Craniosacral Therapy for Infants

Heal.me Team

On a mission to make wellness primary care.

February 22, 2021

Do you have a fussy baby? What about a baby who is having challenges with breastfeeding or digestive issues? Did you know that craniosacral therapy can be beneficial for newborns and infants alike?

Craniosacral Therapy for Infants

When it comes to infants, there are three main benefits of using craniosacral therapy:

Birth
Breastfeeding challenges
Digestive challenges

Now, let's take a look at each of these three situations where craniosacral therapy can be beneficial.

Birth

According to this study, there are many aspects during a new newborn's journey through labor, delivery, and entrance into the world through the birth canal, which can lead to the correct or incorrect formation of the craniosacral system.

As a baby is born, craniosacral therapy philosophy views the passage through the birth canal as a manipulation. After birth, a newborn's skull expands and shapes itself; forming the bones, membranes, and cerebrospinal fluid into full alignment.

However, if it does not occur, or it does not align properly, it can lead to challenges. Misalignments after birth can occur from:

Forcep delivery
Vacuum delivery
Other birthing challenges or trauma

Misalignments in the craniosacral system after birth can present challenges for the baby. One of these challenges is breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding and Digestive

If an infant is having challenges breastfeeding, or other feeding issues, craniosacral therapy can help.

Why? Because feeding challenges have been tied to misalignments in the craniosacral system. The baby may have problems opening his/her mouth fully due to tightness in the mouth, neck, or baby's body, making it hard for a baby to form a correct latch.

When craniosacral therapy is used, and misalignments are corrected, it helps a newborn gain the full function of their muscles in their head and mouth. This, in turn, can lead to realignment and proper latch formation when feeding.

When feedings improve, so can many digestive issues; from reflux to challenges with colic. New parents can start to see a reduction in the challenges their baby is facing.

FAQ About Craniosacral Therapy and Babies

1. How long are sessions for babies?

Sessions for infants are not usually as long as they are for adults. It could be as short as ten minutes, or as long as forty-five minutes. The practitioner will often take cues from the baby. The session length will usually involve the baby receiving treatment as well. Always ask the practitioner what they recommend for newborns and infants.

2. How many sessions will my baby need?

You may see progress and changes with your baby after one session. You may also find that more sessions are needed. Be sure to talk to a craniosacral therapy practitioner to find out what they suggest and recommend for your baby and your baby's health needs.

3. What will it cost?

Are you wondering what getting craniosacral therapy for your baby will cost you? Find out next...

Cost

The average price per session in the United States is $70-$170. This is the average rate for adult sessions. Infant and children rates are often half that cost because of the time associated with infant sessions. For more information, read: How Much Does Craniosacral Therapy Cost?