for a baby this can be very stressful for them. Approximately 95% of all new born babies retain some birth stress
As the baby travels down the birth canal, the bones of the head overlap to allow room for their passage through. their head is effectively used ad a battering ram to force its way out or used as a lever to be pulled out. So its not surprising problems can occur.
Symptoms of birth stress the retained effects of pregnancy/labour cause most problems suffered by babies such as:
Six reasons why people recommend taking a course of Craniosacral therapy during their Pregnancy.
But as even a natural birth can be traumatic for a baby this can be very stressful for them. Approximately 95% of all new born babies retain some birth stress
As the baby travels down the birth canal, the bones of the head overlap to allow room for their passage through. their head is effectively used ad a battering ram to force its way out or used as a lever to be pulled out. So its not surprising problems can occur.
- Upledger Craiosacral therapy is not a head massage
- The treatment is very safe and gentle so your baby will not be harmed
- Sometimes during a treatment babies may cry while tensions are released and I realise this can be distressing to parents and give reassurance that their baby is alright. Once the tensions are released their baby then usually relaxes deeply and falls peacefully asleep.
Symptoms of birth stress the retained effects of pregnancy/labour cause most problems suffered by babies such as:
- Excessive crying
- constant screaming
- Poor sleep
- Difficult feeding
- Constant suckling
- unsettled
- colic
- Trapped wind
- Acid reflux
- asthma/Breathing problems
- crying when laid on their back
- unresponsive baby
- Shock or stress from the birth
- Twisting/torticollis of the neck
- Compression of the skull
- Head, neck, or spine pain
- The baby is still in survival mode, “fight or flight syndrome” increasing sympathetic tension
- Post traumatic stress disorder (common in premature babies
- Position of baby during pregnancy
- Trauma of delivery
- Quickly/ long labour
- Induction
- Foetal distress
- Caesarean section
- Post natal procedure – operations, lumbar punctures, cannula.
Six reasons why people recommend taking a course of Craniosacral therapy during their Pregnancy.
- Ease the pain and discomfort of Pregnancy. Many times women complain of tightness and
stomach problems or “feeling squashed by the baby”. As the body changes to accommodate the
growing foetus inside the womb, it deals with new stresses and strains and as a result, general pain
and discomfort can arise, Rather than take drugs, often pregnant mothers just live with the
discomfort. The gentle techniques used in Craniosacrat therapy can help to reduce these stresses
and pains and may help a pregnant mother enjoy her pregnancy in a more relaxed and happier
mood. - Helps the body deal with the physical changes of a growing baby. As your new baby grows, as
much as the skin and womb can expand outwards, there is still a lack of room The stomach, liver,
kidneys, intestines and other organs fight for the restricted space in order to function as they usually
do, however these restrictions can often impair their function. Regular Craniosacral treatment can
help the organs adapt to their new reality, maintain good blood flow and release fascial tensions
which may develop between them. This will leave a pregnant mother feeling more relaxed, less
tightness, and the feeling of “more space” inside her abdomen. - Treats back and other pains. Often women complain of back ache during the second half of
their pregnancy as their baby gains weight. This extra pressure on the back muscles can lead to
sciatic pain down the legs or severe lower back pain. Craniosacral therapy will help support the
muscles’ ability to function properly by reducing tensions in them and therefore increasing blood and
oxygen supply to them. With improved muscle tone in the lower and upper half of the back, tensions
to the nerves are reduced and back and sciatic pains may be relieved. Similarly, increased blood
circulation in the hips and legs helps relieve pains felt in the legs and feet. - Helps Prepare the mothers body for the process of birth. Either regular treatment of
Craniosacral therapy during pregnancy or some intensive treatment during the last couple of months,
can help prepare the mother’s body for the birth. By reducing tensions in the muscles of the pelvic
floor, the uterus and the stomach, child birth becomes an easier, less physically stressful event for the
mother and baby. - improves blood flow in your body Treatment reduces the tensions in muscles – the diaphragm
and pelvic floor particularly during pregnancy – which can often have been placing pressure on the
major arteries or veins of the body, the aorta and the vena cava. These tensions or restrictions
slightly constrict the arteries causing reduced blood flow in the torso or legs. When the diaphragm
techniques are applied to these areas, muscle tone decreases and allows for improved blood flow
around the body, especially to the digestive tract and the womb. So as well feeling more energised
and relaxed from Craniosacral therapy, you will be benefiting your growing baby by allowing improved
blood, nutrient and oxygen flow. A growing baby needs all the food he she can get. - Supports the immune system. During pregnancy the methods body diverts all of its surplus
energy and biological processes to protecting and providing the most optimal conditions for the
growing baby” So much so that often the mother’s immune system (which protects us from and fights
disease and illness) can become less effective. Craniosacral therapy enhances and maintains a high
level of energy and effectiveness for the body’s defensive systems. This helps the mother deal better
with the winter time, when colds, fevers and other (seasonal) illnesses are more likely to affect her.
CranioSacral Therapy Can Help Decrease Stress and Improve Fertility
By Karen Axelrod, C.S.T.-D. September 18, 2014
While there are many reasons a woman might have difficulty becoming pregnant, one reason has to do with stress levels and hormones in the future mother’s body. A 2014 U.S. study published in the journal Human Reproduction found that highly stressed women “took 29 percent longer to get pregnant compared to other women and [that] their risk of infertility doubled.” A U.K. study published around the same time found similar results when surveying couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments.
CranioSacral Therapy can contribute to balancing a woman’s stress levels—and can therefore help improve fertility. To understand how this modality can help, it is important to understand how the central nervous system works.
When you experience chronic, ongoing stress, your nervous system is in the fight-or-flight, or sympathetic, state. When you are relaxed and stress-free, your body is in the parasympathetic state. The parasympathetic state allows you to rest, digest and reproduce. It is the exact opposite of the sympathetic state, which prepares your body to fight, flee or even freeze in response to perceived danger.
This hardwired stress reflex is present in all mammals. When facing true danger, the last thing you need is to rest up, digest food or make a baby. You need to get out of harm’s way. Escape is facilitated when the sympathetic nervous system activates the release of stress hormones, which flush the muscles with blood, increase heart rate and prepare the body to fight or flee. When the danger passes, the normal response is to go back into a parasympathetic state and get on with your life—at least until the next threat appears.
When you experience ongoing or extreme stress—perhaps due to a traumatic event or day-to-day challenges that have spiraled out of control—your body spends more time in the sympathetic state. The body does not recognize the difference between being chased by a tiger in the forest and being plagued by modern financial woes. It responds in the same way to all types of stress. For example, you might notice it is hard to sleep or your digestion becomes disrupted when you are stressed out. Reproductive capabilities can also become compromised, due to dysregulation of hormones in this high-stress state.
Stress also creates muscle tension. We’ve all felt this in our shoulders, neck or jaw after working long hours. If pelvic muscles are always slightly contracted due to stress—ready to fight or flee—this could lead to a misaligned pelvic structure, tipped uterus or twisted fallopian tubes. Misalignment and chronic tension in the low back or pelvic floor also adversely affect nerves and blood supply to the reproductive organs, making it hard to conceive or maintain a pregnancy.
A study published in 2012 in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found fertility rates improved for 60 percent of subjects after manual therapy was applied to the pelvic region. Despite the small number of subjects in the study, the author believes “manual therapy could potentially be used as a first course of treatment for infertile patients considering hormone therapy, intrauterine insemination (IUI), or IVF treatments.”
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a multi-faceted manual therapy that enhances the function of the craniosacral system—the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Through gentle cranial manipulations, CST boosts the body’s natural healing processes to improve operation of the central nervous system, dissipate effects of stress, and enhance overall health and well-being.
Because of its inherently relaxing nature, CST can help women reduce stress and negotiate the transition into proper parasympathetic functioning to enable conception. The therapist uses gentle hands-on techniques to release restrictions within the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. She may also incorporate guided imagery and other relaxation techniques so clients can learn to identify and self-regulate stress before it escalates. CST is effective in helping women address negative emotions, such as fear or worry, associated with pregnancy; and it helps rid the body of residual tissue memory of emotional or physical trauma—some of which may relate to previous pregnancies, births or a complicated conception process.
During treatment, as the body softens and drops deeper into parasympathetic states of relaxation—and remains there for longer periods of time between sessions—the ability to rest, digest and reproduce will be restored. As underlying tension dissipates body-wide, the bones, muscles, organs and nerves of the reproductive system may eventually regain optimal function to support fertility, conception and a healthy, full-term pregnancy.
About the Author
Karen Axelrod (www.karenaxelrod.com) is a Diplomate-certified CranioSacral Therapist based in Redondo Beach, California. She is also an Upledger Institute CranioSacral Therapy instructor. Her treatments integrate body, mind and spirit to help clients recognize and reconnect to inner resources necessary for deep healing at a core level.
By Karen Axelrod, C.S.T.-D. September 18, 2014
While there are many reasons a woman might have difficulty becoming pregnant, one reason has to do with stress levels and hormones in the future mother’s body. A 2014 U.S. study published in the journal Human Reproduction found that highly stressed women “took 29 percent longer to get pregnant compared to other women and [that] their risk of infertility doubled.” A U.K. study published around the same time found similar results when surveying couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments.
CranioSacral Therapy can contribute to balancing a woman’s stress levels—and can therefore help improve fertility. To understand how this modality can help, it is important to understand how the central nervous system works.
When you experience chronic, ongoing stress, your nervous system is in the fight-or-flight, or sympathetic, state. When you are relaxed and stress-free, your body is in the parasympathetic state. The parasympathetic state allows you to rest, digest and reproduce. It is the exact opposite of the sympathetic state, which prepares your body to fight, flee or even freeze in response to perceived danger.
This hardwired stress reflex is present in all mammals. When facing true danger, the last thing you need is to rest up, digest food or make a baby. You need to get out of harm’s way. Escape is facilitated when the sympathetic nervous system activates the release of stress hormones, which flush the muscles with blood, increase heart rate and prepare the body to fight or flee. When the danger passes, the normal response is to go back into a parasympathetic state and get on with your life—at least until the next threat appears.
When you experience ongoing or extreme stress—perhaps due to a traumatic event or day-to-day challenges that have spiraled out of control—your body spends more time in the sympathetic state. The body does not recognize the difference between being chased by a tiger in the forest and being plagued by modern financial woes. It responds in the same way to all types of stress. For example, you might notice it is hard to sleep or your digestion becomes disrupted when you are stressed out. Reproductive capabilities can also become compromised, due to dysregulation of hormones in this high-stress state.
Stress also creates muscle tension. We’ve all felt this in our shoulders, neck or jaw after working long hours. If pelvic muscles are always slightly contracted due to stress—ready to fight or flee—this could lead to a misaligned pelvic structure, tipped uterus or twisted fallopian tubes. Misalignment and chronic tension in the low back or pelvic floor also adversely affect nerves and blood supply to the reproductive organs, making it hard to conceive or maintain a pregnancy.
A study published in 2012 in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found fertility rates improved for 60 percent of subjects after manual therapy was applied to the pelvic region. Despite the small number of subjects in the study, the author believes “manual therapy could potentially be used as a first course of treatment for infertile patients considering hormone therapy, intrauterine insemination (IUI), or IVF treatments.”
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a multi-faceted manual therapy that enhances the function of the craniosacral system—the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Through gentle cranial manipulations, CST boosts the body’s natural healing processes to improve operation of the central nervous system, dissipate effects of stress, and enhance overall health and well-being.
Because of its inherently relaxing nature, CST can help women reduce stress and negotiate the transition into proper parasympathetic functioning to enable conception. The therapist uses gentle hands-on techniques to release restrictions within the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. She may also incorporate guided imagery and other relaxation techniques so clients can learn to identify and self-regulate stress before it escalates. CST is effective in helping women address negative emotions, such as fear or worry, associated with pregnancy; and it helps rid the body of residual tissue memory of emotional or physical trauma—some of which may relate to previous pregnancies, births or a complicated conception process.
During treatment, as the body softens and drops deeper into parasympathetic states of relaxation—and remains there for longer periods of time between sessions—the ability to rest, digest and reproduce will be restored. As underlying tension dissipates body-wide, the bones, muscles, organs and nerves of the reproductive system may eventually regain optimal function to support fertility, conception and a healthy, full-term pregnancy.
About the Author
Karen Axelrod (www.karenaxelrod.com) is a Diplomate-certified CranioSacral Therapist based in Redondo Beach, California. She is also an Upledger Institute CranioSacral Therapy instructor. Her treatments integrate body, mind and spirit to help clients recognize and reconnect to inner resources necessary for deep healing at a core level.
10 Signs That Your Baby needs Craniosacral TherapyFebruary 13, 2016 by vivienray
1 Baby has difficulty latching onto the breastIt is one of those things that everyone is told: The baby needs to have a “good latch”, but sometimes it just doesn’t seem to work and no amount of changing position or waiting for the baby to open her mouth seems to help. It is important to make sure that the baby is in the best position and that the mother is comfortable, but if all that is in place and the baby is still struggling there is probably an underlying cause that needs to be sorted.
If the baby has experienced too much pressure during the birth, the palette
may be pushed forward so that the gag reflex is close to the front of her mouth. It is not helpful to try and force the breast into the baby’s mouth in these circumstances as this will cause her to choke and will make her (understandably) frightened of feeding.
Craniosacral Therapy is very effective in changing this. Especially if it is possible to treat the baby within the first few weeks or ideally the first few days after the birth.
2 Baby makes a lot of “slurpy” or clicking noises during feedsThis is a sign that the baby is finding it difficult to get a good suction on the breast. The baby will be taking in a lot of air which will cause discomfort.
It can be caused by the joint at the jaw being uncomfortable from the birth or the muscles and bones in the neck being pulled out of place as the shoulders are delivered. (This can also cause what is known as tongue tie, which is often resolved during Craniosacral treatment. See 10)
3 Baby has a lot of wind after feedingBurping a baby is a traditional part of feeding, but if your baby suffers from a lot of wind or is unable to burp, or is still uncomfortable afterwards it may be that the vagus nerve is under pressure where it comes out of the skull. After the baby is born, the bones of the skull, that have been molded during the journey down the birth canal, need to unfold. Helping the skull to complete the unfolding process can realign the holes in the skull (known as foramena) through which the nerves go to the rest of the body.
4 Breast feeding is uncomfortable or painful for the motherI am so sad when I hear about mothers who suffer agonies when breastfeeding their babies. And I am filled with admiration that they continue despite the pain.
Mostly, if I can treat the baby within a few days of birth, this situation changes in one treatment as the baby is helped to reshape his mouth and is able to take enough of the breast into his mouth to avoid “nipple nipping”. Older babies have to be “retrained” to learn how to suckle properly and it takes a bit longer to turn things around.
5 Baby is in pain after feeding, cries or curls up in painAny of the discomforts I have already mentioned might cause this, but it can also be because the baby’s pelvis was twisted during the birth or she was put on her back too soon before she could uncurl herself from the position she had been in while in the womb. (None of these strains are huge, it only takes a little too much pressure or twist during the birth to make it hard for the baby to reorganise his body afterwards.) Craniosacral Therapy can help the baby to realign the pelvis and relieve the strain on the digestive system.
6 Baby can take one breast but is uncomfortable on the other one. May need the “rugby hold” on one sideBabies often suffer from a stiff or sore neck after birth, making it difficult to turn one way. They are so relieved when this can be made more comfortable. If you notice that your baby lies with his head facing the same way all the time, or can only turn to one side, or only lifts and waves one arm, he may have a sore neck or need some help to undo the twists in his body.
7 Baby is unable to sleep or restless when sleepingSometimes this can be from shock after the birth. This can be caused by the baby experiencing separation from the mother, or after a long or difficult birth. Sometimes the mother will be shocked or upset too and as there is such a close connection between the mother and baby they will feel these things together. I love to see both mother and baby able to release the shock and settle during a Craniosacral Therapy session.
8 Baby seems tense and restless, it is difficult to cuddle her/himSometimes a baby seems stiff and hard to cuddle. Maybe she is still suffering from shock from the birth or has some pain or discomfort that makes being handled unpleasant. Craniosacral Therapy can help her to resolve the problem and enjoy cuddles.
9 Baby vomits or brings up some of the feedVomiting in babies is so common it is called normal, but we don’t as adults expect to bring up some of every meal we eat.
Pressure on the vagus nerve, twists in the pelvis and residual shock in the baby’s body can all contribute to this. As can antibiotics and other drugs given during birth.
It seems to me it is worth trying a couple of Craniosacral Therapy sessions before embarking on an elimination diet for the mother if that is possible. Life is hard enough without having to go without all your favourite foods.
I am not saying that cutting out certain foods may not be helpful, but a baby with a comfortable digestive system can cope with a lot more food types than one who is struggling with internal discomforts.
10 It seems that your baby is suffering from “tongue tie”Babies having difficulties feeding are sometimes diagnosed with tongue tie. I have seen this resolve itself with Craniosacral Therapy. It seems that if there is too much pressure on one shoulder, or the shoulder has got stuck during the birth, all the structures of the throat are pulled out of shape and the tongue is pulled down with them. Sometimes this resolves with Craniosacral Therapy especially if the session is soon after the birth.
1 Baby has difficulty latching onto the breastIt is one of those things that everyone is told: The baby needs to have a “good latch”, but sometimes it just doesn’t seem to work and no amount of changing position or waiting for the baby to open her mouth seems to help. It is important to make sure that the baby is in the best position and that the mother is comfortable, but if all that is in place and the baby is still struggling there is probably an underlying cause that needs to be sorted.
If the baby has experienced too much pressure during the birth, the palette
may be pushed forward so that the gag reflex is close to the front of her mouth. It is not helpful to try and force the breast into the baby’s mouth in these circumstances as this will cause her to choke and will make her (understandably) frightened of feeding.
Craniosacral Therapy is very effective in changing this. Especially if it is possible to treat the baby within the first few weeks or ideally the first few days after the birth.
2 Baby makes a lot of “slurpy” or clicking noises during feedsThis is a sign that the baby is finding it difficult to get a good suction on the breast. The baby will be taking in a lot of air which will cause discomfort.
It can be caused by the joint at the jaw being uncomfortable from the birth or the muscles and bones in the neck being pulled out of place as the shoulders are delivered. (This can also cause what is known as tongue tie, which is often resolved during Craniosacral treatment. See 10)
3 Baby has a lot of wind after feedingBurping a baby is a traditional part of feeding, but if your baby suffers from a lot of wind or is unable to burp, or is still uncomfortable afterwards it may be that the vagus nerve is under pressure where it comes out of the skull. After the baby is born, the bones of the skull, that have been molded during the journey down the birth canal, need to unfold. Helping the skull to complete the unfolding process can realign the holes in the skull (known as foramena) through which the nerves go to the rest of the body.
4 Breast feeding is uncomfortable or painful for the motherI am so sad when I hear about mothers who suffer agonies when breastfeeding their babies. And I am filled with admiration that they continue despite the pain.
Mostly, if I can treat the baby within a few days of birth, this situation changes in one treatment as the baby is helped to reshape his mouth and is able to take enough of the breast into his mouth to avoid “nipple nipping”. Older babies have to be “retrained” to learn how to suckle properly and it takes a bit longer to turn things around.
5 Baby is in pain after feeding, cries or curls up in painAny of the discomforts I have already mentioned might cause this, but it can also be because the baby’s pelvis was twisted during the birth or she was put on her back too soon before she could uncurl herself from the position she had been in while in the womb. (None of these strains are huge, it only takes a little too much pressure or twist during the birth to make it hard for the baby to reorganise his body afterwards.) Craniosacral Therapy can help the baby to realign the pelvis and relieve the strain on the digestive system.
6 Baby can take one breast but is uncomfortable on the other one. May need the “rugby hold” on one sideBabies often suffer from a stiff or sore neck after birth, making it difficult to turn one way. They are so relieved when this can be made more comfortable. If you notice that your baby lies with his head facing the same way all the time, or can only turn to one side, or only lifts and waves one arm, he may have a sore neck or need some help to undo the twists in his body.
7 Baby is unable to sleep or restless when sleepingSometimes this can be from shock after the birth. This can be caused by the baby experiencing separation from the mother, or after a long or difficult birth. Sometimes the mother will be shocked or upset too and as there is such a close connection between the mother and baby they will feel these things together. I love to see both mother and baby able to release the shock and settle during a Craniosacral Therapy session.
8 Baby seems tense and restless, it is difficult to cuddle her/himSometimes a baby seems stiff and hard to cuddle. Maybe she is still suffering from shock from the birth or has some pain or discomfort that makes being handled unpleasant. Craniosacral Therapy can help her to resolve the problem and enjoy cuddles.
9 Baby vomits or brings up some of the feedVomiting in babies is so common it is called normal, but we don’t as adults expect to bring up some of every meal we eat.
Pressure on the vagus nerve, twists in the pelvis and residual shock in the baby’s body can all contribute to this. As can antibiotics and other drugs given during birth.
It seems to me it is worth trying a couple of Craniosacral Therapy sessions before embarking on an elimination diet for the mother if that is possible. Life is hard enough without having to go without all your favourite foods.
I am not saying that cutting out certain foods may not be helpful, but a baby with a comfortable digestive system can cope with a lot more food types than one who is struggling with internal discomforts.
10 It seems that your baby is suffering from “tongue tie”Babies having difficulties feeding are sometimes diagnosed with tongue tie. I have seen this resolve itself with Craniosacral Therapy. It seems that if there is too much pressure on one shoulder, or the shoulder has got stuck during the birth, all the structures of the throat are pulled out of shape and the tongue is pulled down with them. Sometimes this resolves with Craniosacral Therapy especially if the session is soon after the birth.